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Steelhead Fishing


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Steelhead Fishing    PAC 180        Michael Gorman, Instructor    
Michael G with McKenzie River steelhead / trout and steelhead fly fishing / McKenzie River fly fishing guide             
Steelhead Fishing    PAC 180
(1 credit  hour.  Prerequisite: none)         
Michael Gorman, Instructor
phone: (541) 758-1687    email: mfgorman13@comcast.net      No campus office, but inquire in PAC office, Langton Hall 123
T
his course is intended to acquaint the student with the basic skills of steelhead fishing ---- rods, reels, lines, lures, baits, flies, and an array of angling techniques.  There will be a general overview of the steelheads life cycle and behavioral habits that are of interest to the angler.   In addition to lectures, demonstrations and discussions, there will be slide presentations and video excerpts that will serve as learning aids in this course.

 Upon successful completion of STEELHEAD FISHING the student will be able to:
*Intelligently discuss the life cycle of a steelhead.
*Know the components and differences among spinning, casting and fly fishing rods/reels/lines, and demonstrate basic knowledge of how to effectively use each type.
*Tie three basic fishing knots: double surgeon, clinch and egg loop.
*Identify the basic components of a fishing rod and know, generally, how the rod is constructed from these..
*Discern the basic differences among these fishing techniques --- jigs, bait, spinners, spoons, plugs, bobbers, and flies.
*Select appropriate fly rod/reel/line/leader/fly combinations for a given steelhead fishing situation.
*Name five streams or lakes in Oregon of steelhead fishing importance, their exact location, and appropriate time of year to fish these with a reasonable chance of success.                 

 WEEK 1  What is a steelhead?  Winter vs. Summer-run.  Fishing locations and sources
                  Review course outline & grading. Steelhead life cycle.  Video excerpt: "Fishing for Pacific Steelhead"

 WEEK 2  Basic fishing equipment: rods, reels and lines.  Fishing knots handout.
                  Slide presentation: "Fishing for Summer Steelhead"

 WEEK 3   **Video excerpt: "Catching More Steelhead", a systematic, strategic approach.
                   
Various steelheading techniques: bait, spoons, spinners, corkies

 WEEK 4  The components and construction of a fishing rod.
                   Fly Fishing for steelhead: fly rods, fly reels, leaders, flies and Hybrid Line System

 WEEK 5  Tuesday: GRADING QUIZ.  Steelhead fly tying demonstration.
                 
Class steelhead fly tying 

WEEK 6   Review of fly fishing techniques, diving Plugs, drift boats, licensed fishing guides.

                 Thursday: OPEN-NOTE MID TERM EXAM

WEEK 7  2007 Fishing Regulations.  Slide presentation: "Fishing for Winter Steelhead"
                Guest speaker:  Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Enforcement

WEEK 8  **Midwest-style Steelhead Fishing methods: video excerpts.
                 Midwest-style Steelhead Fishing methods: video excerpts, Part II


WEEK 9
  Tuesday: CLASS PROJECTS DEADLINE.    ODFW biologist Steve Mamoyac.
                
Jig fishing, and review of steelhead fishing techniques.  The details of trip planning.

WEEK 10  Important fishing accessories: vest, waders, technical clothing, tools, etc.
                  Thursday: OPEN NOTE/OPEN BOOK FINAL EXAM.

GRADING STEELHEAD FISHING, PAC 180
Instructor: Michael Gorman         
mfgorman13@comcast.net                                                                                                                      
758-1687  Phone message

