Deschutes Salmon Fly Report

May 19th- our annual Salmon Fly Workshop was yesterday and the big bugs were there in full force.  Our workshop was held in the Maupin area and our class had a great time.  The water flow was great and the weather a comfortable 72 degrees.  Salmon flies and golden stones were both present below and above Maupin on the Deschutes River.  Located just 2 hours from Oregon's biggest city, Portland, this is an amazing fishery.

Golden stones are now the more dominant insect below Maupin.  This indicates the hatch is almost half done in this section.

Look close, there are a lot of bugs(trout food) in the grass in this photo above.
On thursday Golden Stones and Salmon flies were getting much more abundant in the Trout Creek area farther up the Deschutes River Canyon.  The Giant Salmon Flies or Black Stones are most abundant now in this section.  Golden stones are present as well but in smaller numbers.

See more hatch info at: http://watertimeoutfitter.blogspot.com/2012/05/deschutes-salmon-fly-report_27.html

For more information on fishing the Deschutes river connect with a Water Time Outfitter guide at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Deschutes River Report

May 13th

Salmon flies are hatching on the Deschutes River right now!  Last week we saw the first few flying around the Maupin area and below.  Now there are golden stones and black stones flying and trout have started taking them around and below Maupin. 

We have seen hatched out salmon flies as far upstream as Warm Springs but that is still a ways out at this point. 

River levels have been dropping nicely.  We'll see what happens with this warm weather we are having and if it gives us another shot of snow melt. 

Good luck on the water!

www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Oregon Lake Fishing with Water Time Outfitters

Fly fishing lakes is a great way to experience some of the best fishing for Rainbow Trout that Oregon has to offer.  Water Time Outfitters has teamed up with some excellent properties to bring you the best in lake fly fishing.  We offer guided fly fishing trips on private catch and release waters at Rocky Ridge Ranch and on our unique Tygh Valley Lakes.  Both lakes are with-in a two hour drive from the Portland area and offer fly fishing for quality Rainbow trout.  www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Rocky Ridge Ranch: There couldn’t be a much better place to get started in fly fishing  than on the three private lakes at Rocky Ridge Ranch only  1 hour 45 minute drive from the Portland.  Excellent populations of Rainbow trout thrive in these waters with three seperate lakes to choose from.  Rainbows 16-20 inches are common and some have been caught up to 30 inches!  Get started fly fishing the right way or just advance your skills on some trophy trout waters.   Lake side cabin is available for rental as well. 

Tygh Valley Lakes:  Nestled in valley with plentiful deer, wild turkey and other wildlife are two bodies of water that abound in big fish growing habitat.  Weed growth along the edges here harbor all the insects you'd expect in a lake and rainbows over 20" are not uncommon.  A quiet setting that rarely sees anglers nestled on a working cattle ranch makes this fishing trip a unique experience.  Great for beginners or advanced anglers alike. 

Rocky Ridge Ranch

Rocky Ridge Ranch

Tygh Valley Lakes

Tygh Valley Lakes

Ask for more details at www.watertimeoutfitters.com custom trips available with lodging.  Combine your fishing trip on the lakes with our section of private river float trip or a float trip on the world famous Deschutes River.  Come join the fun with Water Time Outfitters. 

Situk River in Alaska- Guide Gil Muhleman's Visit

Getting back to Alaska was great, especially considering the excellent company I was with.  The Situk River was different than I expected but the fish were incredible.  One of the largest wild steelhead runs in the world fins up the Situk River in Alaska.  This woody little river has an amazing and abundant system.  Fishing was good but similar to good fishing on the Oregon Coast peak time fishing.  Here are some pics.

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