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

Clackamas Steelhead- April/May

The Clackamas river flows 84 miles through incredible scenic views in Oregon's Clackamas County.  A mecca for steelhead and trout fishing close to the large city of Portland, OR the Clack supports winter, spring and summer steelhead.  Coho, spring and fall chinook also swing the waters of the Clack.  Here we love to chase steelhead in the choppy riffles and runs perfect for the spey rod approach.

April and May mark transitions and ends for the Clackamas steelhead run timing.  Here we often see the over lap of the late winter/spring hatchery and wild fish as well as the early return of summer steelhead.  Fin clippings of the hatchery steelhead are the tell tale sign of what strain of fish they are.  Broodstock or the winter/spring hatchery fish have an adipose fin clipped only.  The summer steelhead will have an adipose and a maxillary fin missing.

This time of year the arriving steelhead are often chrome bright and fresh from the ocean.  Water temperatures are rising this time of year and these fish can be very active- responding well to the swung fly.  It is common for these fish to be into the backing line in a heartbeat- many of them leaping high into the air.  Truly this is a great time of year to find steelhead!  Some of these fish we have dubbed "Rockets with fins" and some are simply "unlandable"!

Spring is a great time of year on Oregon's Clackamas river.  What the river may lack for run sizes it sure makes up for with amazing battles when one does hook up!

Visit www.watertimeoutfitters.com to connect with a great Clackamas River guide.

Salmon Flies Starting to Stir- Deschutes, Oregon

Tanner Crandall with a dandy he hooked on a Chubby Norman- May 2, 2016

The expression on his face was priceless; the bend of the rod told the story.  This was no average Deschutes redside, this was a dandy.  The explosion on the surface surely surprised him- this being one of the first times my 9 year old son Tanner experienced salmon fly action on the Deschutes.  Sure, he's caught fish even some while he was too young to remember but this one I'm sure he will remember.  Camping, exploring Indian paintings and fishing on the Deschutes are sure to blaze strong memories of a lifetime no matter what the age. 

Well, it's that time of year when the big bugs of spring start to migrate from their stoney homes to the reeds and trees on the banks of the Deschutes River.  These big bugs are a highlight of the year as they represent the bounty of spring and kick off to the warm sunny season in this high desert canyon of central Oregon.  Virtual "Big Mac's" for trout these clumsy bugs fall into the river and are met with aggressive smashing strikes from hungry trout making for some of the best dry fly action of the season.

Favorite flies are big dry flies like sz 4,6 and 8 Stimulators, Chubby Chernobyl's, Sofa Pillows and such.  Using a short tapered leader tapered to 3X or 4X will help present these big flies close to the bank and under structure.  Water temperatures and flows are looking good and the hatch should be spread through the entire river and just getting better in the next 2 weeks.

Join us for trout fishing fun on the banks of Oregon's wild and scenic Deschutes River.  Water Time Outfitters guides have been working the Deschutes for over 20 years and love to share our favorite waters.  See more about our services at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Below is a photo journey of a recent father-son trip on the lower Deschutes.

Getting coaching from dad.

Exploring historic Native American pictographs

Golden Stone!

Fish to hand

Getting down the basics

Dry fly trout to hand

Big fish!  

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!

February 2016 Fishing Report

It's mid February and winter steelhead season is full on!  Our nw rivers are getting a lot of rain this year and that has translated into good fishing conditions on many nw waters.  Right now we have a mix of both hatchery and wild steelhead on many top Oregon rivers like the Wilson, Nestucca, Clackamas and Sandy Rivers.  Smaller waters with decent runs of wild steelhead are showing fish on the Kilches, Trask, Salmonberry, Nehalem among others.

Top producing strategies are sinking tips with spey rods and big flies.  Getting your fly down is key this time of year.  Look for big patterns that have profile and movement for best results.  10' T-11 sink tip is an important tool for the winter fly rodder.  Combine this with a skagit fly line and you are in business.

Water levels have been high but that doesn't mean un-fishable.  Look for softer edges out of the fast water flow.  Sometimes lighter tips and unweighted flies swung into the willows are the recipe for success.

The Clackamas River has produced good results with Barton to Carver being a top section.  On the Sandy the bite was hot lower in the last month but recent surges of high water have fish spread throughout the system.  Coastal waters have seen fish spread through the system for most rivers.  Look for best results lower in the river with low water and anglers tend to do better higher up with high flows.