1.  Grading: the final grade is scored on a point basis.  230-250 points, A; 225-229 points, A-; 221-224, B+; 205-220, B; 200-204, B-; 196-199, C+; 180-195, C; 175-179, C-; 171-174, D+; 155-170, D; 150-154, D-, 149 points or less, F.
The point total is determined by the sum associated with the following criteria:
*Participation: 20 points.  After the first week of the term, 1 point is subtracted from a starting total of 20 for each absence from participation in class.
*Grading quiz, week 5, Tuesday: 20 points.
*Timed open note/open book demonstration of knowledge, Thursday: 50 points.
*Summary of steelhead fishing outing taken during the current term, due beginning of class, Thursday : 30 points.
(To fish public waters in Oregon, the student must have a current, valid Oregon fishing license issued at most retail stores that sell sporting goods.  A one-day license is about $12 for residents and nonresidents alike.  Licenses of longer duration may be obtained at great reductions in per day cost. Also, the student is responsible for acquiring terminal gear, such as hooks, bait, or lures for their fishing outing.  At no cost, a rod, reel, and line may be checked out to the student from Langton 127 by the instructor only.)
*Satisfactory completion of one of the projects listed in #3 below, due beginning of class, Tuesday: 30 points.
*End-of-term open note/open book demonstration of knowledge, week 10, Thursday: 100 points.
Maximum point total: 250.

Students must have an ONID account in order to access their grade at the campus Blackboard site. To get an ONID account, go to http://www.onid.orst.edu   Once the student has logged into Blackboard, access this class. If you cannot access the course, you are not correctly registered for this class. Again, you must have an ONID account in order to access your final grade.

2. Submit a type-written summary of a steelhead fishing outing taken during the current term: 75 – 100 words indicating:

1)
date and stream or lake fished, and its general geographical location (5 points);
2)
exact equipment (rod reel, line leader, tippet) and flies (5 points);
3)
description of the fishing (not casting) techniques/presentations of the fly used (5 points); and,
4)
significant fishing “lessons” learned (5 points). 
5)
Use spelling and grammar checks on your summary, AND write at the bottom of the page: "I have used grammar and spell check when writing this report", followed by your hand-written signature. (5 points). 
6)
Papers should include PAC course number and class meeting time, and
7) Papers should not exceed more than half a page of 12-point typed text (5 points).    There's a 5 point deduction for exceeding 1/2 page for this summary.  Due at the beginning of class Tuesday

Only typed summaries submitted at the beginning of class will be accepted.  Late submissions  for ANY reason will receive no (zero) credit.
(To fish public waters in Oregon, the student must have a current, valid Oregon fishing license issued at most retail stores that sell sporting goods.  A one-day license is about $12 for residents and nonresidents alike.  Licenses of longer duration may be obtained at great reductions in per day cost. Also, the student is responsible for acquiring terminal gear, such as leaders and flies for their fishing outing.  At no cost, a rod, reel, and line may be checked out to the student from Langton 127 by the instructor only.)

 3Select, complete, and submit one of the following on or before the beginning of your regular class meeting, Tuesday

    A.  Typed summary of a steelhead fishing book (non-cartoon) of at least 100 pages, read during the current term.  Include:

1)
author, publisher and publishing date,
2)
a concise summary between 150 and 300 words, not to exceed one page of 12-point text (5 points deducted if this exceeds one page). 
3)
Refer to two or more specific items of particular interest to you. 
4)
Use spelling and grammar checks on your summary (5 points). 
5)
Papers should include PAC number (PAC 180) and class meeting time as part of the heading. 
6)
At the very bottom of the of your report type: “I have read this book in its entirety during the current term”, and  "I have used grammar and spell check when writing this report".  Place your hand-written signature below them.
   
    B.  Typed summary and review (150 – 300 words each) of two different steelhead fishing videos. 

In addition to the video title, include the name of the host/narrator and video-production company.  Then, follow exactly the guidelines stipulated in Project A, above, as you write your summariess.  Students must locate the videos outside class and OSU.  NONE ARE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENT USE FROM OSU OR PAC DEPARTMENT.  Try City of Corvallis Library.  At the very bottom of the of your report type: “I have viewed these videos or DVD's in their entirety during the current term”, and  "I have used grammar and spell check when writing this report".  Place your hand-written signature below them.

    C.   A custom fishing rod built by the student during the current term.

    D.   A display of 12 different (altering the size or colors is NOT "different") fly patterns, or spinners (which can vary just in color or size to qualify as "different"), tied by the student during the current term.  These will be mounted, labeled (in type, not hand-written), and neatly displayed.  Typed labeling accounts for 5 points of the total.  Display method is the choice of the student.  A reminder: the difference between student-tied flies and commercially-tied flies is often extremely obvious.

