How is the Sandy fishing now? How is the river running? See any fish. I would appreciate any updates...

Jr

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Floated Oxbow to Dabney, Monday evening 4/26. River was at 10.7. Slight color. In other words it looked great. Three boats on the river. Only one down river steelhead was caught and released from one of the other boats. Thought we had a good chance for a chinook. No such luck.

Sandy River
April 27, 1999


River Level: The weather has cooled and snow melt has stopped. The Sandy is low/medium level and clear. Current level at the gauge above Marmot Dam is 1350 cfs. 2040 cfs is average for this time of year. Current level below the mouth of the Bull Run River is 2910 cfs with 3360 cfs being average for this time of year. Water temperatures are rising slightly in the afternoons but still ranges from 42-45 degrees.


Fish Runs: Fish are moving in better than expected numbers. Both winter and summer steelhead are being caught...numbers of fish over ten pounds. At this moment the Sandy could be the best steelhead fly fishing in the lower 48.
Winter steelhead are distributed throughout the system. Some are now spawning. Please do not fish to spawning fish. Summer steelhead are also scattered throughout the lower river. This is a great time of year as you may catch winter and summer steelhead from the same water. Both can be very fresh and bright. Spring Chinook are also being caught. More will come as the water warms. There have been prolific hatches of Baetis and March Browns in the lower river; however trout season isn't open until May 22.


Fly Patterns: Bunny Buggers in black, red or purple have been best when covering big flats and riffles. Silvey Prawns in salmon and black are a good bet for moderately deep water. Agitators are proven for the deepest slots. Bright colors work best on bright days and dark colors are better for cloud cover days.


14-Day Forecast: You should have fished the water rise that happened this morning. Mt. Hood has a record snow pack. If we get more sun and the freezing level goes up, expect the river to stay around the mean ten year average - fish will move. A warm rain will raise and warm the river and a lot of fish will move. However, the river could go out for a while.


Other Information: Angling regulations have changed 1999 for the Sandy River and Tributaries above Marmot Dam. Open season May 22 - Oct. 31. The upper basin in now a wild fish sanctuary. There will be no hatchery fish, no kill and no bait. You can expect to see the wild trout population and fly fishing opportunities to be enhanced. If you want to find out more about The Sandy River, please check out our web site: www.flyfishusa.com , then "Our Waters", then "Sandy River" - or please call 1(800) 266-3971.
Thank you. Have great fishing.