Clackamas River Steelhead - Guide's Life

Living next to the Clackamas River my whole life it has been a challenge to get things done; who wants to go mow the lawn when the river is so close?  I am blessed to have an occupation that is also my passion.  The guides life isn't all fun on the river but it sure is a great place to call my office.  Since I was 5 years old, I have plied the waters of the Clackamas River.  Now a full time fishing guide, I get to share the love and passion for the river and it's fish with those who fish with me. 

Fly fishing the Clackamas is my favorite way to catch steelhead in the winter and spring.  We fish both swung flies and indicator strategies.  To maximize our time on the water we often swing flies through the good runs and then drift with indicators through the steelhead travel routes to intercept both wild and hatchery steelhead. 

We float the Clackamas in drift boats like Clackacraft's made right here in Clackamas, Oregon.  Drift boats give us versatility and stealth that jet boats don't have.  When the water is too high or an angler cannot wade we can swing flies right out of the boat.  We also can easily choose to fish dead-drift patterns out of the boat if fishing the swung fly has been very slow virtually eliminating down time.  The other asset of the quiet boat aside from not polluting gas and oil into our precious resource is the stealth it provides.  We can sneak into quiet riffles and shallow water spots inaccessible to big boats.

On the Clackamas River you may see, otter, beaver, deer, osprey, bald eagles, canadian geese, and a variety of ducks. 

The Clackamas river is located just 1/2 hour from the Portland airport.  Many lodging options are available.  Corporate events, weddings, business travel of all kinds bring anglers to the Clackamas River.  Whether an advanced fly fisher or a beginner we can help you make the most of your time on the water. 

Come join the fun!

Rob Crandall
www.watertimeoutfitters.com or email:  wto@ccgmail.com

Deschutes River Steelhead "Boot Camp" September 2012

This course is the “Boot Camp” of Steelhead fly fishing. Get started fly fishing for steelhead on one of the best rivers in the country! The Deschutes River is famous for quality steelhead fishing and this course is timed for prime time fishing. Learn fly casting, techniques, tricks, fly selection, reading water, fly tying and much more.

This fishing adventure covers it all. Rods, reels and lines are available for you. We’ll have over 20 fly lines for you to fine tune your set up or use ours! Family style meals are prepared in our full camp kitchen-you won’t leave hungry. All meals supplied starting with lunch day 1 through lunch the last day. Comfortable camps are set right on good steelhead water. Large 14'x 14" canvas tents with ample height to easily stand are fitted with the most comfortable cots and river pads available.

This action packed adventure is led by Rob Crandall – editor of Flyfishing & Tying Journal magazine and owner of Water Time Outfitters a veteran guide of 20 years. Plus a professional staff of full time fishing guides like Gil Muhleman and Marty Smith will help you make the most of your water time. In between fishing, casting lessons and meals; try your hand at tying flies for steelhead. Sign up now to join in the fun!

Boot Camp timing is perfect for hooking steelhead on the swung fly with a floating line. This is the most exciting way to catch a steelhead! Float the beautiful Deschutes river canyon in drift boats rowed by knowledgeable guides and teachers who know every nook, cranny and secret spot on the river. *Special rate is based on 3 anglers per boat.

Deschutes River Steelhead Boot Camp $899

Sept 17, 18, 19

Limited to 9 anglers –spots fill fast, reserve your spot today.

Call 503-704-6449

Fly fish for the West’s best fish- Steelhead!

For more information on Water Time Outfitters visit our website: www.watertimeoutfitters.com there, see the video from FLYFISHTV or visit our blog at: watertimeoutfitter.blogspot.com

Clackamas River Summer Steelhead

 

The Clackamas River is in Oregon, not far from the city of Portland.  It flows out of the cascade mountains near Mt. Hood.  Snow melt accounts for much of the flow in the spring months.  Heavy snow pack years often brings the river up over its banks but running clear.  The Clackamas River is home to spring and fall Chinook, Coho salmon and both winter and summer Steelhead (our favorite). 

Steelhead fishing on the Clackamas River starts in December and extends through June most years.  However, there are Steelhead in the Clackamas River year round.  One of the most hardy and versatile fish of the Clackamas River are the summer steelhead.  These fish are of the Skamania strain steelhead and are stocked in the Clackamas to the tune of 160,000 smolt each year.  These fish are packed with extra fat and are excellent table fare.  They come into the river as early as March and stay in the river until the following late winter/spring before spawning.  Upon first arriving in the river these fish are explosive fighters often jumping high in the air multiple times. 

As the river warms into the spring months active steelhead will chase the swung fly aggressively.  Spey rods are the best tool to deliver big flies with lots of enticing movement.  Fishing these flies with a sink tip line gets them in front of the fish for the best results. 

The picture above is a client of Water Time Outfitters with his first Steelhead.  This fish was caught on the Clackamas river in May on a #7 weight Spey rod with a Skagit fly line and a sink tip. 

To book a trip on the Clackamas River call Water Time Outfitters 503-704-6449 or visit: www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

Flyfishing & Tying Journal - Summer 2012

Flyfishing & Tying Journal - summer 2012 issue is now available.  Water Time Outfitter's owner Rob Crandall is also editor of FTJ.  In this issue we have some great information for the fly fisherman as well as the fly tier.  See a great photo essay by Dale Spartas on Hoppers Up Close.  Go to the riverside with Dave Hughes and explore the edges for big trout.  Gary Lewis talks about the 7 Wonders of Oregon and Al Ritt gives us 10 Wet Flies Trout Can't Resist.  Also, Harry Murray gives us the inside scoop on fishing Tricos and cress bugs for wiley trout. 