     E.  A critique and written comments on 1) the Introduction AND 2) a short, one-chapter fishing book manuscript written by your instructor. The
links are listed immediately below the guidelines for this project.  For each section of your paper number them 1 through 7 which correspond to all seven guidelines referenced below.  Doing this is worth 5 points of the 30 possible.
1) Were the Introduction and chapter clear, complete in covering its particular topic and helpful?  Remember: Each chapter covers only its topic of focus.  A chapter on locating steelhead, for instance, will not have details about fly selection, how to cast, or tying knots.  Such topics will be covered in other chapters.  A single chapter is not a book in itself.
2) How could they be improved?  Were the introduction and manuscript chapter understandable?  Explain and give 2 examples
3) Was the specific topic in the chapter discussed complete?     Explain. 
4) What specifically was left incomplete, or no thoroughly explained in the chapter?  Examples, if any. 
5) Attempts at humor in the Intro or chapter--- did these work, or not?  Give 2 examples.  Suggestions in the humor department? 
6) Write some "general remarks" about what you read in the Introduction and the chapter. 
7) Please limit your TOTAL remarks to one page.  5 points deducted for exceeding one page.
8) Use spelling and grammar checks on your summary, AND write at the bottom of the page: "I have used grammar and spell check when writing this report", followed by your hand-written signature. (5 points)

"Know Your Quarry --- The Steelhead Life Cycle"
"Locating Productive Steelhead Water and How to Fish It with a Fly"


Late submissions, for any reason, will not be accepted for credit
All summaries and projects are due no later than the beginning of class Tuesday.
Note: Students absent from class, for any reason, are responsible for securing notes from another student in class.
If there should be an obvious typing error or conflict of dates concerning deadline dates, or dates concerning the quiz, mid term exam, or final exam, the student will not be excused for missing the deadline.  Announcements will be made in class lectures as deadlines or testing dates approach.  These announcements will supersede any typo errors.  Students are responsible for knowing this.

A few recommended books and authors:                                                           A few recommended video titles:
Steelhead Trout by T. Combs                                                                                Fly Fishing for Pacific Steelhead, 3M
Fishing in Oregon by Casali and Dinesse                                                               Catching More Steeelhead, 3M
Steelhead Fly Fishing by T. Combs                                                                       Advanced Strategies for Trout, 3M
Jig Fishing for Steelhead by J. Bradbury                                                                Fly Fishing for Trophy Steelhead, 3M
Drift Fishing for Steelehead  by Ed Luch                                                                 Essence of Fly Casting, Kreiger
Steelhead Fly Fishing and Flies by T. Combs                                                        Advanced Fly Fishing for Pacific Steelhead, 3M

Please note:
Oregon State University provides clear definition and sanctions for academic dishonesty.  As a result, academic dishonesty of any kind is not tolerated. Students caught cheating, plagiarizing, or participating in any form of academic dishonesty will receive an F on the assignment or test (and possibly an F in the course). A formal report to the chair of the Department, to the Dean, and to the Student Conduct Program will be made.

If you have any questions about the extent and severity of sanctions that may result from dishonest behavior, I suggest that you take time to read the OSU Student Handbook or access the OSU Student Conduct Website at: http://www.orst.edu/admin/stucon/achon.htm

 Statement of Risk: Risk is associated with many of life’s activities, including PAC classes.  The College of Health and Human Performance and Dept. of Exercise and Sport Science will seek to minimize these risks by providing safe activity areas where possible, adequate equipment, and capable instruction.  It is highly recommended that you provide yourself with a student health/accident insurance policy.  These are available through the University, private carriers, or through a family policy.  If uninsured, minor accidents or health problems can lead to great expense.  If you have a condition that might affect or be affected by participation in this PAC class, you are encouraged to so inform your instructor either verbally or in writing.  Should you become ill or injured during class time, please inform the instructor or have a fellow student do so.  If you must leave class because of illness or injury it is recommended that another student accompany you.
    Sharp hooks and tools used during this class have an obvious inherent danger.  Use common sense and precautions at all times.  When on a fishing outing, common sense and precautions are urged when using sharp hooks (wearing polarized eye glasses is recommended at all times to protect your eyes and assist in safe wading) and wading in swift currents or walking on slippery rocks.  If you perceive dangerous conditions that cannot be counteracted with common sense and reasonable precautions, desist and/or speak with your instructor.

