Flowing from its source on the slopes of the North Cascade range, the Sauk river joins forces with the White Chuck, Suiattle, and finally the Skagit River before heading out to Puget Sound. Hidden from lowland views, Glacier Peak's volcanic activity now sleeps. But 11,000 years ago an eruption caused a massive mudflow to sweep down its slopes. Oozing to a halt in the town of Darrington, the 80-foot high wall of mud and rock diverted the old Sauk from its entrance with the Stillaguamish, causing it to flow northward towards the Skagit.
The Sauk is young by river standards and is ever-changing. The Sauk is host to many types of fish including Dolly Varden Trout, Sea-run Cutthroat, Chinook Salmon
(Jun-Aug), Coho Salmon (Sept-Nov), Chum Salmon (Oct-Dec), and Pink Salmon (Aug-Sept of odd years). The Sauk River is best known for its great run of Wild Steelhead that return in
the months February through April. It is also planted with hatchery Steelhead from the
nearby hatcheries that return in summer and winter. However, this river is not open for the keeping of any Salmon species.
The river may be reached by driving Highway 530 from Darrington to Rockport. The upper river is dangerous at times and should be well respected by boaters. The main floats consist of the Summit Mill to the Suiattle drift, Suiattle to the Government bridge, and the Government bridge to Faber's Landing on the Skagit.
Feb. 19, 2000
Thanks to: Michael Parker
I fished on the Guse Steelhead Ranch, a prime piece of private property from Dan's Creek to about a half mile down river. The Sauk was painfully low and gin clear, making it a tough day for all anglers. Through out the day, three of us managed to pull out a couple of 18 to 25 inch dollys a piece. Around mid-day, I managed to entice a dark 7-lb. brat to hit my corky. That was the only steelhead I saw or heard of being caught on Saturday. A couple of drift boats passed by me a few minutes later but neither had had any luck. Until the Sauk gets some more water, it's going to remain somewhat slow. Hopefully, by that time the C&R restrictions will be here so people will stop harvesting the natives on the Sauk! If you're on the Sauk, and it's native, let it go! Normally, I'd say check out the fish on the Picture of the Week at http://staff.washington.edu/parker/pictureoftheweek.html, but
my digital camera is dead and I was only able to take prints of the fish. I'm hitting the Quinalt on Wednesday (2-22), so check the site often! I should have new pictures up by later this week.
Jan. 30, 2000
Thanks to: Rod Bush
Fished from the mill down to Suiattle with the river running very low at 3.8 and visibility at 2 feet. The river is different again this year, with a few new twists
and a couple dead end channels that will leave you high and dry with a long way to push the old tin can. We hit one fish without a hook up early in the day. Then we caught a dolly. Followed by a rod slamming takedown by a wild steelhead that was very upset
with the fact he had been stung by a sharp hook. He took us into the logs and then decided to jump over and over to show us how big he really was. After some reel screaming runs the fish tired and was carefully measured. A 40" long x 20" girth buck steelhead with a slight rose stripe my caculations put this one at 20.65 lbs. Couple quick snap shots and off it shot to carry on that huge gene pool. Nice job Justin!! Nothing else but some heavy wind for the rest of the day. Heard of a couple other fish caught the day before.
River Otter
425-334-6318
Samish/Skagit/Sauk - Jan. 18, 2000
Thanks to: Frank Cavender
Went lookin' fer steelhead. Tried the Samish below old 99 for about 2 hours. Not a single bite. Talked to an old guy who caught 1 yesterday on a yellow & orange corkie. Drove up 20 to Howard Miller Steelhead park on the Skagit and tried there for a couple of minutes. Heard of 2 caught that morning but no luck. Decided to go up on the Sauk and try there. Hit my favorite spot just above Govt. bridge about 4:30. Tried drifting shrimp and an orange corkie for a while but no luck. About 5:00 I switched over to a chartreuse steelie spoon and bang! second cast I hit a fat Dolly 23" long. Second Dolly I've hit there in the last week.Where are the steelhead? The only one I've seen caught was on Pilchuck Creek last Saturday. It was the most beautiful fish I've ever seen. A BIG native fish over 20 lbs. Right under I-5. It was caught on an orange corkie with orange yarn and a small sandshrimp. All I'm getting there is some big cutthroats from about 12 to 24". Nice fish but not the Steelhead I'm lookin' for. Guess I'll try again tomorrow.
Sept. 25, 1999
Thanks to: Bryan Ulicny
Went to the upper Sauk early Saturday morning. Was plunking but nothing happened. Decided to change to a red and white daredevil. First cast fish on. Very nice silver around 10 lbs. Released her, a lot of eggs in her. All in all we caught around 12 silvers and numerous humpys. Released all fish. Couldn't believe the good fishing. Anyone know how the Skagit kings are doing? Season still open? [Chinook must be released on the Skagit. Coho and Chum opened on Oct. 1st]
Aug. 20, 1999
Thanks to: Bryan Ulicny
Went up to the upper Sauk. Fished for about 4 hours and hooked into a pink. I thought it was a nice steely that wasnt doing its acrobats. Caught 2 on worms. Surprisingly. Also landed a nice dolly around 8 pounds. All in all it was a good day. Seen a lot of fish.
Aug. 16, 1999
Thanks to: Jeremy Miller
Turned out to be a very nice afternoon up on the Whitechuck. There was mist rolling off the river in some spots. Hooked up with three Dollies. I had two, both over 20 inches, the biggest about three pounds. My buddy Sam hooked up and released one about four, four and a half pounds. Nice bright fish. All of the fought nicely. Hooked on to what we think was a nice size Dolly in the Sauk, but might have been a Summer run Steely. All in all, it's nice to see fish again.
Apr. 22, 1999
Thanks to: Rod Bush
Fishing the Sauk has been awesome the last three days. The river had risen to about 5.10 from snow melt last week and has been dropping for the past four days. Down to 4.78 today. We have hit 9 fish each day for the past three. Total catch out of those 9 hits a day for a total of 27 take downs, was 14 caught and released. Biggest one got away of course but looked to be 25 plus pounds. Biggest landed was 18 pounds. Average around 12lbs. Lots of bright hens! Good fishing everyone. Leave a few for me?
Mar. 17, 1999
Thanks to: Bruce Gray
This is my first season steelheading and a friend and I have been out at it with no luck every weekend and the occassional weekday since November. Wednesday I finally got my first fish and it was a beaut.We were out with guide Rod Bush floating the Sauk from high bridge down to the Skagit. We were about halfway through our first hole backbouncing tadpollys when my rod doubled over. I grabbed it and got the hook set good when he started back for the ocean. We got him turned and rowed over to a gravel bar where I jumped out and worked him in. Rod estimated him to be about 19-lbs. An amazing looking fish. Still very bright and full of piss. We got some pics and sent him on his way.
Later I got a 13-lb. hen that was chrome bright and put up a hell of a fight with several jumps and good runs. Every time we got her into shallow water she'd turn and bolt back out. More pics and she was gone.
The water was a little milky when we started but was clear on the edges. By the time we drove back up to the putin, it was looking perfect. The milk had washed out but it still had that nice green. Today should be fantastic up there. Those two fish may cost me a bundle. I'm thinking I really need a boat.
