Steelhead surge into Grand Ronde River

The early winter ice jam is long gone and the Grand Ronde River is flowing just the right shade of green and brown. It’s also chock full of steelhead, with more fish pouring in all the time. “It’s been good — really good,” said Tim Hicks of Coeur d’Alene. Apparently the bulk of steelhead raised at Washington’s Cottonwood Creek hatchery are starting to move, but the big crowds of anglers have yet to arrive. At least not during the week. “It’s a zoo down here on Saturday and Sunday,” Steve said. “I won’t come down here on the weekends.” Fishing pressure will pick up later this month when Boggan’s Oasis, the tiny store and cafe at the bottom of the Rattlesnake Grade, starts its annual steelhead derby. Bill Vail and his wife, Farrel, have run Boggan’s for 27 years. The store and cafe are open seven days a week and from dusk to dawn when the bite is on. “The fishing is outstanding right now,” Bill Vail said Tuesday. “It’s been good for the last 10 days to two weeks.” He’s hoping the fishing holds for the derby that starts Feb. 12 and runs through March 27. Dark colors for jigs and flies have been hot of late with pinks and orange a close second. For fishing reports, call Bogggan’s, (509) 256-3372.