Expect continued quality fish to arrive in the next 6 weeks.  Prime time is on- don't miss it!

Wet and Wild - Strategies for Oregon's Winter Chrome

Fishing in Oregon during the winter months is not for the faint of heart.  Wind, rain and elements conspire to make it tough and wading some nw rivers is just not for the timid- the payoff however is big chrome wild steelhead that make your heart pound and leave you breathless.

Amazing settings are the hallmark of steelhead lairs and the rivers of Oregon hold nothing back in raw rainforest beauty and awe inspiring vistas.  The veiw from the banks of the nw waters are filled with alders and fir trees, moss covered branches and dripping ferns.  Elk, blacktail deer and various ducks, hawks and bald eagles grace these waters.  Add in the most amazing of sportfish and Oregon's treasures beckon to be added to even the longest bucket list.

Here strategy is key and nothing is more addicting than the inspiring yank on the line with the swung fly approach.  Sure there are many ways to fool these fish but the most difficult and most alluring is the swung fly strategy.  Here the angler plies the water with a fly often 3" long that moves, wiggles and draws the attention of the ghostly chrome predators imitating shrimp, prawns, squid or just something that pisses them off.

The water is cold so sinking the fly during the cold winter months is of utmost importance.  Effective anglers use sinking tip lines made with tungsten to sink the fly.  Lengths of sinking lines loop onto floating fly lines making them easy to cast.  Common length tips are 10-12' long and are rated by sinking speed.  These sink tips are referred to as T-8, T-11, T-14 etc indicating they are tungsten and 8,11, or 14 grains (weight) per foot.

We use a variety of tricks to get these flies deep in the ever changing flows of winter with the cast, swing -step down approach the trademark of the approach.  Changing things up to get the fly deeper as the conditions warrent is the key to success and the intuition of a good guide and coach who can help you massage the fly to depths likely to elicite a strike.  As the water is cold - often 36-40 degrees getting the fly half the depth of the water is essential.

Rob Crandall owner of Water Time Outfitters, Inc. has teamed up with FlyfishTv and is producing a new DVD which will help anglers reach new levels of success during this tricky time of year.  The upcoming DVD - Deep Swing Secrets will be available sometime this fall.

Oregon has a multitude of amazing waters to seach with the swung fly for the elusive and amazing steelhead.  Top producing rivers are:  North Umpqua, Nehalem, Trask, Wilson, Sandy and Clackamas Rivers.  There are many many more rivers that could be added to this list.

To learn the tricks of success and have personalized coaching on your fishing strategy try the WINTER STEELHEAD TUNEUP coming up March 5.

See more about steelhead fly fishing opportunities visit: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Water Time Outfitters Seminar and Show Schedule 2016

We love to share our fishing knowledge- come meet us at these shows or seminars!

Rob Crandall
Jan 9                     Royal Treatment Fly Shop 10am
Feb 10-14             Portland Sportsmans Show come by our booth along the fly casting pond!  I will be                              doing 2 presentations each day- stop by and say hello.
Feb 20                  Royal Treatment Fly Shop 10 am - the Mysteries of Steelhead Water
Mar 12                  Fly Fishing Expo (Albany)
April 9                  Royal Treatment Fly Shop 10 am- How to be an Unsuccesful STHD Angler



Marc Williamson

Jan. 14 Santiam Fly Fishers (Salem)

Jan. 21 Sunriver Fly Fishers

Feb. 10-14 Portland Sportsman Show

Feb. 27 Into to Fly Fishing

March 9 Tualatin fly Club

March 10-12 Fly Fishing Expo (Albany)

Sandy River Fishing Report - January

The Sandy River has continued to produce good numbers of winter steelhead for anglers who have toughed out the rough weather December and early January has dished out.  The hatchery at Cedar Cr (a tributary of the Sandy) has already seen a decent return and has begun to recycle fish back down river to the Lewis and Clark boat ramp.  Recycled fish can be identified by a single hole pounch found inthe right side gill plate of the fish.  In addition good numbers of wild steelhead make a showing in Janaury.  Fishing is best from the hatchery down to Lewis and Clark with much of the pressure centered around Oxbow park.

A typical rule of thumb for the Sandy River is when snow levels are below 4,000 feet fishing conditions get good.