Mar. 2, 1999
Thanks to: Rod Bush (River Otter Guide Service)
Headed up to the Sauk today to try the upper drift from the Mill down to the Suiattle hole. We found about three inches of snow greeting us in Darrington. With the river on the drop and only about a foot of visibilty to start. "Hope she clears up!" We put on
my favorite dirty water plugs, sharpened the hooks, clipped the barbs and sent them out. A few holes downriver, we got a quick slam with no chance of a hook up. The next hole we just got creamed on the right rod. The fish shows us his massive tail and we know we're into a Sauk pig! "Twenty plus pounder for sure I shouted." Keep him tight. After a fair battle, the big buck was measured, photographed, well almost photographed..he managed to slither out of Steve's hands before I could get my numb fingers to focus the camera. No picture!!!!!!#^%$@%$!@%Well we know it happened. Steve's first fish over 20 pounds!!! The next fish came on the same plug a few holes down river it was a thirteen pound hen that looked as about as bright as they come. We got a photo this time. Had a few other quick takes but no hook up. A great day!
We finished with about 2.5 feet of visiblity in the river. I would like to remind everyone that wants to try floating this stretch. It has a bad spot and when you get to it, you'd better know where and what you're doing!! I will be glad to tell you how to go through it. I don't want anyone getting hurt. Good fishing!
Rod Bush
River Otter Guide Service
www.greatnw.com/riverotter
Feb. 20, 1999
Thanks to: Kurt
Caught a nice 20" Dolly on my new spey rod south of Darrington. Talked to a few other fisherman who weren't catching anything. River was in great shape.
Feb. 16, 1999
Thanks to: Charlie Malmgren
Fished three of the more popular bank spots below Darrington. Couldn't find any Steelhead, but picked up a couple of small Dollies below the confluence of the Suiattle. Talked to about a dozen other anglers (both fly and bait) and none had hooked up.Am amazed how fast the kill fishery takes Wild Steelhead out of a system. From the report I got from the Rockport store (which was verified by a few bankies I talked to) there were good numbers in the river middle of last week. Over the last few days, success has dropped to zip.
I hope that those who justify the killing of Wild Steelhead remember that the Regs. were written by the same people who are putting our Chinook on the Endangered Species List.
Feb. 13, 1999
Thanks to: Patrick Cameron
My friends and I decided to fish the Sauk for the first time this year. Water levels had been dropping all week and the water was flowing at less than 3000cfs and right at 4 ft. The water temp. was a steady 39 degrees. We started at the take out of the middle drift. Saw one fish get caught, about 8 pounds. Shortly after that I hooked up using a #2 black marabou fly. It was short lived, bad knot. Didn't pick up anything the rest of the day. Heard of a 28 pounder being caught Friday just below the Government bridge. There were fishermen everywhere. Will probably be that way for the next couple weeks. Best of fishing.
Feb. 6, 1999
Thanks to: Rod Bush
Fished from Suiattle down to the bridge today. Visibility was only about 2 feet and the river was holding at about 5 feet high. Not a bite all day!! Talked to some other boats with the same results. But, I saw a picture of two fish that had just been weighed in at the Sauk Trading Post that had been caught on the Skagit. The Suiattle is running clean, but the upper Sauk has that snow melt look to it. The snow level had gone back up the hillside a bit and it was raining. No wind though until I hit Arlington on the way home. If it cools off the river should clean up.
Feb. 1, 1999
Thanks to: Rod Bush
Hit the Sauk today and managed to get away from the wind that blew all the limbs down around my neighborhood. Driving into Darrington we started to to see snow covered fields from the night before. But now it was raining and but still fairly cool. We put in at the Suiattle hole and it wasn't long before we were into our first fish. My client battled it for about 5 minutes before it rolled on the surface a couple times throwing the hook at us! We ended up catching a dolly and a cutthroat but didn't get any pictures to take home of fresh steelies. Nice to be chasing the natives again!Note: The upper Sauk from the mill down to the Suiattle has changed dramatically this year. I know you've heard it before but it has a few new twists and turns and lots of new lumber. With one log jam that is going to eat some boats this year! If you don't feel that your an expert behind the oars of your driftboat. Don't try it! If you are, you still should follow someone that knows the right way to go, and can lead you through the lumber yards safely. Be careful and good fishing!
Rod Bush
River Otter
rvrotter@gte.net
Apr 29, 1998
Thanks to: Dennis Dickson
Had a last minute cancellation so it was just Hal and I. Tomorrow is the last day of the
season. I am bone tired from fishing every day but it will still be hard to put the Sauk
away for another year. The hot weather has really turned the snow melt loose. River is
very high with 18" of visibility. Somehow I knew we would have the river to ourselves.
Saw a fish roll in the first pool we fished. I managed to hook this fish following Hal
thru the pool but it threw the hook el pronto. Fished some lovely high water lies. Hal
touched a fish in Beaver flats but it didn't stick and wouldn't come back. The water is
continuing to rise but fortunately very little debris. White Creek was running its gin
clear and Hal fished carefully the inside edge. I guess it was my lucky day because as
my orange marabou was swimming out across the old channel I took a good old-fashioned "
Sauk River Yank". You know, the kind that jerks you clear to the shoulder. I love it when
they do that! This big buck came out of there pretty mad. This would have been a tough fish
in low water, but I didn't even have some quiet water to lead him to. I got lucky and watched
a large male easily 20 lbs. swim away. I will try to get Sandy to put him in my photo gallery.
Nice to start and end the season with a big fish. I wrote a satire on "what is Flyfishing."
Thought you might get a kick out of it. See you on the Stilly.
www.flyfishsteelhead.com (Dennis)
Apr. 26, 1998
Thanks to: Chris Tompkins
Fished the Sauk from my drift boat, it was slow over all for the weekend. I didn't get a
single bite Until,,,,,wham ,,,,2pm Sunday 20++ lb buck rolls up and spits the hook, rowed
back up and plugged down and wham, the fight was on and it was so good, 17-18lb hen chrome,
with lice. Nice close-up photos tried that hole again, no luck, next hole -- log jam. wham,,,
big fish shaking its head , starts down with the boat and ...gone... bummer
I head on down cause I'm late to meet the wife but decide to plug that last hole by the road:
wham fish on, about an 8lb hen,, then gone again, not hooked well.. oh I was loving it
after 20 hrs of hard fishing to hit 4 fish in less than an hour, that made up for the
sh*tty weather, sunny and 60, didn't see a sole after 10 am.. only 4 other boats this
fine day.. Just though I should share that story with you.
April 24, 1998
Thanks to: Dennis Dickson
My grampa used to say, "be careful what you pray for". I have been moaning and groaning
for the past two months for lack of rain. Well, we got it now! Could you imagine the river
jumping from 1500 cfs to 6500 cfs! This isn't Forks! Anyway, I was glad to see the river
up but the weather fronts has pushed the barometric pressure to zip. Not happy fish. We
cut yesterday short.
Today the river stabilized a little and the weather improved. I was fishing a good friend and
angling client, Hal Smith. Hal comes out and fishes a few weeks each spring. He fishes well
and I hadn't seen him since the Gold River trip.
