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 

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  

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