05-14-2004, 04:11 PM
[cool][#0000ff][size 1]The Gorge is definitely "toonable". Back in the late 70's a guy named Del Canty, from Colorado, used to spend a lot of time on the Gorge fishing from a float tube. He was a big fish specialist and took a 26 pound kamloops rainbow in full spawning colors one trip. He also bagged quite a few of the big browns that were more plentiful in those days. I do not recall that he fished much for the macks, since he used a heavy flyrod and sinking line for most of his fishing. Tough to dredge deep enough for big macks with fly fishing gear.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If macks are your target, be sure to install a good sonar system. It is difficult to find those fish in the Gorge without sonar, and you can't catch them where they ain't. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Once you find them, it is easier to stay on top of them and vertical jig for them in lighter craft...unless the wind comes up. But, I don't think there is much chance of wind at the Gorge. It is always so calm there. HA.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]When the fish are in a neutral or inactive mode, you often need to make a very slow or even "deadstick" presentation. A slowly drifting boat or toon, using sonar to maintain the right depth with a plastic or bunny fur jig, is the ticket for finicky fish at that time. Remember to keep the offering above the level the fish are holding. They will come up to look at it, but will seldom go down to check out something below them. And, there will be days when you go wacko seeing fish rise up to look and then go back down without munching.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]By the way, I met Del Canty over there once, and he was putting in from the Antelope Flats area.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Good luck, have fun and stay safe.[/size][/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][size 1]If macks are your target, be sure to install a good sonar system. It is difficult to find those fish in the Gorge without sonar, and you can't catch them where they ain't. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Once you find them, it is easier to stay on top of them and vertical jig for them in lighter craft...unless the wind comes up. But, I don't think there is much chance of wind at the Gorge. It is always so calm there. HA.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]When the fish are in a neutral or inactive mode, you often need to make a very slow or even "deadstick" presentation. A slowly drifting boat or toon, using sonar to maintain the right depth with a plastic or bunny fur jig, is the ticket for finicky fish at that time. Remember to keep the offering above the level the fish are holding. They will come up to look at it, but will seldom go down to check out something below them. And, there will be days when you go wacko seeing fish rise up to look and then go back down without munching.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]By the way, I met Del Canty over there once, and he was putting in from the Antelope Flats area.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Good luck, have fun and stay safe.[/size][/#0000ff]
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