The water clarity above the Suiattle was 3 feet, but the Suiattle itself was still pushing
glacial silt. This tributary kicks silt when the water temp. raises above 50 degrees. Water
temp. at 10am 50 degrees. Visibility downstream was under two feet. Fortunately, the snow
level has dropped to 2500 feet so the river will be fishing well in the high water lies. It
has been so long since we have had any real water, I almost forgot where to look for the
fish. It's like fishing a new river. We concentrated on soft edges with light lines, but
didn't move any fish until the third pool. Angling pressure has dropped off dramatically,
so we got to fish about everywhere we wanted. Lots of boats swooming up and down the Skagit
which did not hurt my feelings any.
Hal connected with a heavy fish on a fly I dubbed years ago, the "Hal Smith Special". It's a
large gaudy marabou that looks more like a spoonful of rainbow sherbet than anything. It has
hot orange, bright pink, and yellow marabou. Sounds awful but sure lights up that glacier
water. I would love to tell you he landed this steelhead, but it came unbuttoned. The good
news is, a lot of fish have been waiting for this pulse of water so I am expecting some fine
fishing these last few days on the river. Side note: Do not put away your steelhead rod
just yet. The first two weeks in May on the Stilly can be great!
Apr 19, 1998
Thanks to: Steve Schwartz
My brother and I fished the Sauk with guide Dennis Dickson on Friday. We started out at
6:00am in foggy conditions, with Dennis' one-person pontoon rafts, which kind of reminded
me of that old TV show "Rat Patrol". We were very mobile, and able to get into tight little
spots and beach the rafts so we could throw flies while wading.
On our first run, Dennis was giving my brother and I some casting and line control tips.
After he gave me one nice tip, on my first cast utilizing this new tip, I hooked and landed
a 13lb buck. Absolutely amazing fish. Next was my brothers turn, and after the appropriate
coaching hooked and landed a 8lb hen. All of this by 7:30 am!
Well, then the sun came out, and the fish eluded us for the rest of the day. We had a blast
in our rafts though, and had a great day fishing with Dennis.
Apr 16, 1998
Thanks to: Dennis Dickson
Fished with long time angling client Bill Jam today. The good news was we had the upper
run almost all to ourselves. The bad news is the river is as low and clear, as long as
I can remember it. We were fortunate to get our fly water again today. Water temp. at 9am
was 43 degrees. Air temp was 41. A wind came up about 10:30 that was right out of the
snow. The day was fairly uneventful until Bill got out an aggressive stocky buck to take
his purple/pink marabou streamer.
Fish made a pretty good showing. Word of warning, we have gone to smaller pontoon boats to
snake our way through the many tailouts. More spawning redds showing now. Floated over a
large dark male that must have gone 25 pounds. Love to see these genetics! Finally got my
photo gallery up on site. I also wrote an article on Steelhead Reels - Good ones and bad
ones, find it in Stories and Articles. I think we are going to need a raise in the river
level to have any big fishing days. Talked with my buddy Dave at the Rockport Store. He
says the Skagit is reeaalllyy slow. I guess I better not complain.
Good luck fishing www.flyfishsteelhead.com
Apr 10, 1998
Thanks to: Patrick Cameron
I arrived at the river a little after 7 AM and was greeted by a number of fishers already in
the water. I decided to fish the middle drift today. The water was in great shape for fly
fishing. Water temp. was about 42 degrees with about 5 or 6 feet of visibility. I started
my day below the bridge at the Suiattle river Rd junction. I worked through the first two
runs with no success. On the third I changed my fly to a Pink/Purple Marabou in size 2.
After working through the run and coming to its tailout I connected with a nice buck with
the true rainbow coloring of about 13 pounds.
April 9, 1998
Thanks to: Dennis Dickson
Is anybody working today? We decided to float the upper run, seems like everyone has decided
to fish from bennetville down. As it turned out, we really had an enjoyable float. This is
not a novice section of river though. Many sweeps, log jams and blind channels.
The U.S. Forest Service completed a watershed analysis which demonstrated that 50% of the Sauk
River steelhead spawn in a four mile stretch below Dan's Creek. It was just below the Dan
Creek riffle that we bumped into our first steelhead. The 12 lbs. female came to a sparce
purple/pink marabou I call the Pink Stinker. It works pretty well with sun on the water.
Bill hooked the next fish in a pretty run a few pools downstream. It was a small dark
male but he managed to break the leader at the shore. Camera shy, I guess. The day was
cool but bright. The snow level was just above us. The willows and alders are begining
to leaf out, Grouse are mating. I love spring!
Most of the hard bottom boats are floating farther down stream. The river is running a
soft powder green with a visibility about 4 feet but the volume is still down. Excellent
for flyfishing. There isn't a lot of fly pools in this section of river but walkins
are all but nonexistant, so it was just a matter of passing up the plug water and presto!
Rested fish. Water temp at 10:30 am was 46 degrees but air temp ranged from 40 to nearly
50 degrees and back in a matter of minutes. Winds were coming right off the snow at times.
Tim touched a fish near the mouth of the Suiattle but it didn't stick. Sauk on a sunny
spring day, and a couple wild fish around, it doesn't get much better than this.
Flyfishing only at: www.flyfishsteelhead.com
April 6, 1998
Thanks to: Dennis Dickson
Fished the middle run today. Water level has held but the clarity has finally
dropped from the rain. The day was dark and drizzly, and a little on the cool
side. Water temp at 11: am was 46 degrees and air 45. Visiblity 4 to 5 feet.
Not as many anglers out as the past few days. It would be nice to get the
river up where we can start fishing more traditional water instead of pockets
and slots. Isn't that funny, we had our typical wet spring last year and it
seemed like I was fishing high waters every day. This year we are suppose to
be in El Nino and we have to carry our water to the river in a bucket, it is
so dry. Go figure. Fished a couple long time clients. Always fun to see Ron
and Jim.
We fished a couple pools without a touch. Switched over from marabous to a 1/0
black/purple G.P. Jim got plucked just before the hang down so he didnt even
move the fly. After a full second, he twitched the rod and this really pretty
hen just buries the rod. He screams, the reel screams, and steelhead scrams.
Sauk River hens are known for their arobatics and oh, did she put on a show!
Jim finally won the struggle and released a pretty fish about ten pounds. I
will see if I can get Sandy Lockleer, my web designer, to get her up on the
site when I get the pictures back. The day went pretty uneventful except for
Jims gentle ribbing to Ron about his fishing prowess. Ron did manage to find a
fish in the heavy chop water at the top end of White Creek. This fish took a
Black/purple marabou but as it rolled in the surface it threw the hook. It was
over before it started. A couple of anglers fishing spey rods were fishing the
native pool so we called it a day.Oh, speaking of that.
I wrote an article on my web site on Spey Rods "Advantages and Disadvantages"
Find it in the Stories and Articles section. Let me know what you think.
April 4, 1998
Thanks to: Mark Weber
My partner and I arrived at the river about 10 a.m. Conditions were cloudy, with occasional
light rain showers. Since we were fishing from the bank today, we decided to stop at Hatchery
creek and walk upstream. There were already a few walk-ins fishing the upper slot that we
wanted to fish, so we concentrated on the log jams around the small island.
River conditions seemed good, about 4 ft. visibility, and that Beautiful Steelhead green color.
We pounded the area hard for about three hours without any luck. The guys above us finally
left so we decided to work upstream. Another hour and still nothing! I took a short break
to hopefully refresh my attitude, and talk to another angler who had just walked in. I
returned to casting, somewhat halfheartedly, when to my surprise, my gear stopped. I set
the hook and the fight was on! The fish cleared the water twice, and made several strong
runs before finally giving up. It was a chrome hen measuring 32" in length by 18" girth.
