Author: Robert Deen for Anglers Club Magazine

Posted: 11/28/2015

One thing is certain. Anglers have been pulling huge rainbow trout from the North Fork of Idaho’s Clearwater River, even fish that easily smash the 20 pound state record for rainbow trout. But none have counted — mainly because any trout over 20 inches has to be released — and because no one seems completely certain just what these fish are. A rainbow trout is a rainbow trout, right? Maybe, ...

Author: Ryan Hung

Posted: 11/28/2015

We've all seen the daily progression of the winter steelhead fishery, anglers bellying up to the combat-line at 06:00, knowing well the morning bite doesn't begin until the temperature rise, sometimes as late as 11:00. The fish tucked beneath the surface are too lethargic from the cold, or simply dislike what you're presenting, leaning heavily towards the former. Hopefully sooner than later, the m...

Author: Larry Dunbar for AnglersClub.com

Posted: 10/31/2015

Some say catching a steelhead on a fly takes 1,000 casts. Unfortunately for the novice, one says if the 1,000 casts are using swinging techniques or nymphing. When I first started fishing for steelhead I was 100% swinging. After many casts and no fish, I hired a guide and fished a small river nymphing only, using my spey rod. The two handed rod was the only one I had that was suitable, but aw...

Author: Lance Merz

Posted: 10/31/2015

Since I’ve been working here at Mack’s Lure, I’ve learned a lot to be sure. I’ve often talked with many anglers who have told me that what I’ve learned in my short time here, many anglers have taken a lifetime to learn. It’s an extreme learning curve that I absolutely love and can’t get enough of. As many anglers, I have an arsenals of rods and reels (and tackle) that fits for a particular type...

Author: Scott T Starbuck

Posted: 10/30/2015

Relatively few can afford to fish alone in remote prime watersheds. This leaves anglers with two options: 1) spend years to find rare gems closer to home, or 2) combat fish in crowds. This article shows proven-effective ways to thrive in, or at least survive, your local combat fishery. Be Weird to Drive Away Anglers Point at the sky and say, “Man, did you see that? Another UFO. Wait! Th...

Author: Ryan Hung

Posted: 10/30/2015

Back in the 90's, steelheading was a different ball game. Techniques included swinging spoons through the tail out or dredging the bottom with lead, corky and bait. It was more of a tie, cast, tie, tie and hopefully a "fish on" would echo down the combat the line after a day's cumulative effort and sore hands from practice. In contrast, the modern pursuit of steelhead is much loftier; though we ha...

Author: Jason Brooks

Posted: 10/30/2015

Chum salmon are very aggressive fish and thankfully they are also plentiful in Puget Sound. As they near their natal streams and rivers the fish quickly turn from silver sided to the green and purple striped beast with large protruding teeth that will viciously attack just about everything you throw at them. Their size is second only to the Chinook and even then the Chum can reach over twenty poun...

Author: Adrian O'Connor

Posted: 9/30/2015

Editor’s Note – If you’re interested in fishing Canada but not having to travel a great distance to do so, the west coast of Vancouver Island can offer some of the most amazing scenery and fishing found in the Pacific Northwest. Reel Obsession Sportfishing sent us this summary of their 2015 season. They call the areas of Esperanza and Nootka “The Salmon Highway” and judging from the information on...

Author: Jason Brooks

Posted: 9/28/2015

Two days before Halloween I backed my drift boat trailer down to the edge of the river and slid the Willies off into the rising waters. Since leaving my house the rain came pouring down for the two hour drive to the coast. As I put the oars in the locks I noticed the river was quite a bit higher than when we floated it in early October. In fact back in the first week of October the river was flowi...

Author: Lance Merz

Posted: 9/25/2015

Although fishing season is in full swing, there’s a great alternative of how to effectively put more fish in your boat. Have you ever wondered how to fish for a certain species of fish, but feel absolutely overwhelmed of what, where and how to fish for them? One of the best ways to get started is by contacting a local fishing guide, getting on their boat and asking them as many questions as you ...

Author: Scott T. Starbuck

Posted: 9/25/2015

Football coach Mike has fished Oregon’s rivers about 70 years. When I’m casting with him I’m mostly silent so I can glean as much river knowledge as possible before he goes where there is no closed season and no limit. A few years ago, I saw him at a bend in the river. “12 pounder hanging in the old snag,” he snarled, describing his just-caught steelhead. “Do you mean the one with the eagle’s ...

Author: James Cummings

Posted: 9/22/2015

My idea is that technique and terminal tackle that work for catching Sockeye should work for catching Kokanee. I set out to test that theory. When I first fished lakes Washington and Wenatchee for Sockeye, ages ago it seems, the terminal tackle favorite was big flashers or dodgers, short metal leaders and big flatfish. I favored the silver U-20 with pink dots. The next big improvement was r...