Fishing Seasons

The last half of June and first half of July (up until the closure of king season) is the best time to find the big Chinooks shouldering their way into this river’s modest runs and pools.

Both single-handed and two-handed rods are appropriate, and these brutes average 20-30 pounds, with occasional monsters tipping the scales at over 40.

Sandy River Lodge also has a silver salmon program, located on a river a short flight from the main lodge. Late August through late September is prime time here. Anglers should expect rustic accommodations, and a boatload of big silvers, many of which aggressively take poppers off the water’s surface.

Steelhead begin showing up in the Sandy late in September, then continue to pour in throughout the month of October. We suspect they may continue on into November, but to be honest, it just gets too cold most years to stick around and find out! It varies from year to year whether Mel chooses to remain open the last week of October due to weather concerns. These fish are chrome bright, very grabby to a swung fly, and average around 30 inches. Fish over 36 inches are rare, but on a good year experienced steelhead anglers often hook 6-10 fish a day!