Steelhead fishing in July, August and early September was average at best, but has finally picked up lately. The cooler weather of late has really help the fishing, with the sun moving to a lower angle all day fishing can now be productive.

Our friend and long time North Umpqua guide Dean Finnerty has been having luck raising fish on skaters the past few weeks. Dean was kind enough to share some dry fly techniques with us. Dean writes; "In the summer time, North Umpqua natives go nuts for skaters that are lightly twitched.?? I simply instruct my clients to pretend the tip of their rod is a hammer and they are trying to nail a small 2" nail into a board with the tip of their rod as they follow the swing of the fly.?? Just a little life given to the fly seems to make a huge difference.?? Steelhead just pounce on it!"

A quick drive to nearby Steamboat Creek is a great way to spend your midday.??The creek is closed to all angling but it makes for a memorable sight, spotting hundreds of chrome summers schooled together like Alaskan Sockeye. If that doesn't get you fired up, nothing in life will!

A great way to prepare for your evening fishing is to scout the tail outs from the hwy.??Start fishing your selected spots just as the sun goes off the water.

Best fishing remains upstream from Bogus Creek. Summer Steelhead are looking up, a perfect time and place to test??out your new 7 weight spey rod and a wake throwing surface skater. A sparsely tied Low Water Green Butt or Silver Hilton is a great way to follow up should the fish continue to boil but not take your skater.

Keep in mind that weighted flies are not allowed on the North Umpqua. However, weighted lines (sinktips) are now permitted.?? With that being said, skaters and floating lines makes much better conversation at the club house!

Note:?? Two things to remember about the North Umpqua... ??a pair of quality polarized glasses are highly recommended + a pair of Super Stream Cleats ($ 49.95) makes wading on this slick river bottom much easier and safer.