Help us decide

[BumpBailey]

We are kicking around the idea of a week long steelhead trek this fall. September/October time frame somewhere on the west coast. We prefer waters conducive to the 2 handers. I've done Terrace in the fall and it is definitely a consideration for this trip too. But, kind of want to see new waters, maybe the Dean? That Grande Ronde Float and Camp Trip Bill posted looks pretty cool but, I think i prefer staying closer to the coast...

Look forward to what my Spey Bretheren have to recommend.

Jay

[Larry S]

Jay,
Bill Kiene could give you the info on the lower Rogue River Morrison Lodge package. You can also find
some info if you do a search on the forum.
Best,
Larry S
Sun Diego

[Langenbeck]

Clearwater first 15 days of October and the Rogue after 10 October.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Close to the coast would be the Lower Rogue River and Lower Klamath River in September for mostly Half-pounders.

The Lower Rogue can be driven along.

The Lower Klamath is a jet boat deal.

The middle Rogue River in October for medium size adults.

The middle Klamath River in October.

Oct on the Lower Trinity River.

[hwchubb]

One that combined / optioned the N. Umpqua and Deschutes, with a stopover for Cascade Lakes browns, would be interesting then. So would a Trinity / Klamath trip, as the lower Trinity and middle Klamath can be great then.

[John H]

I usually get to the Rogue, Klamath and Trinity in the fall. That can easily be a one week trip. You can go where you think the fishing is good and move on if it is not happening. Take your boat and do a different float everyday. Last year we floated the lower sac the last day of the trip so that is also a possible add on. Good time of year to be up there and usually still warm and dry enough to camp if you want to do that. Home brew and a campfire is pretty nice after catching a few steelhead.

[avidangler]

Well if I could afford it it's the Dean all the way.

[aaron]

Clearwater first 15 days of October and the Rogue after 10 October.

Predictions are pretty dire for this coming CW season unfortunately.

[WLREDBAND]

For SEPT/OCT time frame on west coast CONUS destinations, the Klickitat River in WA is prime time for steel, and kings on the swing. The Klick is probably the best bet out of all the CONUS destinations at that time. Great public walk/wade access on the lower river (can be crowded on weekends due to the great access), and if you have access to something that floats (raft, etc) the middle and upper stretches don't get near the foot traffic the lower stretch does (no walk/wade access unless you walk a long ways). Outside of CONUS, no doubt about it, British Columbia, most any where.

[SST Flies]

Since I no longer live in Washington I'll give a little secret away. Sep/Oct is prime time for chinook and coho on the Humptulips below 101. You'll need to float into some of the better areas, but well worth it! Throwing a two-handed will incumbent of the water levels.

If you need a brief stop try the Cowlitz just above the steelhead hatchery (Blue Creek). There's good water below the ramp, but usually a few to many bait tossers.

My profile picture shows two Cowlitz hatchery brats!