We used that formula, and it came to 13.34 lbs. We didnt hook any more
fish, but all in all it was a pretty good trip!
April 2, 1998
Thanks to: Dennis Dickson
Back from Mexico and back to work. After 80 degree water temps. I found myself hunkering
down into my pile jacket a little deeper. Anyway, I fished a first timer to flyfishing
today. Dave was one of those "I really don't care if I catch a steelhead today, I just
want to learn", kind of guys. For some reason they always seem to do well. I knew there
was going to be a fair amount of angling pressure, so I didn't even try to beat the
"Dawn Patrol". The weather was balmly and slightly over cast. Air temp. at 10 am was 47
degrees and water temp. was 44. Water visibility was nearly 8 feet so I was glad for the
dark day. Boat pressure was suprisingly light but the "walkins" are all over the place.
Shared the water with a gear guide, who was as pleasant as anyone you would ever meet.
We fished dark flies mostly. Dave got "plucked in the first pool we fished, but it wouldn't
come back. This is not uncommon in clear waters, previously fished. We fished our way down
to one of my "confidence pools". You know, great fish holders. The kind of pool where if you
don't move a fish, it puts a dent in your confidence. Dave was a great student. Most anglers
take about the first half of the day to really start fishing my flyfish steelhead technique
effectively. Dave got into the "Zone" his first hour. He hooked a beautiful fish right in the
upper sweet spot of the pool, but this big fish managed to have his way with him, eventually
breaking him off. Dave of course, was a little disappointed but totally pumped. Sure enough,
ten feet father down, he nails another. Sometimes its really fun to be a guide, other times,
well... but thats fishing!
I have added a "Frequently Asked Questions" to my site. Thanks to all who have taken the
time to drop a line. When I am not fishing, I enjoy talking about it.
Dickson at www.flyfishsteelhead.com
March 23, 1998
Thanks to Rod Bush for the following report:
Fished the Sauk Monday the river was on its way up and out. We only had about two feet
of visibilty and I fished every hole from the Mill down hard but we didn't get a bite.
We did test out are rain gear though. Helly Hansen wins over cotton pants everytime. Just
goes to show when the river is a rising and the weather a changing. Stay home and read a
good book!
March 21, 1998
Thanks to: Michael Carey
I had the good fortune to fish the Sauk river with guide Scott Fierst and his friend,
Russ. Scott had decided to use a different strategy and hit the river mid morning, allowing
the early birds to fish thru and let the fish settle down. We hit the water abot 10 am. It
was low and clear, but up just a hair according to Scott from the other day. Clarity ran
about 8-10 feet.
We connected with our frist fish at 12:30, a bright fish that quickly cleared the surface
and threw the hook. It got our adrenaline up and lasted us to our second fish, a nice 18"
Dolly Varden caught around 2 pm. After this fish, the weather changed (as it did often
that day) and we got rained on for awhile. We worked our way down-river, saving the best
for the end of the day. With dusk falling, we fished Scott's favorite hole, and quickly
hooked into a fiesty, solid fish that unfortunately broke the leader (my fish!). Less
than five minutes later the left-hand rod exploded with a bright hen of about 10 pounds.
Russ skillfully worked the fish to us as Scott rowed to shore. Just as we were about to
get a picture, the fish made one last surge and broke free. All fish were hooked on plugs.
It was a great day on the river. In particular Scott's "favorite hole" - I've never had
the experience of two steelies hitting back to back like that. If you have the chance,
now is a great time to book a trip with Scott to catch and release these awesome fish!
Mike Carey - editor, Seattle Region Steelhead
Mar 18, 1998
Thanks to: Ray Kawabata
Fished the Sauk River with Scott Fierst and Ron Mosher. We decided to fish the stretch from
the Mill down to the Suiattle, and that must have been the right choice as we were joined by
several other boats on the same stretch.
During the day we managed to catch and release two nice natives, an 8 pound buck and a
beautiful twelve pound hen. We also hooked and lost two other steelhead, one a nice hen
in the mid-teens that ran into some snags and broke us off.
The Sauk is fishing well right now and I am happy to see the native steelhead are doing well.
After a disappointing season for hatchery run fish it shows us the value of our native stocks.
Perhaps if conservation minded managers such as Bern Shanks are allowed to continue we
can witness the comeback of the native runs on more rivers.
Mar 21, 1998
Thanks to: Tom Hiegler
The reports were right about the Sauk - low and clear and no one I talked with could find
any fish at least in the White Creek area. I went down to the Skagit midmorning thinking
it would be a better bet since they were catching a number of fish in the middle river
before it closed. Sure enough, about half-way through a favorite drift around Concrete
a mint bright 12 lb female smacked my red maribou. She was a fat sassy fish that took
quite a while to bring to the bank. I ran into one other fisherman who also caught a
nice hen on a fly in the Skagit.
On Sunday I went back to the hole in the pouring rain but didn't touch anything. The Sauk
was taking on some color so I think later this week would be a grand time to be on the river.
The only problem is how those clearcuts dump the mud.
Mar 19, 1998
Thanks to: Charlie Malmgren
My Spey Rod Jones' started acting up last weekend,so I contacted Scott Fierst of
The Drifting Fly Guide Service to see if he could help me feed the need. He agreed
to take me down the Sauk above the Suiattle and introduce me to some of his favorite
runs. This section of the Sauk has gained a reputation as a boat eater. I can see
why, as it is heavily braided, with frequent log jambs and sweepers. Not a good
section for novices.
After launching at the Summitt mill, we banged down river for a couple miles, fishing the
ocassional pool before we arrived at the first section he planned to have me work. This
was a classic run, 100 yards of beautiful holding water, all easily worked from the
bank. Halfway through I connected up with a chrome bright hen, which let me play for an
appropriate amount of time before rising to the surface to spit the fly. The 1-0
black G.P. that she trashed is going into the archives. About 2 hours later we arrived
at the second section he targeted. Same story as before, except the fish was a huge
male, with his colors just starting to show. A good day, on a great river.
March 18, 1998
Thanks to Rod Bush for the following report:
Fished the Sauk on March 18th with Brian Lull. The water was
low and clear. We hit our first fish within a half hour. Brian's first steelhead!
It was a large buck that measured 36" x 18" = about 16lbs. Fishing was slow but what
a gorgeous day to be on the river! We got one more but lost it before we could say
FISH ON!! Still a day to remember. We are so lucky to live here in the northwest.
Here is Brian's fish:
Mar. 18, 1998
Thanks to Dennis Dickson for the following report:
Cold, clear, and a bunch of anglers out! By the number of rigs at the mouth of
the Suiattle, the word must be out about the big fish stacking in the upper
run of the Sauk. The plug boys just hammer them in these conditions. For us
fly guys, these are the conditions I call "hide and go seek". Water temp at
3pm was 45 degrees. Visibility was 8 feet. Yuk! I tend to give up a lot of
the traditional water and concentrate on riffley pockets and pool heads where
the water depth shows the color of emerald green. This is where we found a
nice fish today. It came from a head of a small run below Rinker Creek. Bill
is an angling client that has fished with me a day a week for nearly ten
years. This is the one angler I will fish with,(he goes first). I happened the
hook this fish and the way the rod bucked it was a dandy! Came to a sparce,
pale pink marabou. Unfortuntely, this steelhead took the fly in the "hang
down". The nice fish came unbuttoned on its first run. It was the only fish we
moved all day. Going to have to join the "dawn patrol" til we get some more
rain. Do you think us fisherman are natural complainers? Talked to a gear guy,
they released one up by the Bennetville bridge, A few fly boys hadn't touched
anything (so they said). Ran into a really good angling local, he caught one
on Monday.
