Submitted by TRR Outfitters on
Owyhee River Fishing Report – Oregon
Flows are low on the Owyhee at around 20 CFS and have been since the Fall spawn. We can expect the flows to go up in the first couple of weeks of April as a general rule of thumb once irrigation demand starts to pick up. Technical fishing is the name of the game this time of the year with small flies and light tippet, and we can expect fish activity to increase as we roll into March. Most of the ice is receding and should be completely ice-free after this current cold snap is done, which will open up a lot more water!
As far as hatches go, midges will still be the name of the game. Searching for sippers in the slow sections with a double dry rig of an adult midge tagged with a midge emerger is a solid setup to do some headhunting. Once temps start to get more consistent into the 50s, expect to start seeing BWO’s make their appearance. With the lower flows and the emergence of Skwalas to become more prevalent into March, running a Skwala with a dropper tagged below would be a great setup to do some searching throwing the riffles and slow sections. With your Nymph rigs, using small 1/2″ indicators, yarn, or pinch on foams is a great way to suspend these small nymphs and not cause a lot of disturbance on the water.
If you want to do some streamer fishing, using an intermediate tip with a down and across presentation of slow stripping and jigging can produce some nice fish through the flats and deeper sections of the river.
We have a great selection of Skwala patterns at the shop so stop by and pick some up to be ready for March!
Recommended Owyhee River Flies: Twin Territory Tactical Midge (#18), Hanging Midge (#18-22), Bunny Midge (#20-22), RS2 (#20-22), Zebra midge (#18-22), Split Case BWO (#18-22), Bullet Head Skwala (#10-12), Rogue River Skwala (#10-12).
Fishing report updated by Mike Raymondi
Stop by or call our Boise Fly Shop at 208-939-6065 for up-to-date information on conditions and to inquire about our Fly Fishing Guided Trips!
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