Deschutes River Salmon Fly Action

Tradition has it in Oregon that when the Dogwood trees start to bloom the spring Chinook are running; another tradition that holds true in Oregon is when the Redwing Blackbirds show up on the Deschutes River the Salmon Flies are hatching!  That call of nature is heard by more than just birds and fish.  Fishermen flock from all parts of the globe to see this "freak of nature-four winged-food bananza" happen on the banks of our favorite river.

Salmon flies and the golden stones are insects that live underwater in the stones of the river some for up to three years in what looks to be an armored outfit.  Only clean oxygenated rivers with all the right components have hatches like the lower Deschutes River.  When the water temps hit 52.5 degrees, these armoured meat packages crawl out of the water into nearby vegetation and shed their skin as it were like the proverbial worm to the butterfly.  These critters not anywhere near the graceful beauty of a butterfly are clumsy fliers and often crash with a smack into the water making a veritable food buffet for hungry trout.

The intensity of this unique hatch which is found in only some of the most legendary rivers of the west can be amazing.  Afternoon flights of thousands of these four winged fliers can pepper the sky.  Driving near the river during one of these afternoons can be disasterous; leaving bloody smears of the three inch blobs coating a vehicle.  The good news is these clumsy critters do not bite.

The fish however do, they seem to love them and viciously attack a floating food morsel of both salmon flies or golden stones.  The goldens seem to be the prefered meal - perhaps they are sweeter?
All this combines to provide anglers on the Deschutes- who have the good fortune of timing their trip right - some unbeleivable dry fly fishing!

Favorite fly patterns for the hatch:
Chubby Chernobyl - Golden
Chubby Chernobyl - Salmon Fly
Chubby Chernobyl - Norm Woods
Sofa Pillow
Clark Stone
Norm Woods Special

Favorite Leaders for this hatch:
7-1/2' 3X tapered leader

Other hatches that show at the same time:
Caddis
Blue Winged Olives
PMD- pale morning dun
Green Drakes (inconsistently)

Fishing the Deschutes can be challenging as regulations do not allow one to fish out of a boat.  Good bank fishing access can be found around the town of Maupin or Warm Springs/Mecca Flats.

To really experience the best of the hatch, in the most remote parts of the canyon join the crew of the guides from Water Time Outfitters.  The WTO team has many decades of experience fishing the banks of the D.  Groups of 2- 10 anglers can easily be accomodated.  See more at:  www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Oregon Coast Steelhead- March

Rain is slamming the coast today… looks like we are going to be blown out tomorrow.  Perhaps later in the week will be good.  Lots of big chrome wild fish coming in.  We are getting them on our favorite N. Coast rivers when water levels cooperate.  High winds lately have put three new trees on one of our favorite floats in the last few days making navigation tricky.  Always interesting this time of year!  Good luck on the water and be safe!

How to be an Unsuccessful Winter Fly Angler

How to be an Unsuccessful Winter Fly Angler

The quest for winter steelhead on the swing is an admirable thing to do- only those who are carefull to be unlucky are completely unsuccessful at all times.  These are quick and easy steps to non-success that anyone can master.

Fish the wrong gear- a sure fire start to non-success is to use your summer steelhead lines for winter steelhead.  Swinging flies on the surface is fun and rewarding way to cast, and cast and cast.  Winter fish are frozen to the bottom so swinging a fly on the surface will ensure you don't get fish slime on your hands.

Consistency is for the birds- don't worry about your cast length or wading.  To be consistently unsuccessful it is helpful to cast short, then long.  Especially helpful is to make a short cast then wade 20 feet then make a long cast.  Being consistent and concise moving 5' down every time is boring.  

Sharp hooks are not worth the time.  If you worry about how sharp your hook is you are wasting time.  After pounding on a snagged fly that finally comes loose don't waste your time with a hook file.  This might ensure that if you did get a hit you might actually hook up and lose casting time.

Yank hard!  IF you somehow manage to get BIT after following the above advice do the following: YANK HARD at the earliest inkling that something alive is mouthing your fly.  This will ensure that you save the fly and don't harass an amazing wild steelhead. 

