Spokane Fly Shop Limits Steelhead Trips to Swing-Only

Silver Bow Fly Shop is restricting its guided Grande Ronde River trips to fly-fishing techniques using two-handed rods.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Fishing

Screen-print poster illustration of a fly-fishing rod, reel, and feathered lure resting on a smooth stone, evoking traditional fly-fishing conservation. — Silver Bow Fly Shop in Spokane has shifted its guided Grande Ronde River steelhead trips to swing-only fishing to reduce stress on fish populations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Silver Bow Fly Shop has transitioned its guided steelhead trips on the Grande Ronde River to exclusively swing-only fishing. The move eliminates the use of nymph rigs on guided excursions to reduce impact on the fish population.

Why it matters

The change was prompted by record-low returns of Columbia River summer steelhead. By shifting to swing-only methods, the shop aims to minimize handling stress on the fish while helping clients focus on the process of catching individual steelhead.

Official counts show fewer than 60,000 summer steelhead have passed Bonneville Dam since July 1, marking the smallest run on record. Guide Kenyon Pitts noted that his October bookings were reduced by half following the policy change.

The players

Silver Bow Fly Shop

A Spokane-based business that has been guiding anglers on the Grande Ronde River since approximately 2009.

Kenyon Pitts

A 28-year-old fishing guide with a nine-year tenure at Silver Bow Fly Shop who transitioned his client trips to swing-only techniques.

The details

The shop now mandates the use of two-handed spey rods and prohibits heavy nymphs fished under bobbers. Guides facilitate the experience by shuttling clients between fishing runs and providing specialized instruction on casting techniques.

Silver Bow Fly Shop began guiding on the Grande Ronde River in 2009.
Steelhead counts at the Bonneville Dam commenced on July 1, 2026.
Kenyon Pitts conducted swing-only guided trips throughout October 2026.
A specific client steelhead trip occurred in mid-October 2026.

Culture Shift

The shop's shift reflects a broader trend among anglers to prioritize ethical and sustainable practices over total catch volume. This move mirrors the industry's response to the record-low Columbia River summer steelhead run, signaling a move toward more selective, process-oriented sport fishing.

Clients booking guided trips through the shop must now adapt to using two-handed spey rods instead of traditional nymph rigs. Those who frequent the Grande Ronde River should be aware that these private operational changes are intended to preserve the fishery for future seasons.

The takeaway

The move highlights the growing importance of conservation-minded fishing practices as environmental pressures mount on native fish populations. Anglers can support these efforts by adopting sustainable techniques that prioritize the health of the run over harvest numbers.