Subscribe today and find out what you have been missing:  FTJ Subscription Information


See more about Rob Crandall's business visit: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Deschutes River an Oregon Fishing Treasure

Nestled in the center of the state and forming a squiggling line on the Oregon map is the most famous river in the western United States, the Deschutes River.  Know for native redband trout, great steelhead fishing and whitewater rafting the Deschutes river flows to the Columbia river at an average of 6 miles per hour.  The river itself originating near Little Lava lake high in Oregon's Cascade Mountains flows 252 miles north to the Columbia River.  Home to wild trout, steelhead, salmon and endangered bull trout the fertile waters of the Deschutes are a living oasis in what truely is the high desert of Oregon.

                        The Deschutes River near the base of White Horse Rapids

Home to wild trout and good runs of steelhead the Deschutes River is the go to river for most anglers in the region.  Stable water flows a side effect of being a tail water river (river which flows out of a large dam) enhance insect hatches and fishability.  The most famous hatch on the Deschutes River is the Salmon fly hatch.  This insect is up to 3" long and a great meal for hungry trout.  Other prolific hatches through-out the year include: blue wing olive and pale morning dun mayflies and a handfull of caddisflies.

                           Deschutes River has Giant Salmon Flies and Golden Stones

Flowing mostly through BLM lands, some private ranch lands and bordered by the Warm Springs Indian tribe for nearly 20 miles the Deschutes has bountiful optiosn for both the boating and bank bound angler.  The lower 100 miles of the Deschutes River is the most prolific and abundant section of the river and where most anglers focus their attention.

Access on the lower 100 miles of the Deschutes is available in many forms.  The first access point below Pelton Dam is the Warm Springs area.  There is a boat launch located just off HWY 26 near the town of Warm Springs.  A second access point is found just 2 miles down river at Mecca Flats, here there are picnic tables and camp sites.  About 10 miles down from Mecca Flats campground is another fishing access point.  This is called the Trout Creek campground.  Boat launch, vault toilets, and campsites are found here.  This section of river borders the Warm Springs Reservation on the west side of the river.  Boating passes are available at www.tribalpermits.com for the section of river from Dry Creek to Trout Creek about 8 miles.

                                      Water Time Outfitter's Riverside Camp

Once past Trout Creek access is limited and boaters passing Trout Creek must be commited to about 30 mile float and some serious whitewater.  First time floaters are advised to go with a guide.  Whitehorse rapids lives in this section of the river.  It is a famous rapid with rocks in it who have earned names like: "can opener", "house rock", "slide rock" and most famous- "Oh shit rock."  Portable toilets and boating passes are required to float this section of river.  Boater passes are required for any floating device on the Deschutes.  Passes on the lower river are subject to limited passes.  These passes are regulated by the BLM and are available at: www.boaterpass.com

         Water Time Outfitters clients enjoying a ride through Buckskin Mary Rapids

The town of Maupin is sandwiched in the middle of the lower Deschutes River.  At about the 60 mile marker this section of river is popular with rafters as there are series of great whitewater rapids in this section of river.  Rapids like Boxcar, Oaksprings,Elevator shaft and Wreck rapids make for an exciting adventure in a whitewater raft.   

The bumpiest gravel access road on the river stretches from below Sherars Falls.  It is miles of 15 mph driving.  (Recent road work may help- spring 2012).  This road takes you to Max Canyon, the end of the road for non-floating access.  From Max Canyon it is 22 river miles to the mouth where the Deschutes meets the Columbia river.  This section of river has multiple user groups.  Jet boats are allowed every other weekend, drift boats and rafts frequent this stretch in summer and fall.  Here you may see big horn sheep treading the steep hills of the big canyon. 


For Deschutes River fly patterns a must stop shop in the Portland area is Royal Treatment Fly Shop.  Call Joel at: 503-850-4397 for the latest on what patterns are hot right now.  www.royaltreatmentflyfishing.com

The Deschutes River has much to offer from excellent trout and steelhead fishing, whitewater rafting, and sight seeing this green emerald in the tan colored high desert of Oregon is a great get-away for any outdoor enthusiast. 

Mark Ellis (who was second baseman for the Oakland A's at the time) and his first steelhead with guide Rob Crandall

For the best of guided fishing trips on the Deschutes River connect with Rob Crandall at Water Time Outfitters.  Rob has been guiding the Deschutes for over 20 years and his energetic but patient attitude is fun to be around.  Wether learning or adding a great river to a long list of waters you've fished Rob will do his best to make it a great day.  Call Rob at 503-704-6449.  Rob and his crew of top guides will do their best to make the most of your water time. www.watertimeoutfitters.com
To book a fishing trip or ask for more info:  click here

The Guide's Life- Westfly Interview with Rob Crandall

Listen to this inteview with Rob Crandall a fly fishing guide of 20 years, discussing life as a fishing guide.  Interview is with Scott Richmond of westfly.com Westfly has lots of great online information on fly fishing Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

Location is the Clackamas River not far from Portland, Oregon. 

Click here for the Audio Interview

See more about Rob Crandall at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Clackamas River Fishing Update

Fishing has been consistent in April on the Clackamas River.  We've been getting into fish everyday.  We are fishing both swung fly strategies and indicator techniques.  Both are working.  We have wild winter steelhead, broodstock hatchery steelhead and early summer steelhead in the river right now. 

With water flows up and down we are watching for good flow levels to get on the river.  The weather has been much warmer and the water temperatures are slowly increasing and now reaching around 45.  Canadian Geese are paired up and are all over the river banks.  We'll soon be seeing their fuzzy little offspring.  Each day we are seeing bald eagles.  Earlier in the week two deer crossed the river right in front of us. 

Spring is here and the colors are vivid as the green buds bloom out on river foliage.  It's a great time of year to be fishing the Clackamas River. 

Come join the fun for a great river float and fishing adventure:  www.watertimeoutfitters.com