Fly Fishing Insider Newsletter featuring Deschutes River Camp Times, The morning had been the best kind of success.

Troy Bachmann 08/16/01, early morning. Patty Barnes photo.

This report was sent for republication by: Bob Hooton, Conservation Biology Section Program Manager Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. This report displays a much larger than normal run of steelhead in the Columbia River at Bonneville Dam.

Pictured at left is a happy angler who is releasing a beautiful Columbia tributary wild summer steelhead so it can reproduce
and help keep the trend of increasing wild stocks alive.

2001 Columbia River Summer Steelhead Run Summary

The cumulative count of Group A hatchery steelhead at Bonneville Dam through August 8 is 209,100, compared to the previous annual record high of 250,200 in 1986. By August 14, the cumulative total for 2001 will exceed the previous annual record high. The 2001 total will likely exceed 350,000 Group A hatchery steelhead passing Bonneville Dam.

The cumulative count of Group A wild steelhead at Bonneville Dam through August 8 is 106,300, which exceeds the previous annual record high of 100,600 in 1987. The total for 2001 will likely exceed 140,000 Group A wild steelhead passing Bonneville Dam.

The 17 highest daily steelhead counts ever recorded at Bonneville Dam have occurred over the last 17 consecutive days (July 23-August 8). Daily steelhead counts during this period have ranged from 9,400-14,400 compared to the previous record single day count of 9,300 on July 27, 1955.

Water temperatures remain relatively cool (69° F at Bonneville Dam on August 8) and fish are moving through the system.

Curt Melcher
ODFW Fish Division
August 9, 2001

Mark Bachman lands a bright Deschute steelhead on his new Sage 7136-4 rod, 08/16/01. Patty Barnes photo.

The Sage 7136-4, New and Old Models a comparison.
The Sage 7136-4, (13' 6" #7) traditional action spey rod has long been a favorite model for fishing small wet and waking flies during windless periods. It is a long, light, slow action rod that was built for rivers that have a high percentage of one salt steelhead such as the Deschutes & Grand Rhonde. This rod has for a long time been my early morning tool. It has for the same period been a love/hate relationship. The older brown model (the last ones were produced in 2000) was a really slow action. For me maximum fishing range was about 65'. Fifty foot casts were most comfortable. Maximum distance fishing range for this rod is the same with a Windcutter 6/7/8 or Triangle Taper 8/9 Steelhead

line. This limited range proved to be totally adequate for the task at hand during low light, calm periods. However, as the light levels and wind came up with the rising sun, this rod proved to be a real hindrance for precise presentations. The best thing about the old 7136-4 is how it plays fish in the 4-8 pound range. It has a full length bend and shock absorbing action. I am thoroughly convinced that the angler will land a significantly higher percentage of the fish that are hooked with a traditional spey action rod than with a stiffer euro action rod of the same line weight. In four full seasons I averaged about 70% landing with the 7136-4 model, as compared to about 45% with similar sized fast action rods. This is a significant advantage even after deducting the fish that are out of range with this shorter range weapon.
When Sage changed their entire line of spey rods in 2001 the 7136-4 model was retained but upgraded with combination of Graphite IV and Graphite IIIe technology. When I first cast the new Dark Teal colored 7136-4, my first impression was, "What did thy change except for the color?" It felt largely the same as the old one. However, as I used the new one over the course of several hours the changes became more and more apparent. The new rod has more punch, especially in the wind. I have only used a 6/7/8 Windcutter on the new model. It seems to be a perfect match. I have had no occasion to need cast of over 70'. It puts it out that far with authority. The new model also offers less resistance in the butt section while playing a fish. If you went through a noodle rod phase, the new model will really appeal to you. A five pound fish can bend it to the cork. This is an extremely forgiving rod for small hooks and light tippets. Best part of the new model is the balance. The handle shape and size is a superb choice. The reel seat doesn't mess with your mind. So far this season, I have seen four different new model 7136-4 rods put to the test with four different anglers. Each angler told of an instant love affair. Best part is that I broke mine in real good last trip. I landed 4 out of 5 hooked in a morning and an evening session. This rod is definitely a winner. I am now in search for the perfect reel to compliment it. It's my new early morning tool. I will use my 7141-4 after the sun comes up.

Elementary Spey Casting Class
Your teacher is Mark Bachmann an ardent spey fisher and experienced communicator.

Start at the beginning and achieve a thorough understanding of how spey casting works. This 4 hr. class is for the beginning or intermediate spey casters who wants to obtain their casting and fishing skills quickly. Classes are per individual and by appointment only. Emphasis is on improving your form, timing and under standing of basic spey casting as it pertains to catching steelhead & salmon.

Price: $150 = 1 angler per class only. Class lasts 4 hours on the water.
Two private sessions left for the season. Phone for available dates & reservations.
1/2 the price of this class ($75) will be deducted from the cost of any spey rod/reel/line set-up purchased from The Fly Fishing Shop within 10 days.

Item	Description	Price	To Top
VAC-RAC	Redington Vac-Rac rod car carriers, per pair	$125.00

Model	Line	Length	Sections	Weight	Price	To Top
7136-4	7-8	13' 6"	4	7 3/8	$675