Ignore wind knots at all times.  When the wind blows (or even when it doesn’t) and your fly and leader end in a tangle be sure to keep casting.  Nothing slows you down like fiddling with knots!  If for some reason you snagged a rock or somehow hooked a fish - look at the bright side; the tippet would break and casting would go so much easier and you didn't waste any casting time fiddling with that knot! 

Wear lousy traction to ensure a short day.  If your wading boots suck you might get home earlier and have more time on the couch.  How you say with interest?  Once you go for a swim in winter waters the rest of the group will be forced to get you home where hypothermia will not be an option.  Rubber bottomed boots on large boulder rivers are a perfect combination for non-success.  Try this on days when your casting may be especially lousy or when there is a good football game on. 

These are some short tips when followed carefully will ensure your non-success this winter. 

Happy Casting!  

Deschutes River Report August

This month so far has been a series of ups and downs; water clarity has been good, bad and everything inbetween lately.  White River, a tributary to the lower Deschutes River has been dumping in cement like water that makes the best DQ  Blizzard look thin.  This combines with the Deschutes to create off colored water for the lower 50 miles or so.  This clarity has made steelhead fishing difficult at times.  Predicting when it will clear is anybody's best guess.  With out more thundershowers on the glacier or extreme heat the river will usually drop and clear a bit in two days.

Each day is a new test wading into the river this year as severe drought has brought the White River glacier to tears everytime it get very hot or a thundershower blasts through.

There are still lots of steelhead to be found on the lower Deschutes.  Get your fly down with a sink-tip and fish in full sun for best visibility when the water has only 20" of clarity.  Using bigger flies with lots of flash like Crandall's Wedding Dress in Cerise or Blue have worked well for us or the Devil's Candy Pattern (both available at www.spiritriver.com ).  #flyfishthedeschutes   #perfectingperformance @sageflyfish

This year's weather and water conditions have made it a year of adaption.  Try these strategies and good luck on the water!

Rob

www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Better to have Loved and Lost...

Neil fished the run with precision, as he approached the large boulder, chrome struck and vaulted skyward almost immediately.  A big chrome hen was tearing up the surface and we were staring mouth agape as it cartwheeled across the pool; up, down, across and back in a star pattern each jump throwing spray like a broken firehose...and then she was gone.  The hook had simply come out and the dazzling chromer had won the game.

Neil stood there shaking with a huge grin on his face.  What a blast that was! We checked our knots and leader and after a short break and celebritory sip Neil worked into the pool again.  This time farther down the run near the end he had a grab and then a huge head shake.  Deep in the pool a monster steelhead shook back and forth trying to throw the hook.  Neil's rod doubled and he held on.  It seemed he was instantly outmatched with the 7 weight switch rod he held.  This was no average fish or even a mid-teen steelhead.  This fish was a bruiser and he held no quarter for us.  Down river he went raging into the next set of rapids.  We gave chase best we could, bouncing over boulders with gasps mixed with hope and despair as the line followed the fish weaving through boulders and underwater structure that could easily fray the line at any moment.

Into the next pool we worked through the jumbled rock and the line held fast.  We were both frazzled by the battle and the fish hadn't even begun to tire.  Back and forth from one side of the river to the other the big fish surged.  We were on for a ride and this guy headed back to the ocean.  The reel screamed more, the handle a blur.  Down to the lip of the rapids.  Beyond was whitewater mayhem and little chance of a happy ending.  Neils lip curled in determination.  He tipped the arced graphite in his hands carefully changing angles on the big fish with a smooth sweep.  The fish moved up.  Gaining line a smile blinked across Neils face and then was gone as another surge of line peeled off the reel.  Back and forth it went on in long minutes.  Closer and closer the fish inched upward.  I stared in unbeleif as he glided just ten feet away where I held the net. My moment of action was getting closer.  Trying to stage in the perfect location so I could slide the rubberized fine mesh under the belly of the beast at the first opportunity.  Again he cruised towards me, not close enough and then back to the fast water.  Three times he came with-in ten feet my view of the wild steelhead before me was mesmerizing.  At 40" plus, the girth and length of this buck easily used the heavy current to wage his war on the graphite rod on the other end.  Then, a sudden surge to the middle and a heavy roll on the surface and he was gone.  The 12lb line had parted.  Neil exhasted grinned wide understanding just how rare this encounter with one of the heavy-weights of the steelhead world was.  We broke into laughter and a round of high-fives. Amazed at what we had just witnessed knowing how true the old saying- "better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all!" 

