I'm thinking about making a trip to the west side next week and was hoping for some info about current steelhead runs. I don't think that I will make it all the way to the Olympics, unless of course the fishing is just so amazing, that I can't help myself but to drive 7 hours. Anyway, I would prefer a little closer so any info for the Puget Sound area would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, bigdawg

Big Dawg,

You don't need to go to western washington to find a steelhead hot spot. The Grande Ronde, Touchet, and Tucannon are all producing real well right now especially the ronde not to mention a three fish limit. Just something to think about.

Bene

Bene, thanks for the advice. I know that the Ronde is hot, but where on the Tucannon, the mouth? etc. I might make the trip next week so the crowd shouldn't be bad. what would your pick be out of the three. Touchet, Tucannon, or the Ronde? Thanks for the advice, Bigdawg.

BigDawg

Grande Ronde would be the choice hands down. I am making the trip ther next weekend. Fish everwhere. Cottonwood fish still coming in and Oregon Hatchery fish spread out throughout the system. You can catch fish anywhere from Boggans all the way up to Troy Oregon. My last trip, President's Day Weekend. My three buddies and I hit over 40 fish in 2 and a half days. The river is in excellent shape right now and if you go, you should get into lot's of fish. You will encounter quite a few people, but there is enough access and good fishing spots for everyone.

Sambo

Hey Bernie or anyone,

Is all this bank fishing?

How long does this run last?

Is there a tackle shop that will let me know what the latest set-up is?

Thanks,

Tom

Tommo41,

The Grande Ronde has lot's of bank access from Boggan's upriver to Troy, Oregon. The fishing should be good for at least the rest of the month. You might want to call Boggan's Oasis at 509 256-3372 to get info on river conditions, etc. They are real nice and helpful people. If you have a drift boat, ther are plenty of good drifts as well. As far as what to use, I guess it is a fisherman's preference. Lot'f of fisherman fish the Ronde with corky and yarn, eggs, jig/shrimp and bobber, throw spinners, etc. Your choice. Remember, single barbless hook. Good luck.

Bene

Bene, thanks for the tips. I think I will head to the Ronde this next week. Any hot colors that aren't too big of a secret? Thanks again for the advice, by the way what is the fastest way to the Ronde from Kennewick (I just moved here and am used to heading down from Spokane)Do you have to head all the way to Lewiston? Anyway, thanks again, Marcus.

BigDawg,

Get on Highway 12 like you are heading to Dayton. Stay on 12 then get off and follow the signs to Pomeroy/Clarkston. Once in Clarkston, head towards Anatone. This will take you up the rattle snake grade and drop you down onto the Grande Ronde. Before you cross the bridge at Boggan's Oasis, turn right and follow the river. Lot's of access from there on up the river to Troy. Remember to drive slow on your way up and don the rattlesnake grade. It is full of switchbacks. Keep in mind that the river is low and flowing about 1,550 cubic ft/second. Think small; egg clusters, corky and yarn, spinners, jigs, etc. My color of choice is red, orange, pink and black but it is really just preference. Try some experimenting and you will get into some fish. See you on the river this weekend.

Bene

Bene, thanks for the directions. The river sounds like it is lower than I expected. Anyway, thanks again, and good luck! Marcus

river was 3-4 feet of vis on the 2nd.