Happy Thanksgiving! Deschutes Steelhead Summer and Fall Video

It's Thanksgiving Day 2014 and as I look back at this year there is so much to be thankful for.  Here is a fun video of fly fishing for steelhead in the Deschutes canyon.  When I watch this video I can't help but be thankful for such a great team of guides and such an amazing resource we have.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Spey Casting Class - Near Portland

Thinking about trying your hand at Spey casting? Want to learn a new cast or try a different line? Take a class! We are offering a special three hour class for the beginner looking for an introduction to Spey casting, or the intermediate caster looking to improve. This class will address the differences between Skagit, Scandi and traditional Spey casting, helping you choose the technique best suited to the way you want to fish. Learn the basics, or improve your casting prowess. 

We will have a few rods and lines to test drive. Students will need personal gear and warm clothes.

This class is limited to 4 students and will be held on Saturday, December 20th, from 9:00 to 12:00 at Barton Park on the Clackamas. Our instructor for this class is Rob Crandall of Water Time Outfitters.

Cost is $65.00 per person. 

Click the link below to book your spot in this class with Royal Treatment Fly Shop:

Spey Casting Class- Book My Spot

Steelhead Fly Patterns by Rob Crandall

I have finally put some of my favorite fly patterns out there in the commercial world.  These flies have been great producers for me for many years.  Each pattern has a specific use and water clarity application.  In generall there is a pattern for low and clear water, medium green to darker green waters.  All these flies work on steelies nearly year round.  I use them on the Oregon Coast, Clackamas and Sandy Rivers and the Deschutes River in summer and fall.

You can now use my secret guiding patterns that produce result for my clients on a daily basis.  Flies are available at great fly shops like Royal Treatment Fly shop in West Linn, OR 503-850-4397 and online at: https://spiritriver.com/new-flies

Good luck on the water!
Rob Crandall

Devils Candy- This is a killer leech pattern that has seductive flash and appeal.  Works especially good on low-clear water conditions or on fish that have been in the river a while. 

Guides Choice- this pattern is a favorite in the green waters of winter steelhead fishing.  Cerise and Orange colors show up well and move and swim in the water.  This is a go-to pattern in winter.

Promise Keeper: this pattern is a great combo of cerise and black with a bit of flash.  It is a top producer most of the year.  Works especially well in them medium green to clear water conditions.  

Crandall's Provider:  Black and Blue has always been a traditional color combo for steelhead that gets results.  This pattern uses Ostrich herl tied in Intruder style to get movement and action in the water.  Always a go-to pattern on any blue sky day or medium to clear water conditions. 

Crandall's Steelhead Nightmare:  This fly I had the hardest time turning over to the commercial side.  It is an all time best producer for me and it is hard to beat for both winter, spring, summer and fall fish. Black and red are great colors for steelies add in the white lead eye and there is a definite color contrast and eye grabber for steelies.  

Crandall's Wedding Dress:  This fly is much better that the traditional "Prom Dress" pattern in that the flash body of the fly articulates and really moves.  This fly is a killer anywhere aggressive steelhead live!  

Winter Steelhead - Techiques Tune-Up Class

Dial in your game for winter steelhead on the banks of the Clackamas River not far from Portland, Oregon with pro guide Rob Crandall.  Rob reveals the tips, tricks and tactics you need to be more successful with the swung fly this winter.  This three hour session is a jump in and go class getting to the nuts and bolts of swung fly success with personalized attention on your technique.  Only $40.  Spots fill fast, save yours today!  Call Rob 503-704-6449 or email:  Winter Steelhead Tune-Up Class

On water class session is held after our FREE seminar at Royal Treatment Fly Shop in West Linn, OR.  Free seminar starts at 10am - 11:30 on water session will be from 1-4pm.

Class Dates:

Dec 13

Jan 10

Feb 21

Mar 21

See more about Rob Crandall's guided fishing at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

Deschutes River Fly Fishing Class - Trout Fishing Fun!

