I launched at the Corps launch and went up to the Lower most pens. I mooched down along the sides of the pens allowing the current to drift the boat, and no bites. I then fished around right below the pens in the current break, still no bites, then I fished the shoreline down from the pens and still could not entice any bites. I stayed in the pens area for a little more than an hour. There were three other boats fishing there also, and no one was having any luck. On the way back down I fished several spots that have produced in the past, and finially had a bite, it was about 14 inches. Released it at boatside. I caught the only fish of the day on a pink Marabou jig, 1/8 oz size at the pump #3, but it was a day of slow action for me. I used jigs, spoons, rooster tails, but no bait. I forgot to put any bait in or I would have tried that. The folks up around the pens were bait fishing and wasn't catching either, so maybe it wouldn't have mattered today. Surface water temp was 37* - 38*.
The weather and water were beautiful, and the geese were fighting over the prime nesting areas, so another great day on the water.

Rocky

3/2/2012 8:00:00 PM

Hi blufin I was at the upper pens last week and only got one fish in two days I thought it was me thanks for your report I
feel beterr now lol.

flyfisherguy

3/2/2012 10:08:00 PM

Wow Loui! I didn't think that was possible, YOU with only one fish! Now I don't feel so bad that I didn't get to come out there this season, hope things pick up for you soon. I sold my boat today too, turnin' in my rods at the end of the month to pursue other things in life for my remaining days. It was really wonderful meeting you and Cindy a few years ago. Perhaps we'll see you again one day if we come out your way for a vacation. God bless you guys, please look us up if you ever get out our way here in the Vancouver WA area.

Bob R

3/3/2012 6:18:00 AM

It sure has been a cold late winter, 43 degrees at our go to lake in the winter, only one fish last week, does't seem much better in your half of the state!Better luck at your next outing. Bob and Melanie R.

blufin loui

3/3/2012 6:48:00 AM

Hello Rocky, I'm glad I made you feel better, but wish it had been with a story of better fishing. LOL I'm sure there will be better fishing as the water warms, but in years past we have caught fish even when the water temps have been this cold. Coldest water temp we have fished in Rufus was 34*, and I caught a 12# er in the lower lake that day. I beleive and have heard others say also that there aren't the number of fish (especially bigger fish) in the Rufus stretch of water right now. With the "High" run-off this spring, lots of the triploids went sight seeing Over Chief Joseph and down the Columbia. It is still a great stretch of water to be on, but I'll wait a few weeks or so before I try again. Take care and good fishing

hewesfisher

3/3/2012 7:05:00 AM

Interesting to read the same "reason" for the poor fishing at RW as at Roosevelt, that being a lot of fish were washed over the dam during last springs runoff. Wasn't aware the same held true for RW. Will be interesting to see if any trips are caught downstream from Chief Joe. Sorry to hear of the poor fishing, but as always, there's more to fishing than catching fish. Our best to you and Cindy! :-)

blufin loui

3/3/2012 7:30:00 AM

Hi ya flyfisherguy, yep the ole "Skunk" slinks around the Blufin Boat also. LOL Cindy and I wish you and yours the very best in all your ventures. Take care and let us know if you ever plan to be in this area, and we'll hook up

blufin loui

3/3/2012 7:33:00 AM

Thanks for the comment Bob R, it's easy to get to second guessing ourselves this time of year. The weather is trying to improve, but the fishing conditions are still not the best. Warmer weather and better fishing is just around the corner. You and Melanie Have a Great upcoming Spring, and wishing you two luck out there

blufin loui

3/3/2012 7:39:00 AM

Howdy hewesfisher, I personally think a lot of the full caudal trout caught in Rw since the "Sprinf run off" are fish from Roosevelt, Could be wrong, but seems we have pulled more full tailed trout from the river, this year. I've read reports and heard of quite a few Tripps being caught by the steelheaders last year, and "Rumor" of some caught below the "Wells" dam. As you mentioned, The scenerie, great weather, AND an Awsome fishing compainion makes even the worst fishing trip worth being on. You and Debbie take care and safe out there

afk

3/3/2012 8:04:00 AM

Sorry to hear of such a slow day. I would agree on the high flows having pushed fish down stream. Last August I caught a Triploid below Wells Dam and have heard of them being caught much lower on the river.Sounds like them Lakers are going to get a workout now! Thanks for the report.

blufin loui

3/3/2012 9:13:00 AM

LOL AFK dem lakers ain't in no danger from me for sure. But I'm going to give a try for sure.

Lundegard

3/3/2012 10:40:00 PM

Lewis....sometimes you get the bear. Sometimes the bear gets you. Hope to see you soon.

blufin loui

3/4/2012 7:27:00 PM

Hi ya Lundegard, trying to stay "one cast" ahead of the bear keeps me in shape. LOL Thanks for the comment

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