All in a Days Work- February Steelhead on Oregon's North Coast

Guided fly fishing trips can be a blast- being the guide doing the work can also be a blast!  Great days with fun loving clients and good fishing always produces a vibe that is invogorating to a fly fishing guide.  This years winter steelhead run on Oregon's North coast has been excellent with good numbers of steelhead returning to their natal waters to spawn.

A recent trip with John and Dennis was just such a trip.  Great weather, great company and excellent fishing conditions with cooperating steelhead.  What more could a fishing guide ask for!

Dennis with the first fish of the day a mere 20 minutes after we started.  A wild fish that fought like crazy! The statement is so true-the "Tug is the Drug!"

The second fish Dennis landed...

John doing his best to keep up with a hot chrome fish that eventually won this battle!

Dennis is all smiles!

John finds one for the BBQ-a hatchery steelhead to take home.

Good water conditions and fresh arriving steelies - a great combination!

Come fish with the experienced guides of the Water Time Outfitters Team.  We have been fishing and

guiding Oregon's North coast for over 20 years.  See more at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

Steelhead Fly Fishing Decal- Tug is the Drug Sticker for your Boat/Truck!

The new Steelhead fly fishing decal by Water Time Outfitters is the perfect decal for the angler who has it all.  Display your passion for the sport with this top quality glossy vinyl decal.  Perfect for the bumper or back window of the fishing rig, boat, fly box or favorite thermos.

Decal is 4"x6"
Shape is Oval

Purchase on our website at:  Steelhead DECAL Info

Brought to you by the crazy fishing guides at Water Time Outfitters.  www.watertimeoutfitters.com  

Shad Fishing in Oregon

Flyfishing for Oregon Shad is an fly anglers dream come true!  We have a blast each year in June with American shad ranging from 1-5 pounds.  Using fly rods in the #5-6 weight range these members of the herring family fight like crazy!  Not 20 minutes from downtown Portland we find schools of the fish often referred to as the "Poor Man's Tarpon" willingly taking the fly.  This generally productive fishing is the effect of a huge run of fish often numbering 3-5 million fish over Bonneville dam on the Columbia system.

The scenic Oregon City Falls on the Willamette River is a historic area.

Fishing on the Willamette River is varied through the year with different species of fish.  During June you will find Shad, Chinook Salmon, Sturgeon, Steelhead and Small mouth bass.  Large sturgeon (6-10' long!) are often spotted as they jump or roll on the surface.  In addition Lamprey Eel are also migrating at this time.  Occasionally one of our shad anglers will hook a different species than shad.  

Small mouth bass

Spring Chinook caught on a shad fly!

A good day shad fishing is often determined by how many "doubles" you have!

Visiting Portland and want to experience some rod bending fun?  Our shad fishing trips are 4 hours long and always an adventure!  We pick you up at the dock and all you need is a fishing license.  Hop in the boat and lets fish!  Whether you are new to fly fishing or a seasoned expert, Shad are a blast! Trips are $225 for one angler, $325 for 2 anglers and $450 for 3 anglers.  Soda and waters are provided.   For more information on fly fishing fun around the Portland area with Water Time Outfitters call owner Rob Crandall at 503-704-6449.  Visit our website: www.watertimeoutfitters.com  

Clackamas River Report

Winter hatchery broodstock numbers are winding down with a mix of wild fish still spread through the system.  River levels have been at a spring low of 12'5" recently.  Water temperatures have been rising and are consistently 44-48 degrees.  Insect activity is picking up and hatches of new insects appear most days with a salmonfly or two in the recent mix.  Smolt are outmigrating in big numbers.  Osprey have showed up and are working them over hard.  Barbless hooks are best for this time of year!  