Mouth of the Baker River on the Skagit is fishing well, better get up early if
you want get first crack, Try a 1/0 black GP. Love to chat but I have to pack.
On my way down to Mexico. See you in a couple weeks!Dickson at www.flyfishsteelhead.com
Mar 16, 1998
Thanks to: Mike Litts
I fished the Sauk river on march 16 with Rod Bush. We started at about 7:30 and hit the
first fish about 5 minutes later. It was a 6lb. buck that my dad landed pretty easily.
We drifted down another few spots and then we got a hit, but it was just that, a hit.
Then a few holes later I hit and landed my first EVER steelhead. It was a chrome 7lb.
hen that I managed to land with out TOO much trouble. Then we took plenty of pictures
and slid her back into the 45° water. After that we drifted for quite awhile and then
just about at the end we hit another one, this one a 8lb. buck, which fought pretty well
and we landed it, took some pictures and let it go. That was the last one we caught so
after a few more minutes we pulled out and went home for dinner.
March 14, 1998
Thanks to Scott Fierst for the following report:
Fished the Sauk today with Brian Johnson and Grant Robart. The Sauk was
running at 4.4 feet and three feet of visibility when we began and had cleared
revealing about 6 to 8 feet of visibility be the time darkness fell. Fishing
overall was pretty spotty all day without a take down by 3:00, that's when
the beer commercial started, you know the one about how it just doesn't get
any better than this. We were about halfway through the double-drift we had
opted for the day when we saw the first HOG roll. Moments later the left rod
was buried and the line was smoking. I will let you read Grant and Brian's
report for the details, but needless to say we got off the water when we could
no longer see and hooked into four Big Native Hogs. The first and last of the
four put on half-hour or more shows for us before throwing the hook. The
first was a good mid-twenties bright native buck, with the latter a low
twenties buck and slightly darker and hooked jaw. The second take down didn't
set good and the third was a Chrome Native Hen, with net marks %$#$%%^%$!
Anyway, four fish, one hole and two in the twenties. Look for Grant's picture
and story on this trip, what a day! Sometimes we're given sunshine and fish,
today was definitely one of those days!
Scott G. Fierst
Drifting Fly Guide Service
(888) 204-5327
E-mail: DRFTINGFLY@AOL.COM
March 10, 1998
Thanks to Rod Bush for the following report:
Fished the Sauk today March 10th. Got a late start putting in around 9:30 we hit our
first fish in about a half hour of fishing and it was about a 9lb. fish that managed to
throw the hook after a couple minutes of twisting and thrashing around on the surface.
The great part is I called the spot to within a couple of feet! Our next fish was HOT
and came right at us sending everyone into a frenzy to get the other rods in and stored
away. But with expert angling by my clients they landed a nice chrome bright 10lb hen
and took their pictures with her and slid her back into the icy cold water. We got one
more flyfishing that ended up being a 8 lb. hatchery fish that was worst for wear but
had plenty of spunk! The water started out dirty but cleared by the end of the day to
around 3 feet of visibility and it was up about a half a foot or so from Sunday.
(Rod Bush) River Otter Guide Service
(206)399-7145 or rvrotter@gte.net
http://www.greatnw.com/riverotter
March 10, 1998
Thanks to Dennis Dickson for the following report:
Fished the Sauk River today. The good news is, we are finally getting a little
water, the bad news is the river started to raise and bar. pressure took a
nose dive in a pouring rain. A really nice father and son couple from Wyoming.
Boys waders leaked, his dad was under dressed and the rain drenched us. Only
fished til 1pm. They were really cold so we bailed early. Water vis. was 3
feet, water rising, water temp at 9:30, 41degrees Air temp 46, river level
very low.
Fishing should be really good when the weather settles a little. Try fishing
1/0 general Practioners in hot orange, and purple/black. Do I ever fish
steelhead with any gear other than flies? No, but growing up on the Stilly
N.F.,I never really learned how.
Come see our latest big fish taken from the Sauk at www.flyfishsteelhead.com. I will be in
B.C. for the rest of this week fishing the famous Gold River.
March 8, 1998
Thanks to Rod Bush for the following report:
Fished the Sauk Sunday the 8th. It was cold and raining when we arrived. The rain was
much needed by the looks of the river. I was going to need wheels on my boat to get
down. Visibility was unlimited.
We hit our first fish within 20 minutes and it was caught right in the tailout
in about three feet of water. It was a 19lb. buck that fought great! The next fish was a
17lb. buck caught on the same plug while rowing up river to get
another shot at one of my favorite spots. This fish was hot and came out of the water
several times and made at least four strong runs all the way across the river each time
it was brought close to the bank. We caught one more right
at the end of day by the take out a 5lb hatchery that put on a great acrobatic show for
the grand finale! The Sauk is very low and clear! We need the rain we
are getting.
Talked to two other boats and between both of them they had got one so I guess
it was my lucky day! I'll take it!
(Rod Bush) River Otter Guide Service
(206)399-7145 or rvrotter@gte.net
http://www.greatnw.com/riverotter
March 6, 1998
Thanks to Dennis Dickson for the following report:
Fished the Sauk under brutal conditions today. Air Temp at 10 am was 37 degrees water temp
39. Not a cloud anywhere. Didn't figure we would do much til later in the day, Turned out
to be the case. Fortunately, we all but had the river to ourselves. We fished the middle
run. Water visability was 8 feet. Fished traditional water but didn't move anything
until we came to Rinker Creek in the afternoon. Water vis. fell to 5 feet. Landed a
very bright 32" hen in the middle of the drift and lost a really nice fish just
above the tail. He was into the heavy rapids and it was "See Ya!" Both of these
fish came on a sparce pink marabou. Two walk-ins were fishing White Creek so, for
the heck of it, we pulled in over across, and fished the south side. Believe it or
not ,there is a fishing God. Frank was fishing the little boulder patch just above
the tailout, when this big hen just creams his Blue/purple marabou. She shot out
across, thought better of the rapids, and ran up the pool. Now Frank had managed to
lose three fish in two days, but the fourth was worth it. 34" nickel bright football.
A take-your-breath-away, hen fish. I was pleased, he earned it.
My camera was out of bullets from the day before. I HOPE they send me pictures. I will try to
do better about getting some of these fish photos up on my site.
Dickson at www.flyfishsteelhead.com
March 4,1998
Thanks to Scott Fierst for the following report:
The Sauk was running low today at 4.11 / 2500cfs and clear. A few more boats
around now that things are picking up. A good day today, we hit four fish, two of which were
in the 15-pound range, one at 34-inches, but very girthy and the other at 35-inches. The
other two measured in at 33-inches and nearer to 12 or 13 pounds. We hit all of the fish
on plugs. This is getting hot, and will only get hotter as the days pass. If you would
like to Book a Trip and Experience the Finest Steelhead Fishing Washington has to offer,
receive more information, a 1998 Schedule or just talk fish give us a call or E-mail us.