If you decide to hit the Sandy try the Crandall's Provider in Black and Blue- the wild fish of the Sandy seem to especially like this fly. Find this fly at: www.spiritriver.com or at Royal Treatment Fly shop 503-850-4397

Clackamas River Fishing Report- January 2016

Winter steelhead have been landed in good numbers already this year on the Clackamas.  Fishing has been stronger so far this year than many years past in January.  Most fish are being caught from the mouth of Eagle creek to the mouth of the Clackamas.

Watch water levels on the Clack for best fishing.  Remember that winter storms will muddy the river especially below Deep cr (below Barton) and Clear cr. (near Carver).  Ideal levels on the Clackamas are below 14' - we prefer anything under 13' for best wading.  In the week ahead look for muddy water and high flows.  As the water drops fishing will improve and fish should be spread through the system.

Good river access is available in the lower Clackamas at a number of locations.  Many of the state and county parks on the Clackamas have great access and boat ramps.

To learn about the entire Clackamas River steelhead run check out our upcoming Winter Steelhead Workshops available throughtout the winter.  Winter Steelhead Workshop Info

The Guides Choice- A Fly Pattern for Winter

One of my favorite patterns for the green waters of winter is the "Crandall's Guides Choice".  This pattern is commercially produced for me by Spirit River.  It has combines color and movement to get results during winter flows.  First, I tie this pattern with a small lead eye, I like white because it gives a spot of color that stands out.  When water clarity is low colors that really show up are key.  Some of my favorites for low visibility (low clarity) is fire orange and cerise.  These make a powerful combination and represent squid colors steelhead are used to eating out in the ocean for the last several years.  The movement of the extended rabbit fur tail is excellent combined with the flowing/swimming motion from the specially designed wing of ostrich herl.  

Try this pattern or one like it on the green waters of winter where you fish!  I think you'll like it.  Find this pattern at:  www.spiritriver.com  or Royal Treatment Fly Shop in West Linn, OR 503-850-4397

Please note: when tying this fly rotate the hook opposite of the photo above.  Spirit river has now corrected this problem but hook point riding up is best.  It reduces nasty snags and is better on the fish you hook.  Thanks!  Rob Crandall

Winter Steelhead Action Plan

Winter steelhead fishing is in full swing now in NW rivers.  We have so many options here in this amazing part of the world.  Big rivers and small are part of the landscape and sometimes your choices are tough, where do I go when?  Here are a few ideas to help you sort out the where to go when.

1.  January is dominated by hatchery steelhead runs in most of Oregon and Washington.  That doesn't mean that wild steelhead aren't around - they are but big numbers of hatchery chromers are swimming in many of the Oregon rivers now.  Tops spots:  Wilson, Nestucca, Siletz, Alsea and NF Alsea, Kilches, Neccanicum are some of the very best targets for early season winter fish.

2.  Water levels and conditions dictate when and where to hit these rivers.  This time of year flows are high low and inbetween and that impacts our fishing success.  Some rivers simply are going to be too muddy- ie...SF Nehalem much of the winter!  Watch river levels and clarity to make your best choices on where to go when.  Fish lower in the river system when long periods of low, clear and cold water exist.  When water is higher ie warmer fish higher in the river system.  Keep in mind higher up the river often puts you above tributaries that turn lower sections muddy.

3.  River clarity gauge- these rivers drop and clear fast:  Kilches and Neccanicum rivers.  Hit these first after major rain events.  Fishing best water conditions puts the odds in your favor.  After several days with out rain next look at: Trask, Wilson and then the Nestucca.  After long periods of no rain and when many small rivers arebtoo low and clear look to the larger rivers like the Clackamas, Wilson and Nehalem rivers to still offer good opportunity at success.

4.  Match your fly pattern choices to the water conditions.  If the water is green with a tinge of brown use cerise/orange in large profile that shows up.   As rivers drop and clear switch to black/cerise and Black/blue is great in clear water.  Scale down fly sizes as the water gets crystal clear and low.  We like having a selection of colors as well as weighted and unweighted patterns.

Best of luck on the water!

Rob Crandall www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Winter Steelhead Tune-Up Class

Winter Steelhead Tune-Up Class March 5th, 2016

Dial in your approach for winter steelhead on the banks of the Clackamas River with pro guide Rob Crandall.  Rob reveals the tips, tricks and tactics from over 20 years of guiding.  Things you need to be more successful with the swung fly this winter.  This four hour session is a jump in and go class getting to the nuts and bolts of swung fly success.  Water lev

el depending you will be transported to good fishing water via jet boat, optimizing the amount of water we can cover and assess.  Assistant guide Todd Rettmann will be on hand to help.  Details of the approach and personalized coaching from Rob and Todd help you increase your odds of success.