Start your fly fishing right with good fundamentals and fun!  This introduction to fly fishing on the famous Deschutes River is a great course for the beginner, a gift, or fun for the whole family.  This special class is taught by pro guide teaching staff of Water Time Outfitters.   

This two part class first covers the basics in the classroom at Royal Treatment Fly shop. The second session is on the Deschutes River near Maupin, OR.  The Deschutes is Oregon’s premier blue ribbon trout river and only 1 hour and 45 minutes from the Portland area.  Here we cover how to rig, fly casting lesson, on water bug study-what do fish eat, fly fishing techniques, how to fight and land fish and on water fishing for trout.  A get started class information packet is included.

This class covers: Fly fishing terminology, Fly fishing knots, Proper rigging, Equipment, Fly selection, Fly casting, Entomology, and On Water Fishing instruction.  For this 8 hour course rods and reels are provided if needed or bring your own.  Bring your waders, boots, fishing license, polarized glasses, lucky fishing hat and lunch.

Available dates:

May 27 6-8 pm in shop & May 30 on water

Jun 10   6-8 pm in shop & Jun 13 on water

Jul 15    6-8 pm in shop & Jul 17 & or 18 on water

Aug 5    6-8pm in shop & Aug 8 on water

Sept 16 6-8pm in shop & Sept 18 & or 19 on water

Online Booking with Royal Treatment Fly Shop: Click Here

Call to reserve your spot today!  503-704-6449  email:  Water Time Classes    

Fly Fishing Lakes Class 2015 - Portland Area Fly Fishing!

Learn what it takes to catch trout in lakes with this one day well rounded, 8 hour, fly fishing school brought to you by Water Time Outfitters and Royal Treatment Fly shop.  Get started in fly fishing the right way and learn from our pro’s.  Our first segment of the class is held in the classroom at Royal Treatment Fly shop in West Linn, OR.  From there we go get a line wet on a private lake with healthy  populations of Rainbow trout.  Get started fly fishing the right way or just advance your skills on some trophy trout waters.   Come join the fun! 

What’s Included:

•             Beginners approach to fly fishing session- knots, terminology, rigging etc…

•             Fly casting lesson- learn the basics of fly casting- overhead, roll cast, roll cast pickup, presentation               casts and more

•             Lake fly fishing techniques- dry fly, emerger, streamer and midge techniques

•             Lake entomology lesson- learn what trout eat in lakes

•             Guided fly fishing on a private lake

•             V-Boats and kick fins

Bring your lucky fishing hat, a lunch and your camera you just might catch some memories!

Our guarantee:  We will work hard so you can learn as much as possible in this class on the great sport of fly fishing lakes.  We will do our best to see that everyone catches fish and has an enjoyable day.  Space is limited reserve your spot today!  Fee is only $130.00  Call 503-704-6449 to reserve your spot today! Classes in May and June 2015  Email:  Lake Fly Class Info

Beginning Fly Fishing Class - Clackamas River - Get Started!

Start your fly fishing right with good fundamentals and fun!  This introduction to fly fishing is a great course for the beginner, a gift, or fun for the whole family.  Our instructors love to share their passion of fly fishing with this starter course. Starting in the classroom at Royal Treatment Fly Shop in West Linn you will be introduced to fly fishing theory, knot tying, rigging and fish behavior then we’ll head to our local water.     There we’ll cover beginning fly casting, fly fishing techniques and strategies for trout.  A get started class information packet is included. This class covers: Fly fishing terminology, Fly fishing knots, Proper rigging, Equipment, Fly selection, Fly casting, Entomology and On Water instruction.

Don’t let the mystery of fly fishing keep you from enjoying a great sport.  Let us help you untangle the myths of fly fishing and get started right.  For this 6 hour course rods and reels are provided.  Bring your waders/boots, fishing license, and lunch. Class Fee:  Only $65.00  Class sizes are limited - please reserve your spot in advance.  

