arkansas river fly Fishing Report 2025

Sep. 14

Good evening folks. We departed today after a very fast turn around on an 8 day trip. I'm back after 2 nights rest and ready to get back at it with Tommy at the helm. Good weather today along with good food, company, seminars, naps and just good old fashion relaxation mixed with anticipation. We're ready to go here. We're ready to get into battle mode. What we'll be battling is yet to be determined at this point in the night. We're still figuring out where we want to start this journey of long range sportfishing.

The video game fishing continues. 166 yellowtail on yo-yo jigs and dropper loop sardines.

Today’s charter group had a great time catching 5 yellowtail, 30 calico bass and plenty of shallow water bottomfish. However, 5 yellowtail is not going to pay the bills for an open party run. Tomorrow and Tuesday we will be fishing offshore targeting Tuna, yellowtail and mahi mahi. Come prepared with a variety of line sizes from 20-60 lb. might want to bring a popper or a colt sniper rod as well. No Passports required.

Tommy Rothery returned Polaris Supreme to Fisherman's Landing November 18 after a ten-day Ocean Tackle Research charter. The boat had 13 anglers aboard. Chartermaster Lon Mikkelsen of Hood River, OR saw his father, Bill Mikkelsen of Olympia, WA land the season's first super cow; a tuna over 300 pounds. "It was full-speed fishing," said Chartermaster Lon Mikkelsen.

Bill Mikkelsen's big fish won first place after it weighed in at 308.8-pounds, caught on a fly-lined sardine. Bill used the boat's gear, including a 6/0 Mustad 7691 hook, 100-pound P-Line, and a Shimano rod and reel. "Tommy said it was tail-wrapped from the beginning," said the elder Mikkelsen. "And he was, but he got lose and went on another run. He took me around the boat twice."

11 Yellowtail, 4 Yellowfin and a #147 Bluefin. Nice day for Brandon and his friends. 

A slow morning, a productive afternoon. We gave Benitos Island a thorough check for not much to show for. Same old looking at fish that won't bite. We made the run down to Cedros for the afternoon. We eventually found the jumbo size yellows and fished them till almost dark before it shut off. We're going to run up tonight to fish dorados and yellows and tuna in the morning. It's steak night tonight and they're calling. See ya.

Dan and his brother David spent the day with us landing 6 Yellowtail and 2 Yellowfin tuna. Fun fishing the weather was excellent. 

Things definitely slowed down today! You can tell it's on the downswing. If a guy works at it though he could put together a day if you stay with it! Took off from the island heading to Ensenada early and our weather is definitely snotty to say the least! Should be in late tomorrow afternoon Friday, and on time into San Diego on Saturday morning. Looking forward to having Vernon and the boys out on their annual five-day charter to Guadalupe Island! Don't have much more to say just hanging on trying to stay in my chair and not fly out of the wheelhouse.