Half Pounders Lower American River

[Jeff Putnam]

Beginning in August I've been fishing and teaching lessons for summer steelhead on the Lower American River. Since the flows and temps have dropped fishing has really improved and continues. One evening my client landed 3 fish up to 4 lbs. The following evening I hooked 2, landed 1. Another client landed 2 fish this past Sunday. Yesterday saw a large adult crashing caddis mid-day on the other side of the river. In the last 2 weeks, of approximately 20 hours of fishing, I'm averaging one hooked fish (under 16" doesn't count) for every 2 hrs of fishing. This is the most consistent the river has been during the fall in many years.

The key is to avoid the salmon gear fishermen and other fishing pressure. Fishing has been best during low light when there is less pressure. Try fishing runs that are located further away from parking lots as this will result in less pressure and happier fish.
I've been using straight mono leader (15', 10lb) early and late in the day or an intermediate tip with 4-5 feet of 10lb tippet mid day. Use smaller bugs size 8 - 10, with an overall profile of 1".

In another couple weeks when the salmon start spawning the steelhead will key in on eggs and will not be as willing to chase a swung fly. Also, the upper river (above Rossmore) will hold more steelhead as they follow salmon to their redds to enjoy free caviar.

Were pretty lucky to have this in our backyard. See ya on the water... if you're willing to walk ;) -JP

[Larry S]

Great post and advice. Thanks, JP!
Best,
Larry S
Sun Diego

[Jeff Putnam]

Mark, thanks for the reply and you're right on. Spey fishermen throw heavy skagits when a scandi is more than enough ;)
The panorama video project is going well however, we're working with new technology while trying to avoiding all the "bumps in the road" as we can. We should have some content up on my website this winter. -JP

[STEELIES/26c3]

Mark, thanks for the reply and you're right on. Spey fishermen throw heavy skagits when a scandi is more than enough ;)
The panorama video project is going well however, we're working with new technology while trying to avoiding all the "bumps in the road" as we can. We should have some content up on my website this winter. -JP

Jeff,

I was being contrary in a joking sort of way.

And as I would expect from a classy guy like yourself, you didn't take offense.

I actually thought about my post while fishing today and decided I would remove it when I returned home so as to not be misinterpreted or ruffle any hackles...

I will add that this time of year, it is the legions of flossers which plague the riffles more so than even any Skagit line possibly could...

I'll see ya in between the madness some time when I'm targeting steelhead.

M

[winxp_man]

Mark, thanks for the reply and you're right on. Spey fishermen throw heavy skagits when a scandi is more than enough ;)
The panorama video project is going well however, we're working with new technology while trying to avoiding all the "bumps in the road" as we can. We should have some content up on my website this winter. -JP



The lower american has the right temps to put on that scandi line with a classic fly. Just got back from the Rogue after a two and a half week trip. Had the chance to see sub surface action and deep action. The weather dictates what these fish do not a calander. Its how I tell it to people. ;) Nice post though JP! Thanks for sharing!

[mogaru]

Jeff,

I was being contrary in a joking sort of way.

And as I would expect from a classy guy like yourself, you didn't take offense.

I actually thought about my post while fishing today and decided I would remove it when I returned home so as to not be misinterpreted or ruffle any hackles...

I will add that this time of year, it is the legions of flossers which plague the riffles more so than even any Skagit line possibly could...

I'll see ya in between the madness some time when I'm targeting steelhead.

M
Now you are between "flossers" with 8' leaders versus "skagiters" with 10' of t-14 and and a 6' leader...........

[Jeff Putnam]

My only point here is about spey lines (Never offense taken... I'm too old/tired/experienced and killed my ego years ago as I'm nothing more than a fish bum and finally realize it).
Mark, you're right on... its the water conditions that dictate what size of fly to use. The bigger the fly, the larger diameter the head and tip needs to be. I mention this religiously to my clients. Unfortunately, most think a skagit is needed to fish deep. Versa Leaders attached to a Scandi head sink up to 7" per second. They are perfect for smaller to medium flies up to 2.5-3 inches. When casting heavy lead eye leeches 4+", basically a wet sock, then a MOW tip makes more sense. The good news is that a Scandi Body (23') is the perfect choice to cast both Versa Leaders and MOW Tips. Yes, one line does it all... Thanks RIO! Taking this a step further the shorter the head length = the less backcast/"D" loop room you'll need. However, be careful not to pull the anchor.

Hope this info helps those that might be spey line confused... and you have every right to be. -JP

[Andy Guibord]

Thanks for the info, Jeff. I love the Scandi body on my 11.5 ft, #4 Sage one. Tried a scagit and hated it. I don’t throw big flies on my 4 and I can throw t8 and even t11 on the Scandi body.