This one day session held close to Portland, OR at McIver Park on the ClackamasRiver gets you started.  T

This class covers:

• Fly fishing terminology
• Fly fishing knots
• Proper rigging
• Equipment
• Fly selection
• Fly casting
• Entomology
• On Water Fishing instruction

For this 6 hour course rods and reels are provided.  Bring your waders/boots, fishing license, lunch and park entry fee. 

This special class is only being held: Jun 27, Jun 30, July 11, Aug 19, Aug 22, Sept 26

Class Fee:  Only $65.00

Class sizes are limited please reserve your spot in advance.  
                        Call 503-704-6449  Email:  Clackamas Fly Class

Winter & Spring Steelhead Workshops - 2015 Schedule

Want to learn how to catch winter steelhead on Oregon Rivers?  Water Time Outfitters offers a special workshop just for you!  These workshops are designed to get walk in fly anglers comfortable with a variety of spots and techniques that will put them into fish on the Oregon's best rivers.

Here is how it works. We start at the crack of 9:00 am at a designated location near the water with coffee and donuts. We’ll review maps that will give you at least a dozen productive steelhead runs that you can drive and walk to often these are spots we personally fish. With coffee in hand we’ll discuss the maps in detail.

Then when we’ve reached proper caffeine level we’ll grab a bunch of gear and head out to the water.   We will tour the river from the bank bound angler point of view showing you the sweet spots with public access.  On the water we will cover: fishing techniques, fishing strategy, fly selection and more. This is also time to talk about lines, rods and rigging. We’ll have plenty of spey rods and nearly 20 fly lines for you to try out and get a feel for different systems. We will have plenty of spey rods and switch rods for you to try out and different lines to try on your own rod. If you need some basic spey casting lessons there is usually a little time for that as well.

If we actually catch a fish it will be by accident. The purpose of this workshop is to give you the tools you need to find, read, and properly fish good steelhead water the actual fishing will be secondary.

Around 1pm we’ll break for a hungry man’s lunch and then head on to some more spots with steelhead water you’ll want to drool on!

Steelhead Workshop Classes offered in 2015:

January 10th - Wilson, Trask, Kilches rivers- meets in Tillamook instructor- Gil Muhleman

January 24th  -Clackamas & Eagle Creek meets at Royal Treatment Fly shop -instructor Rob Crandall

April 4th - Clackamas River meets at Royal Treatment Fly shop- instructor Rob Crandall

Workshop cost is $100 including lunch and is limited to 8 anglers. Booking is through Royal Treatment Fly shop in West Linn, OR.  Spots fill fast.

Click Here to: Sign up NOW with Royal Treatment Fly Shop

Call Rob Crandall for more info 503-704-6449 or to reserve your spot.  Email:  Winter Steelhead Signup Info

Fly Fishing Classes 2015 Schedule

If you want to advance your skills and get more effective on the water in 2015 Water Time Outfitters team of expert instructors has a great line-up of classes schools and seminars to help you make the most of your time on the water.  Here is our 2015 calendar of upcoming events.  We'd love to help you!  Come join us!

Beginning Fly Fishing Class – Clackamas River  $75     (Click here for more details)

Jun 27

Jun 30

July 11

Aug 19

Aug 22

Sept 26

Beginning Fly Fishing Lakes Class $130   (Click here for more details)

April 18

May 23

Jun 13

Beginning Fly Fishing Class – Deschutes River  $140   (Click here for more details)

May 27 6-8 pm in shop & May 30 on water

Jun 10   6-8 pm in shop & Jun 13 on water

Jul 15    6-8 pm in shop & Jul 17 & or 18 on water

Aug 5    6-8pm in shop & Aug 8 on water

Sept 16 6-8pm in shop & Sept 18 & or 19 on water

Winter Steelhead Workshop – Clackamas River     (Click here for more details)

Jan 24

April 4th

Winter Steelhead Tune-Up  $40   (Click here for more details)

Dec 13, 2014

Jan 10

Feb 21

Mar 21

Fly Fishing Lakes Tour – details and fees to be determined

May 4-8

Seminars:

Royal Treatment Fly Shop- Winter Steelhead - The Missing Peices

Dec 13, 2014  10-11:30  FREE!