Statement for Students with Disabilities
            Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty and Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). Students with accommodations approved through SSD are responsible for contacting the faculty member in charge of the course prior to or during the first week of the term to discuss accommodations. Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but who have not yet obtained approval through SSD should contact SSD immediately at 737-4098.

 

Focus Questions and Important Info to know --- Have in your notes
   
*What is a steelhead? Is it a member of the salmon family?
     *What does "anadromous" mean?  What does "catadromous" mean?
     *Life cycle of a steelhead: nest, redd, alevin, parr, smolt.  KNOW THE DEFINITIONS / DISTINCTIONS.
     *Where do most steelhead go once entering the ocean?  How long do they remain in saltwater?
     *Timing of spawning runs, winter vs. summer steelhead.  Generally when do these fish actually spawn?
     *Describe general activity differences between winter and summer steelhead.  Main factor for difference?
     *Describe "ideal" holding water in a stream where a steelhead would tend to linger.
     *Name 10 Oregon streams that have winter steelhead fishing opportunities.
     *Name 5 Oregon streams that have summer steelhead fishing opportunities.
     * Name 3 Oregon streams that have both winter and summer steelhead.
     *What is unique about the Siletz River and its native summer steelhead.
     *Spinning rod/reel vs. level wind reel/casting rod vs. fly rod/reel.  Pros and cons.  Rod actions: fast, medium, slow/full flex.  Pros and cons.
     *Spinners, spoons, corkies, diving plugs, jigs, various baits, flies: differences, pros and cons.
     *Spinners, spoons, corkies, diving plugs, jigs, various baits, flies: describe methods for fishing these.
     *Trooper Mary Branson: what did she discuss?  What was the average angling violation fine mentioned?
     *Biologist Steve Mamoyac: what did he discuss?  What months find the peak of the steelhead and salmon smolts migrating in our valley rivers and streams?  What is the most important environmental factor for their survival?
     *Where is the adipose fin located?  Why is it important to anglers who catch a steelhead?
     *Know: operculum, lateral line, nares, pectoral, ventral, anal fins.
     *How can you readily identify a male vs. female steelhead?  Looking at a fish photo, how can you most likely tell a living steelhead from a dead steelhead?
     *Can you tie a clinch knot, surgeon knot, and an egg loop?  What is an egg loop for?
     *Why is it important to use a leader when fishing spinners, spoons, bait and corkies?  Leader length?
     *What knot would you use to attach a swivel to your main line and leader?  What does a swivel prevent?
     *What is a slinky?  How is it attached to your line?
     *Describe the materials used and how to construct a "spawn sack".  How is a spawn sack fished?
     *Name three commonly used steelhead baits.
     *Caballero fly: name materials and tools used to construct the fly.  Factoid: originally designed for winter steelhead.
     *What is a "hackle"?  Bird (and gender) producing the most commonly used hackles?   What is a half-hitch knot?
     *Describe the Hybrid Line System.  For what fish species the HLS designed and particularly effective?
     *What is a "polarized" glasses lens?  What does polarization do for the angler?  Name three benefits.
     *Name 10 handy and/or necessary items to carry in your fishing vest?
     *What type of fishing waders are considered the safest if you go for an unplanned swim while fishing?
     *What advantage do you have wearing synthetic felt soles on your wading shoes or boots?
     *What requirements must you meet to become a certified fishing guide in Oregon?

 

Contact Information

Telephone
541.207.4000

Postal address
Michael Gorman
330 NW Autumn Place, Corvallis OR 97330
Mckenzie River fishing guides & Rogue River fishing guides specialists

EMail
To contact me please cut and paste the following email address to help prevent spam emails,
and please include the word "fishing" in the subject line of your email so your important note is not screened out by the spam filter. 
Many thanks.
Please cut and paste this email addressgorman_flyfishing@hotmail.comPlease include the word "fishing"

 somewhere in the Subject line of your email note

 

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