I am by no means an expert at recognizing a salmon redd at eye level on the water. The obvious observation of salmon observed active on the redd in shallow water is one thing. But, recognizing a redd in deeper water and picking out the hydraulics at water level is more challenging, yet important. The female salmon, as you know doubt know, displaces the stream bed with her tail in order to create a depression to deposit her eggs. This displacement is significant enough that the rocks, which are pushed in all directions, creates a type of busy water* in contrast to the current around it. Find that busy water and fish below with egg patterns for trout. Not an unusual concept, but this time of year NW fly fishers are chasing steelhead, and focused on top for October Caddis and the reappearance of BWO’s.

I have fished below active redd’s (obviously leave the salmon alone) and drifted egg patterns 20-30 yards below and had amazing success. But also, weeks after the salmon had finished and succumbed, I have fished below that vacant redd and again done well.The trout have remained, locked in, long after the salmon had died. Perhaps some eggs, not covered, drifted, or dead salmon tissue offered some source of food. I don’t know, but I have great success in late October and even in early November.

There is an almost, if not totally downstream presentation. Just work out line and gently ease the floating line out. The egg pattern and minimal weight will drift and hold as you work into the trout’s space. No need for drifting eggs here..just ease it down and the take will be obvious as if back bouncing eggs from a drift boat (now, now…relax). The Fall Chinook are preparing to spawn. So, while you present those October Caddis also be aware of those bath tub size redd’s and that busy water.

As to egg pattern colors, I drift two eggs…one red, one pale orange. With the excellent bead options out there these days for eggs you can’t miss for long, or tie your own with micro or medium chenille. The egg pattern can be weighted or unweighted. Remember! Leave the salmon alone. And, wade around the redd once the salmon have departed.

*Busy Water: hint of rolling washboard riffle from gravel not rocks, swirling confined to smaller spot. Maybe someone could add to my busy water definition too. I had the occasion to have then guide, Mike Duley (excellent mentor) attempt to spot this out from drift boats and stream side.