Summer steelhead are a bit slow in arriving this year.  Hopefully strong numbers show up soon.  Reports of a few Chinook entering the Clackamas have been rumored.  

Algae is starting to grow on the rocks so bring your spikes for wading!

For more info on fishing the Clackamas River visit:  www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

Beginning Fly Fishing Class - Deschutes River Oregon

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 and magazine editor Rob Crandall. 

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.  The Deschutes is Oregon’s premier blue ribbon trout river.  Here we cover how to rig, fly casting lesson, on water bug study-what do fish eat, fly fishing techniques 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.

May 1, classroom session 6-8pm

May 3 on the Deschutes River

Sign up now only a few spots left!  Call Rob Crandall at 503-704-6449

See more about us at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

or  www.royaltreatmentflyfishing.com 

Oregon River Report January 2014

Oregon rivers are getting a much needed shot in the arm as far as water levels go.  Over the weekend a strong storm front moved into the N. Oregon coast and dumped a load of rain.  Rivers on the north coast shot up and blew out from the heavy rains and are now on the drop.  As they clear and drop into shape fishing should be excellent.

Before the rain a long dry spell made fishing tough.  Low and clear water put fish on high alert and fooling fish required a stealthy approach and excellent presentations.

Here is an early January 2014 steelhead caught by Ken.

Water Time Outfitter guides fish Oregon's North Coast- working waters like the Trask, Wilson, Nehalem, North Fork Nehalem and Nestucca Rivers.  Come join us!  www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

Fly Fishing For Shad- Portland Oregon

The excitement and thrill of a hard fighting Shad is fun for anglers of all skill levels and ages.  Water Time Outfitters offers a unique half-day fly fishing trip in Oregon City - just minutes south of Portland, Oregon on the Willamette River for Shad.  Cast flies from the platform of a steady jet boat and tease the strike of one of thousands of shad swimming up river.

Each spring in the month of June the Willamette and Columbia Rivers are flush with American Shad. American Shad were introduced into the Sacramento River system in California in the 1800s. Shad have spread throughout many river systems on the West Coast of North America. There is currently a large shad population in the Columbia River. In recent years, shad counts at Bonneville dam on the Columbia River east of Portland have ranged from over two million to over five million fish per year. Spawning shad return to the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in May and June. Unlike many introduced species, it has not been confirmed that American Shad have serious negative effects on the environment or other native fish species in the Columbia.

Fly anglers love to catch Shad; they are often called the "poor man's Tarpon" because they are strong fighters and exhibit thrashing jumps like a giant Tarpon.  Shad typically weigh 3-5 pounds but have been caught up to around 8 pounds.  They are known for their aggressive takes and spirited fight.  While some find Shad a delicacy most in the NW practice catch and release or use Shad for Crab bait.

Light tackle is best for Shad and when water conditions allow- use of a 5 weight rod maximizes the fight. Floating lines with sinking tips are the norm but with high water some heavier sinking lines might be required.
Most days fly fishing action is consistent if not brisk.  Some 4 hour sessions experienced anglers can expect to hook 10-30 fish per person.

Fly selection is usually quite simple; being in the herring family and primarily a Plankton eater, flies should be small.  Bright flash and varied colors from orange, red, pink, chartruese, yellow, white among others work well.

                                                   Doubles while Shad fishing is common!

To see for yourself what it is all about come join Water Time Outfitters on the Willamette River for a fun 4- hour session fly fishing for Shad in June.  All the gear is provided and waters and soft drinks are in the boat. If your just learning this is a fun way to get started.  Anglers of all levels enjoy the battle of the shad.