Scott G. Fierst
Professional Northwest Fishing Guide
Drifting Fly Guide Service
Toll Free at (888) 204-5327 or (206) 609-5327
E-mail DRFTINGFLY@AOL.COM
March 3, 1998
Thanks to Rod Bush for the following report:
Floated the middle stretch of the Sauk today. Visibility was about 2 feet at best the
flow was at 2900 cfs and 4.35 high. We were fishing plugs when the right rod went down
hard. Get him I shouted! Kevin chose the lucky seat today and was into a slab of a
steelhead. I started to row for shore when Kevin said he couldn't feel him on the
end of the line anymore. I think I'm snagged on something out there. Damn it, he's
got me wrapped around something I'm sure. So out I rowed in pursuit of what I knew
was a big fish and one we wanted to land and photograph badly. After getting above
the snag we were able to feed some slack and the fish did the rest, then the fight was
on! He fought like a giant staying down on the bottom and tugging like hell. After a
while we started to gain some line and soon we were taking pictures of Kevin's first
20 pound steelhead and one very large smile!
(Rod Bush) River Otter Guide Service
(206)399-7145 or rvrotter@gte.net
http://www.greatnw.com/riverotter
Feb. 25, 1998
Thanks to Rick Poor for the following report:
The Sauk was in excellant condition. But I couldn't seem to hook into any. I had a fish on
briefly in the early afternoon down below the U.S. bridge. If the conditions in the river
hold and with that old time dedication we should be hooking into a few in the near future.
I tried it all spoons, spinners, egg sacks, sand shrimp, and the fly in the early morning.
Feb 25, 1998
Thanks to Dennis Dickson for the following report:
Started fishing today on the Skagit River below the confluence of the Sauk.
Skagit river at 10:30 am was 41degrees. Air temperature was 39 degrees. Water
clarity Sauk side was 8 feet and Skagit side was 10 feet. Morning weather was
snow/rain dark and drizzly. Wanted to fish the mixer but another angler was in
there and still pretty high up in the pool.We took off for Larsons. Took a
nice Dolly on a black marabou but that was it. Went back to the mixer and
rolled a nice fish but came unbuttoned. Bummer. Fished a couple pools above
Rockport but we didn't move anything. Even the dollies seem to be gone. We
decided to finsh the day on the Sauk. Water temp. was 43 degrees at 4pm. Air
temp was 41 degrees. Visibility was at least 5 feet. We fished a prominent
pool in the middle run. Hooked a wonderful fish that just smoked my J Ryall.
Finally beached the 39.5" male native steelhead down around the corner. It
doesn't get better than that, and it wasn't even raining. Hope to have the
photo up on my site by next week.
Dennis at http://www.flyfishsteelhead.com
Feb 22, 1998
Thanks to Dennis Dickson for the following report:
Fished a father and son today. The Sauk was a moderate level with a 3
foot visability both above and below the Suiattle. Water temperature was 42
degrees at 1pm air temp of 46. Fished the lower run below the government
bridge down to a private take out a few miles above the Skagit. The pools have
not changed much since last year. The fly bar above the gauge hole fished very
well. We found dollies again, but not in the same numbers we have in the past
couple weeks. We found them in the tailouts in the steelhead pools. # 2
purple egg sucking leeches work well in this water color. Saw two gear boats.
One boat reported they landed a native steelhead on shrimp and bobber. As
there seems to be some discussion wether we are in a native steelhead release
management, I didn't ask if they had killed it. Other boat drew a blank. We
swam a good fish on the purple bugger fly in a prominant pool a couple miles
into the drift. The type 4 , 13 foot steelhead taper by SA fished well. As the
rain fell all day, the river rose but color remained good.
I should tell you I not only fish dirty water I prefer it. When is a river dirty but fishable? When the debris stops floating and 18" vis. That is when the really large steelhead will lay in the soft inside edges. Here is a note; when you are fishing a pool on a low or moderate height, imagine the water level up a
couple feet and see if prominent rocks are found up the bank. If this
shoreline mantains a moderate cobbley slope, you have a high water lie. Trust
me on this one, I make a living catching fish when the shops are telling
everyone the river is "out". I will feel better after March 1 when the river
will be C&R.
Questions? Catch me at http://www.flyfishsteelhead.com
Feb 18, 1998
Thanks to Rod Bush for the following report:
Boy, what a beautiful day it's going to be. I was quickly awaken out of my hypnotic state
when I realized I was no longer in control of my truck!!! This
was it. I'm headed right for that farmers field and into a giant cow pie!! After screaming
at myself for not watching out for ice and driving to fast. I finally regained control of
my rig just missing launching myself out into a field. By the time I made it to the river
I had calmed down enough to string up my rods and head out after my quarry. A chance at
some huge native Sauk river steelhead!! We weren't alone in our quest though. We had
about seven or so
boats ahead of us. After fishing half the day without so much as a sniff.
It finally happened close to being done for the day the right rod got slammed down and a
mint bright hen came screaming out of the water and toward us faster then anybody could
possible reel. Then she turned and burned out about 30 yards of mono down river,
jumping all the way!! WOW THIS ONE IS HOT!! I CAN'T SLOW HER DOWN!! She continued
trying to shake the hook by jumping out of the water at least a dozen times shaking
and splashing about. Finally she was brought in for a couple quick pictures and a
thank you for making our day. Then took off like a shot back out to the middle of the river.
She weighed about ten pounds but was the hottest one I've seen in a while. I talked to
several other fisherman and only heard of one dark hatchery of about three pounds
caught out of four of the boats we caught up with. We only got one fish, but what a
day it was to be on the Sauk!
When it's sunny and clear up there I can't think of a more scenic place to
be. FYI: Look for trees across the river this year!! I've had two trips now
where I've had to either chop out a tree or pull my boat around one!
(Rod Bush) River Otter Guide Service
(206) 399-7145 or rvrotter@gte.net
http://www.greatnw.com/riverotter
Feb. 12, 1998
Thanks to Scott Fierst for the following report:
Kelly Hobbs and I headed up to scout / fish the Sauk River today. The Sauk was running
at 3110cfs / 4.4 feet, about six feet of visibility and the
weather was looking good with some sun breaks and little wind as of 9:00 am.
There were three other trailers at the launch and a guy fishing the bank on
the opposite side of the river when we arrived at 9:00 am. The bank fisherman
opposite the launch told us that he had lost a fish earlier. This sounded
encouraging. We moved down river and let out a plug on right rod and a
baitdiver / sandshrimp combo on the middle rod. No sooner had we let out the
baitdiver, when the tip began to dance. A 19" Dolly was photographed and
released. We resumed our scouting / fishing and had two more take downs on
the baitdiver combo further downstream, but nothing solid. There are still a
few Silvers lingering in the slow back waters, and plenty of Bald Eagles
waiting their turn to feast.
We talked to another boat that had fished down lower, Catching and Releasing
one Native Steelhead. The fish are around but not real thick yet. If you
want to fish for Dollies, you won't be disappointed, but if you're after the
Big Native Steelhead these waters are famous for, give it a few more weeks.
*A word to the wise, the Sauk River is a River that changes almost daily. There are many dangerous areas on this River and it is recommended that if you are going to float it for the first time you hire a guide. If you have floated it before, I highly recommend contacting a guide, or talking with someone that has floated the River recently. It seems like the Sauk claims a life every year, so be cautious.