We recommend you join us on the FREE seminar before the class (Feb 20^th) at Royal Treatment Fly shop in West Linn, OR. 

Class Location:    This on-water class will be held on the Clackamas River 

Class Timing:     Morning Session is 8:00am-12pm   

                             Afternoon session 12:30-4:30 pm 

Class Fee:   $75 Per person.  Choose either Morning session or Afternoon Session.  Prepayment is required.

Payment Options:      Email us for payment details: rob@watertimeoutfitters.com or call 503-704-6449

Recommended Equipment:  #7 or 8 spey rod, Skagit fly line, sink tips (10’ T-11), waders, boots, fishing license, raingear.

Rods/reel/line combos are available on request.  Preferred flies are Crandall’s Steelhead Nitemare, Crandall’s Provider, Pick Your Pocket black/blue, Crandall’s Guides Choice.  

Water Time Outfitters, Inc. is an Oregon based guided fishing operation that focuses on Oregon's best fly fishing waters for Steelhead and Trout fishing.  See more about us at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com  #thetugisthedrug  #stlhdr #watertime

Drift Boat Rowers Workshop

Do you have a new boat that you are itching to get out on the water?  

Learn to manage your new boat with safety and confidence.  Water Time Outfitters guides and Pro guide Rob Crandall has rowed drift boat for a lifetime and can teach you techniques you need to safely navigate NW waters with your boat.

Learn the basics of drift boat safety, balance and rowing technique with a special 4 hour course specifically designed just for you.  Learn about boat handling, anchoring safely, trailering, launching, loading safety and much more. 

This info packed session is held on the close to Portland, Clackamas River. Learn from our years of rowing and fishing experience.  Save yourself frustration and difficulties and learn from the pros. 

Four hour class session is only $175 for one or two people. 

Call Rob Crandall to schedule your session today: 503-704-6449

Beginning Fly Fishing Classes - 2016 Schedule

Get started in the great sport of fly fishing with fun and quality instruction.  Water Time Outfitters offers a great line-up of classes that help you get going.  We start with the fundamentals and fun you need to start the right way.  Our classes are designed to give you the tools you need to succeed.

Introduction to Fly Fishing $30:  This starter course is the primer to fly fishing and gets you going with the basics.  This 2-1/2 hour class room session helps lay the ground work for a successful launch into the great sport of fly fishing.  This class covers:  rods, reels, lines, what flies to use, tippet, apparel, fish and the water, anatomy of trout water, what fish eat, angling tactics, where to find fish knots, fly casting and much, much more!

Feb 27
Mar 26
Apr 9
May 7

Beginning Fly Fishing Clackamas River $65:   Get started with this 6 hours instruction with fly casting, knots all the basics of the Introduction class and fishing on the Clackamas River.  This class is close to Portland and a great way to get started.

Jun 4

Fly Fishing Lakes Class $135:
This class is one of the best ways to get started fishing period!  We cover the same items in the Intro class above then we move to the water with a get started fly casting lesson we show you fly fishing techniques on a private stocked lake.  Then the real fun begins with fishing time on the lake.  Here you put the lessons into practice as we coach you to success!

April 23
May 28
June 11
July 16

Fly Fishing the Deschutes River Class $165:
This class meets on the Deschutes river - a blue ribbon trout river that is one of the best wild trout fishing in the country. Here we cover the basics of getting started plus on water entomology and hatch matching teaching you what flies to use.  Next we cover fishing strategies on the water and then coach you towards your own success!

June 18
July 23

We work hard so you can learn as much as possible in our classes helping you build a solid foundation in the great sport of fly fishing!

See more about our company at:  www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Water Time Outfitters Inc is an Oregon based company offering classes, schools and workshops helping anglers get started in the great sport of fly fishing.  We also specialize in guided fishing trips on Oregon's best waters.

Christmas Gifts for the Angler

It's that time of year and if you need a gift for a fisherman look no further than Water Time Outfitters for the outdoor getaway your loved one NEEDS or Great Gifts you won't find anywhere else!  Give the gift of water time, that precious resource that there never seems to be enough of.  Today's life has so many stresses, why not put it aside for a day or so and enjoy the bliss of nature and a fish throbbing at the end of the line.

