This is best time to swing a fly for steelhead. The water is still warm enough to be able to coax multiple fish into charging a swung fly. Yet this time of year will also produce great days of fishing for anglers presenting flies under an indicator or using conventional gear and bait.

November is one of the best times to fish the Grande Ronde. Bait fishing or nymphing a fly will be the most productive techniques at this time. As the water begins to cool, the fish become less likely to chase down a swinging fly. During this month, it is not unusual to hook between 5 and 12 steelhead in a day, especially for those who choose to fish bait.

The Grande Ronde is susceptible to freezing during this cold, dry period. With this in mind, fishing can be limited. (See our photo album for examples of the frozen river). We try to fish as many days as possible during this time, with the exception of the days surrounding Christmas and New Years. When the river is fishable we do very well. Most of our clients fish bait during this time of the year.

As the ice melts and loosens its grip over the river, hungry steelhead leave the deepest pools and can provide some amazing days of fishing. February is one of the best times to fish the Grande Ronde. The fish are on a mission to eat and as a result, it is not uncommon to hook between 5 and 12 steelhead in a day.

The fishing conditions depend on each year's snow pack and the daily temperature. Bait and fly fishing are all options for the last month and a half of the season.