**Remember Native Steelhead are Catch and Release Only Statewide, keep your eyes peeled for those not abiding by these rules, they not only hurt the future Native Steelhead runs, but also our ability to continue the Catch and Release seasons.
*** If you would like to book a trip on the Sauk, Snoqualmie or Skykomish Rivers we are offering a special for the Month of February. Give us a call or E-mail for the details.
Good Fishing, See you on the River.
Scott G. Fierst
Drifting Fly Guide Service
Toll free (888) 204-5327
E-mail: DRFTINGFLY@AOL.COM
February 6, 1998
Thanks to Scott Fierst for the following report:
Kelly Hobbs and I headed up to scout / fish the Sauk River today. The Sauk
was running at 3110cfs / 4.4 feet, about six feet of visibility and the
weather was looking good with some sun breaks and little wind as of 9:00 am.
There were three other trailers at the launch and a guy fishing the bank on
the opposite side of the river when we arrived at 9:00 am. The bank fisherman
opposite the launch told us that he had lost a fish earlier. This sounded
encouraging. We moved down river and let out a plug on right rod and a
baitdiver / sandshrimp combo on the middle rod. No sooner had we let out the
baitdiver, when the tip began to dance. A 19" Dolly was photographed and
released. We resumed our scouting / fishing and had two more take downs on
the baitdiver combo further downstream, but nothing solid. There are still a
few Silvers lingering in the slow back waters, and plenty of Bald Eagles
waiting their turn to feast.
We talked to another boat that had fished down lower, Catching and Releasing
one Native Steelhead. The fish are around but not real thick yet. If you
want to fish for Dollies, you won't be disappointed, but if you're after the
Big Native Steelhead these waters are famous for, give it a few more weeks.
*A word to the wise, the Sauk River is a River that changes almost daily.
There are many dangerous areas on this River and it is recommended that if you
are going to float it for the first time you hire a guide. If you have
floated it before, I highly recommend contacting a guide, or talking with
someone that has floated the River recently. It seems like the Sauk claims a
life every year, so be cautious.
*Remember Native Steelhead are Catch and Release Only Statewide, keep your
eyes peeled for those not abiding by these rules, they not only hurt the
future Native Steelhead runs, but also our ability to continue the Catch and
Release seasons.
* If you would like to book a trip on the Sauk, Snoqualmie or Skykomish
Rivers we are offering a special for the Month of February. Give us a call or
E-mail for the details.
Good Fishing, See you on the River.
Scott G. Fierst
Drifting Fly Guide Service
Toll free (888) 204-5327
E-mail: DRFTINGFLY@AOL.COM
February 4, 1998
Thanks to: Michael Carey
I had the pleasure of fishing with Rod Bush today on the Sauk River. I was looking forward
to this trip for weeks,since I hadn't gone fishing since my boating mishap back in November.
Between getting the boat fixed and other commitments, its been a lean steelhead season
for me. So the anticipation level was sky-high.
We arrived on the river as day was breaking. Conditions were perfect. The river was at
the optimum height and clarity was a good six feet. Rod was hopeful- although a bit
early in the season for natives, he had caught them on the river before at this time
of year. I knew regardless of hooking fish it would be an excellent float.
Our first fish was caught around 10am, a sixteen inch sea-run cutthroat caught on shrimp
off a diving plug. Not exactly what we came for, but a prettier fish you could not ask
for. We took pictures and released her back to the river. We continued down the river,
fishless, until we came to a hole which we were going to skip. Rod, however, changed
his mind and as we reached half-way down the hole the rod bend over as a 6-7 pound
hatchery fish jumped on the plug. The fish didn't put up much of a fight, but as
we got ready to net him he gave a thrust of his body and the hook released. We
watched as the fish swam free, back to his hiding place. Later in the day,one more
fish gave us a moment of excitement, as our plugging rod doubled over from a massive
strike. Unfortunately, the fish failed to hook, and we were done for the day.
Without a doubt the Sauk River has to be the prettiest river I've fished on to date. We saw
eagles all day, and even had four deer cross the river ahead of us. At every turn the
Cascades displayed their wintertime glory. The trip was a total success- even without
the natives we were targeting. It just makes me dream of getting back on the river to
try again. Heck, I may even need to buy a driftboat to do it! (hope my wife didn't read that).
If you get the chance, you really ought to give Rod a call and go out with him. I promise
you will have one of the nicest days out you could ask for. I can't believe we have such
a beautiful river just 1 1/2 hours from Seattle.
MIke Carey, Editor - Seattle Region Steelhead
April 24, 1997
Thanks to Rod Bush for the following report:
Fished the Sauk April 24th from the mill down to the Suiattle. Visibility was around
1.5 to 2.0 feet at best until I got below the Suiattle then it cleared to about 3.5
feet. We hit five fish, fought three of them, and got pictures of only one. The
river was at about 5.5 feet high and just under 5900 cfs, that's faster then I
like it. Saw fish rolling in a couple holes so I know they're in there good by now.
If it would just stop raining!!
I have warned people about this river before, and I'm not trying to scare you away or
I wouldn't be writing about it anyway, but be alert and look at what's ahead this river
changes fast and will surprise you with new log jams and channels after every high water.
A local man lost his life last week where the Suiattle comes in. Stay to the left when
approaching this spot and make sure your boat is balanced out!! Be safe and good luck
fishing only a few days left on this one.
(Rod Bush) River Otter Guide Service
(206)399-7145 or rvrotter@gte.net
http://www.greatnw.com/riverotter
Editor's note: Check out Rod's new web site for some great pictures and good information. Mike Carey
April 19, 1997
Thanks to Chris Tompkins for the following report:
I hadn't floated the Sauk in some time and decided that I had better try it out before
it closed. Andy T. and I drifted from the lumber yard to gov. bridge as the river began
to go out, it rained steady all day and as we left to go home it only had about 6 inches
visibility. I managed to hook and lose another steelhead on a homemade steelhead rag,
Andy caught a nice Dolly Vardon trout on a pink Aerofly, after a couple of photos it
swam back into the logs from which it came. We saw lots of other fishermen, kinda crowded
but launching late made for a relaxing enjoyable day, even in the rain. Ya gotta love
the northwest, its April but seems like January.
April 16, 1997
Thanks to Rod Bush for the following report:
Fished the Sauk today. It's time to grab your rod and jump in your rig and drag yourself
to the Sauk the fish are in and they are chrome bright and will make your reels smoke! The
last rain we just had did the trick! It was raining pretty hard when we got started. But
we soon forgot all about the rain after hitting two fish in the same hole. Only to round
the next corner and hit five more! The next run gave up three more for a grand total of
10 fish on, but unfortunately only three photographed and released. My clients had lots
of opportunities and did their very best with these incredible hot fresh fish smoking
their reels and taking their rods to the extreme!
If you would like to try this river call or e-mail me. I still have a few days open
until the end of April when it closes.
River Otter Guide Service
(206)399-7145 or rvrotter@gte.net
Editor's note: Wow, what a report! Give Rod a call and get on some great fishing!
April 14, 1997
Thanks to Rod Bush for the following report:
Fished the Sauk today. It was raining pretty steady by the time we put the boat in for the
middle drift. Water visability was around 4 feet and still running at about 4.5 feet high.
