Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Water Temp:
67
Orvis Westlake's Tip of the Week
Keep an eye on weather forecast USGS gauges before you fish. Cover water until you find fish and then slow down to pick pools apart. Steelhead and Smallmouth will favor similar water.
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Water Flow Data
5-Day Outlook as of 5/24/23
Vermilion is on the drop. Water temps are increasing and lake run smallmouth bass are beginning to head up river. A little rain helped, but check the USGS gauges during this warming trend.
Techniques & Tips as of 5/24/23
Spring is a great time to fish streamers on an active retrieve. Fresh steelhead tend to key into pearlescent baitfish patterns, switching over to more neutral colors as they sit in the rivers. Minnow and crayfish offerings effective for smallmouth.
Local Species Available Spring
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steelhead/Smallmouth
Orvis Westlake's Recommended Fly Patterns
"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:
Name: | Colors: | Size(s): |
---|---|---|
Bead Head Flash Zonker | White | 4,6,8 |
Krystal Bugger | White, Purple, Chart | 8,10, 12 |
Schultzy's S3 Sculpin | Black, Olive | 2 |
Conehead Bunny Muddler | Black, Brown, Whit, | 6, 8 |
Near Nuff Sculpin | Tan, Olive | 6 |
Clouser Minnow | White/Olive, White/Gray | 6 |
Hawkins Triple Double | Olive | 4 |
Bead Head Flash Zonker
When fishing for bass, this pattern fills the need for an all-purpose big fish fly.
2.99
Item #930E
Orvis Westlake's Recommended Gear
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Best Leader:
Super Strong Plus Leaders
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Best Tippet:
SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools
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Best Fly Fishing Rod:
8-Weight 9' Fly Rod
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Best Floating Fly Line:
Salmon/Steelhead WF Fly Line
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Best Sinking Fly Line:
Coldwater Intermediate