Four Hour Fly Fishing Session:

1- angler  $200
2- anglers $300
3- anglers $375

To book your spot today call Rob Crandall at: 503-704-6449

See the other great fisheries that Water Time Outfitters guides visit:  www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Fall Steelhead on the Deschutes River

October on the Deschutes is the fall steelhead fisherman's favorite.  Amazing canyon views meet the eye and the excitement of whitewater gets your attention but the line ripping thrill of hooking steelhead is really what gets the anglers heart pounding!  Water Time Outfitters offers guided multi-day fly fishing trips for steelhead on the Deschutes River's most remote waters.  Here we see deer, mink, otter, geese, ducks, and bighorn sheep.  This wild section of canyon is very different from the busier waters of the lower Deschutes.  Here big rapids like the three mile long Whitehorse Rapid limit the amount of boaters in this 32 mile segment.  Excellent steelhead runs stretch out before you with columnar basalt cliffs high above.  See more about this trip at:  www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Recent Photos from October:

Clackamas River Recreation Corridor

If you are visiting the Portland area, fishing the Clackamas River or are just up for some exploring the Clackamas River corridor has a lot to offer.  Following HWY 224 to Estacada the opportunities for outdoor excitement billow around you with plenty of options.  Parks along the Clackamas River such as Barton Park, McIver Park and others offer plenty of outdoor rec ideas.  The drive up 224 can be stunning as you enter the upper river canyon; wildlife viewing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking, photography and fishing options are nearly endless just minutes from Portland.

Along the lower Clackamas River at Baron park you might meet with friends to play a game of softball, run the dog or go fishing.  Pickniking options abound at Barton and McIver Park.  McIver Park which is farther up river and closer to the town of Estacada offers fishing access, camping and a popular Frisbe Golf course.

Barton Park has some great fishing opportunities for Steelhead, Chinook and coho.

Driving through the small town of Estacada one cannot help but stop at one of the unique coffee shops for some java or one of our favorites- the Harmony Bakery.  Established in 1984 this bakery has enormous donuts that will make your mouth water while oogling them through the glass before you even order. Homemade breads and great breakfasts are also found here.

Harmony Bakery is found on 221 SW Wade St Estacada, OR 97023 (503) 630-6857

You will also want to stop by the Fearless Brewing on your way back.  Great beer, burgers and a cool local make this a sure bet to fill the hungry on your way home from your Clackamas corridor adventure.

Headed up river east, past Estacada on Hwy 224 you will soon enter the Mt. Hood National Forest.  Check for details on what you may need for a forest park pass.  Hunting, hiking, fishing and more are natural fits for the Mt Hood National forest.  Located twenty miles east of the city of Portland, Oregon, and the northern Willamette River valley, the Mt. Hood National Forest extends south from the strikingly beautiful Columbia River Gorge across more than sixty miles of forested mountains, lakes and streams to Olallie Scenic Area, a high lake basin under the slopes of Mt. Jefferson and encompasses the entire upper reaches of the Clackamas River.

Hiking along the upper Clackamas in Spring

Trilliums line the trail in shady forested areas

The bloom of a salmon berry bush

The upper Clackamas in April can have a good volume of water from snow melt.

Lush vegetation is common along Clackamas corridor trails

Wild steelhead are and important and precious resource in the Clackamas basin

 and must be released unharmed.

Fish Creek is a wild fish sanctuary on the upper Clackamas

Hiking, fishing, hunting and whitewater sports are all found in the Upper Clackamas River corridor.  This area is a key spawning zone for wild steelhead and salmon.  One of the last remaining late arriving wild coho runs in the entire Columbia basin has it's strong hold in the upper Clackamas watershed.  Important care must be given when fishing the upper watershed of the Clackamas; wild juvenile salmon and steelhead call this place home for several years before they go to sea.  Carefully release these fish and check your regulations carefully before you fish, many sections of the upper Clackamas are closed to fishing.  Lakes such as: Harriet Lake, Ollalie Lake, Timothy Lake, and Trillium lake offer great fishing for planted and holdover rainbow trout, some browns, and the elusive brook trout.  

For great fishing options on the Clackamas river contact a local, professional fishing guide.  We recommend Rob Crandall of Water Time Outfitters.  Rob grew up on the banks of the Clackamas and can help you find your next adventure.  See more about great fishing options at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com