Jan 10

Feb 21

Mar 21

Royal Treatment Fly Shop - Trout Seminars

April 11- Rob Crandall

April 25- Marc Williamson  (Seminar and Fly Tying) 

May 2 Gil Muhleman

Portland Sportsman's Show- Steelhead River and Fly Fishing Theater

Feb 4-8  Rob Crandall

Water Time Outfitters is an Oregon based company offering guided fly fishing trips, classes and workshops on some of Oregon's finest waters.  See more about our company at:  www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

A Toast to Fall - Deschutes Colors

Water Time Outfitters offers guided fishing adventures on the Deschutes River in Central Oregon.  We specialize in multi-day drift boat and jet boat camp trips.  We've been doing this for over 20 years and many of our customers have been with us that long...find out why!  www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

Mornings on the River - Favorites from Fall 2014

Some of my favorite times this fall I found myself in awe of the scenery.  You would think that for a guy who spends just about every day on the Deschutes river during steelhead season it would get to be mundane.  In the Deschutes canyon the scenery is fantastic, add in the fall colors the low angle of the sun in October and November and you have the makings for some epic landscapes.  Here are a few pics from this season that I really enjoyed.  Rob Crandall www.watertimeoutfitters.com

October / November Deschutes River Reports

Water Time Outfitters has been guiding most every day in the last several months on Oregon's Deschutes river chasing our favorite fish- Steelhead!  Here we swing flies for the aggressive grab from elusive steelies.  As steelhead migrate in from the ocean they spread out over the lower 100 miles of the Deschutes River.  These fish like to hide in certain spots where the water speed and depth are to their liking.  Structure like boulders and riffle breaks in the current give these migrating beauties a place to rest from their journey against the steady flow of the Deschutes River which averaged 6 miles per hour.  River flows for much of October were steadily around 4000 cfs at Madras and bumped up to around 5000 in early November.  Water temperatures have been very mild and steadily in the 50's slowly migrating lower into November.  The consistent flow and tailwaters of the Deschutes make it ideal water to chase steelies Here you rarely have to worry the river will blow out or turn brown when you arrive.  www.watertimeoutfitters.com

The Deschutes River flows through arid canyons of the high desert of central Oregon.  Sage brush and juniper spice the dry air and fill your nose with a medly of the desert country smells.  Columnar basalt cliffs rise high above you as you float the ancient Deschutes River canyon.  Golden eagles often soar on the rising thermals near these cliffs.  Mule deer and otters often great you along the river's narrow but lush riparian zone next to the steady flowing river.

Our favorite trip on the Deschutes is a camp trip.  Here we send Marty Smith with our gear boat ahead to set a comfortable camp.  Anglers and guides spend all day on the water and come into a prepared camp with a warm campfire going.  Marty often has chocolate cookies in the oven as we arrive.

The Deschutes River has a variety of steelhead strains that arrive in the fall.  The Deschutes hatchery steelhead is from the Pelton Dam hatchery located near the 100 mile mark.  These fish are clipped with the distinctive adipose fin and maxillary fin clipped.  Wild - unclipped fish also spawn in the Deschutes basin.  A strong run of wild fish ascend the Deschutes River each fall.  Out of basin steelhead often stray into the cool verdant waters of the Deschutes as well.  These fish are both wild and hatchery origin.  Hatchery strays will have only the adipose fin clipped.

Water Time Outfitter guides have been sharing the Deschutes river with anglers for over 20 years.  Our seasons are generally filled up with returning guests but we always love to meet new friends.  If you'd like to join us for a Deschutes River fishing adventure visit our website: www.watertimeoutfitters.com and give us a call!  Guides Rob Crandall, Gil Muhleman, Marty Smith and Kenny Kiley.