Yes that is my understanding as well. From what I hear the fish are very bank oriented. Sounds like a perfect quarter across and dangle situation to me!
-Dan
Hi Dan...
I really don't mean to discourage you, but the river is certainly NOT a perfect quarter across and dangle situation.
I think what people are trying to say is that when the water is high (and it is REALLY HIGH at the moment and will continue to be)... there are really no bank fishing opportunities at all. There are no gravel bars or "rocky" shorelines, to walk and fish, but instead huge dangerous claybanks and massive boulders and cliffs, and trees right to the bank where it instantly drops of into a deep dangerous current...with sweepers.
If I could fish the bank anywhere right now, I would have fished it every day after work this week. But since I like to swing flies with my two hander, I go fishing elsewhere. It has been disappointing for us that the river has been so high for the last two years....but we have no control over water levels.
Most of the very few sections that are swingable when the water is down (and it has to be WAY down) are sanctuaries in the spring and fall, and only open for three months in the summer.
Steelhead are only found below the lowest dam at Alexander, which further limits your fishing opportunities. A boat is essential for access as there are no trails along the river (as there is no shore fishing of any significance). Any shore fishing that does take place, will occur only when parts of the river bed are exposed in low water, and in short isolated sections of the river. Where this occurs, you will also be joining the spinning rod crowd who will choose their spot and will not move for you ( as they have never seen such a thing as a two handed rod). Generally even the gear anglers require a boat to fish the river. Even the guide mentioned in the above post (who definitely is great guy) does a lot of trolling with rapalas.
Having said that... if you have a boat, and a partner who knows the river, (and a bit about two handed fishing,) AND if the water is LOW...it is possible to find a few very very short sections of swinging water, and the possibility of a magnificent fish.
Otherwise, I think the suggestion of fishing the river with a singlehander, from the boat (while wearing a lifejacket), with an experienced partner driving the boat, is some pretty good advice.