We hit our first fish right off the get go a bright buck around ten pounds. We fought another
one about a mile down river only to lose it by the shore before we got our pictures.
The last fish just cranked the rod down then was gone before we could grab at it. Saw
three flyfisherman actually hook and land fish all in different holes.
For more info contact (Rod Bush) River Otter Guide Service at (206)399-7145 or
rvrotter@gte.net
April 5, 1997
Thanks to Rod Bush for the following report:
Fished the Sauk April 5th with a Client and his 11yr old daughter who caught and released
her first steelhead today. It weighed about 15lbs. Water visibility was at about 4 feet
and there was a boat for every hole, very crowded. We had one other take down that was
so violent that it bent my plug clip? That was a first!
River Otter Guide Service
206)399-7145 or rvrotter@gte.net
April 2, 1997
Thanks to Garrett Ogle for the following report:
Flyfished the upper Sauk April 2nd with guide Scott O'Donnel. The gear guys were having
a lot of success...one boat with 6 fish, another with 4, and we saw two caught ahead of
us. My long time fishing buddy Charlie Mann from Nevada landed his first ever WA steelhead
at sunset just below the mouth of the Suiattle. The only fish we had all day.
March 27, 1997
Thanks to Rod Bush for the following report:
Fished the Sauk on Thursday, one of the first days possible since the high water.
There are a few new channels on the upper drift of the Sauk and if your not paying
attention or do not have the ability to read the water or stop your drift boat in a
stroke or two go with someone who can. Anyway we touched a few fish on plugs you know
the story your sitting there anticipating the strike when all of a sudden your rod is
cranked over so hard you think it's going to explode, but by the time you get to it,
it's gone!! That happened to us most of the day until Greg Rockenbach of Greg's Custom Rods
had one of his own rods put to the test with his first steelhead over 20lbs. It looked to
be a huge buck of 25lbs. on a Tadpolly plug painted by me which is now retired in his
store on the wall.
This is a beautiful river but can be dangerous please be careful and good luck fishing!
For more info call me at (206) 399-7145, River Otter Guide Service
March 15, 1997
Thanks to Scott Fierst for the following report:
I had two clients today, Steve and Rockne, both from Texas and being from Texas, neither
had ever Fished for Steelhead before. We met at 5:00 am with a shower of snow and the
threat of more, turning to rain later in the day. The River was at 4.2 and had excellent
visibility. There were only a few boats around to start with, but I figured more would
come. I opted to do a double drift this day, as I had been on the river with friend and
fellow guide Rod Bush, and Kelly Hobbs only a few days earlier with 9 take downs and 4
fish landed. You can read about this in Rod's report from March 12, 1997. Back to the
River......
The weather continued cold and snowy, We hit a nice down river hatchery buck, in the third
slot we fished. Steve landed the fish and was quite pleased, it was the biggest fish he had
ever caught and made a couple nice runs. The clouds managed to drop 6 inches of snow before
turning to a heavy down pour of rain. The river was on the rise and starting to get
dirty. I had feared this. With that we fished the normally good spots and headed to
the launch with no more take downs. Even with only 1 fish for the day, we worked the
water hard, had beautiful scenery and over all, an outstanding day. With new rain
will come BIG NATIVE HOGS.
Scott Fierst
Drifting Fly Guide Service
Toll Free at: (888) 204-5327 or (206) 609-5327
Editor's note: Nice report! Give Scott a call for some catch and release native
steelheading. There's some big fish in the rivers now.
Mike Carey - Seattle Area Editor
March 9, 1997
Thanks to Rod Bush for the following report:
Fished the Sauk today. The plan was to put in at the Mill and fish down to the Suiattle.
But to my surprise there was only about 6" of visibility due to snow melt. So we went
down to where the Suiattle dumps in and to our delight found clearer water. We hooked
two fish before the lower section also became dirty from rain and snow melt. But there
are definitely fish in the system. Both were hooked on pink Tadpolly plugs.
Editor's Note: Rod Bush is a guide and can be reached at River Otter Guide Service,
206-399-7145. E-mail address is rvrotter@gte.net Give him a call!
Mike Carey, editor
November 7, 1996
Thanks to Ken Elsea of Steelhead Sue's
Guide Service (360) 653-5924 for the following report:
Sauk river is full of Coho and Chums. Pull plugs in chrome. No salmon are open to keep. Fly
fishermen can have a hey day. Remember that this river is dangerous and you need a lot of
experience behind the oars before you try this river.
June 17, 1996
Thanks to Ken Elsea of Steelhead Sue's
Guide Service (360) 653-5924 for the following report:
The Sauk is running at beautiful springtime high levels and there are lots of fish being
caught. Some chinook are being picked up as well and must be released. Fish are mostly
being taken on plugs. Remember to fish near the banks and under trees, etc.
April 20, 1996
Thanks to Chris Tomkins for the following report:
We ventured up to the Sauk and found the river was in great shape but very very crowded,
must be some fish although no one we talked to had got any. I've never seen the Sauk so
crowded, there were 18 trailers at the Goverment bridge, and people everywhere. I guess
that's what happens when one more river like the Hoh is closed, so much for solitide.
If your interested in some really great fish stories I welcome anyone to come to the
Northshore Trout Unlimited meeting in Bothell. We meet at the Seattle Times building
in Bothell's Canyon Park (industrial park) at 7:30pm the first Tuesday of each month.
Our next months speaker is John Beath, he will talk about bottom fishing in this area.
Interested and need more information? Write me by e-mail at
ctompkin@accessone.com. Also check us
out at our web site
http://www.accessone.com/~atowell/.
See ya there, good luck!
April 5, 1996
Thanks to: Dave Weitl
I fished the Sauk with Dave Lisch and Pat Herbig on Friday. We put in just below
Darrington and fished the lower section. It was the first time for any of us on this
beautiful river. The river was relatively low and the color was that perfect steelhead
green. We didn't locate any fish that day, heard of only one caught (8-10 pounds) in
that section. I would guess that the batch of fish moving up during the rise in the
river on Tues-Wed had already moved above Darrington into the upper section. There were
rumors about a 30 pounder caught there recently.
March 31, 1996Thanks to Mike Rimkus for the following report: Put the boat in at Darrington. The river was very low and there were some parts of the river we had to walk the boat down. About 11 a.m. I hooked into a fish, BUT of course I'm not that good with a 9-wt. fly rod. Patience is everthing. Most boats were casting lead -- about 60% had caught and released steelhead. Water was clear, note: all fish hooked were in fast water, halfway through the tail-out! March 25, 1996
Thanks to Trevor Gong at Salmon Bay Tackle for the following report: We fished the Sauk on monday. The water is getting low, we could use some rain but we did catch one fish about an 8lb hen. March 22, 1996
Thanks to Rob Markich for the following report: Fished the lower Sauk River on March 22. Color and height of the water were just about perfect. Got out at day break and covered the water hard. We found one spawned out steelhead in the lower river just before it dumps into the Skagit and one white fish when we put the boat in. All in all doesn't appear to be very many fish in the river yet. I did have a report that some fish came through around the middle of the week but they must have moved through fairly fast. Lots of changes in the lower river from all the high water from last fall and not for the better. Did talk to one fly fishermen fishing the fly bar on the Skagit that said he released one about 10 lbs first thing in the morning. Lets hope fishing gets better!
