Since last week, the river is down and its clarity is getting better by the day. This means that the wading is easier, but more importantly we’re seeing a return to the softer water speeds that allow sea-run browns to start settling into their usual spots.
The week started with two days of high wind, gusting up to 90km/h (60 mph), which made for some difficult casting. After that, the weather got nice and the fishing improved exponentially.
We found fresh fish in different pools. They were not easy to fool if they were not in schools. These early season fish don’t waste a lot of time milling around in one run; they move fast and, if the river is high, they move even faster. Therefore, you have to be smart when planning your fishing sessions. In other words, what you saw in the morning, in one zone, can be absolutely different in that same zone in the evening.
Tackle wise, we had some good action fishing subsurface flies on intermediate tips. We also did well with bigger streamers fished on heavier sinking lines. So, depending on the pool, fish behavior, and water speed we mixed it up accordingly to come up with the best combo of line+fly.
The most productive flies included traditional articulated leeches (chartreuse or black), green machines, and Sunray Shadows and Collie Dog tubes. Smaller rubber legs and nymphs have been less successful, so far.
By the end of the week the river had dropped 8 inches. The forecast showing dry weather for the next several days, so the conditions should continue to improve.
Largest fish of the week: 17 lbs.
Alejandro Martello
Villa Maria Lodge Fishing Manager