Water Time Gifts to consider:

Guided Fly Fishing trips:  Ranging from half day to multi-day camping trips these range from $125-175 and up.  See our calendar of guided trips for the upcoming year visit Click Here  

Fly Fishing Classes: Trout and steelhead fly fishing beginners have a lifetime passion ahead- get started right in a great sport!  Price ranges from $30 and up.  Click here to see our class schedule

Steelhead Workshops:  A great primer to the season, the new angler or someone new to town.  We show you where to go and how to do it in this all day class on the water. $100   Click here to see our Schedule

Guided Shad Fishing Trips:  Excellent for the new angler or for the "works too much guy" who can squeeze in 4 hours of action packed fishing!  $125-$175 per person.  More Shad Info

Drift boat workshops:  How to row a drift boat safely.  4 hour session takes you down the river in your boat covering rowing and safety.  $175 for one or two. More info

Gift Certificates:  This one covers it all- let your loved one choose from the options above and more to customize the outdoor experience they are craving!

WTO T-shirts - The Tug is the Drug!  The LIFECYCLE of the FISHERMAN is hilarious and true and our all new CHINOOK is KING shirts are a win for salmon anglers!  See our T -shirts on our website:  Fishing T-Shirts

See more on our website: www.watertimeoutfitters.com or call owner Rob Crandall 503-704-6449

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!  

Water Time Outfitters 2016 Guiding Calendar

Come join us on an amazing adventure- Water Time Outfitters guides the best waters of Oregon helping anglers make the most of their precious time on the water.  Below is our season at a glance. Please contact us and find out how we can customize a tailormade trip for you.  See more at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com  or call Rob at: 503-704-6449.

Winter Steelhead caught on the spey rod.  Winter fishing from Jan-April.

Winter Steelhead- Jan, Feb, March, April: 
This is an incredible time of year in Oregon- so many of our rivers get both hatchery and wild steelhead in them.  With so many rivers less than 2 hours away from Portland (and some only minutes away) we have a lot of choices.  Those choices allow us to focus on the best fisheries with the best water conditions.  Don't kid yourself, this time of year is not for the faint of heart; rain is a standard and so are long underwear.  With proper clothing this time of year is a breeze!

For winter steelhead we guide these waters:  Clackamas, Sandy, Wilson, Trask, Nestucca, Nehalem and other secret spots.  Our focus on winter fishing starts Jan 1 and is often good through March.  On the Clackamas river near Portland the season lasts through April most years.

Spring trout fishing on the Deschutes River in central Oregon. 

Spring Trout Fishing- May, June
Trout Fishing on the world famous Deschutes river in central Oregon kicks off in May with the biggest bug hatch of the season- salmon flies!  These bugs are up to 3" long and are like a "big Mac" floating down the river for trout.  Aggressive surface action and busy nymph fishing are common this time of year.  We focus on multi-day float/camp trips this time of year to get you into the best waters and away from the busy areas of this world famous hatch.

Fly fishing for shad is a blast!

Shad Fishing Fun!  June
June is the month for rod bending fun- fly fishing for shad on Oregon's Willamette river.  Shad are great fighting fish and average 2-4 pounds ranging in size from 1-6 lbs making perfect sport for #5 weight fly rods.  This trip is more about catching than the "fishing" often averaging dozens of hookups per 4 hour session - fly fishing for shad is perfect for the beginner or the seasoned angler who just wants to have fun!  Trips leave from the dock in Oregon City, just minutes from Portland, OR.  We specialize in 4 hour sessions.

August steelhead in the lower 22 miles of the Deschutes are terrific fighters!

Deschutes -Spey Water Steelhead Camp -Jet Boat Season -August, September

Prime time guided fishing dates for the most pissed off aggressive steelhead of the season.  If you want a chance to see your backing, this is the time. Aggressive steelhead caught on swung fly are the hallmark of the Deschutes. This technique is thrilling and rewarding. Most of the season steelhead can be caught on floating lines. Steelhead migrating the Columbia basin drop into the Deschutes river in sometimes enourmous numbers as water temps in the Columbia soar the cool waters of the D are a magnate for salmon and steelhead alike!   Here we set up comfortable riverside camps- with our 14’x14’ canvas tents, hammocks where we can, shade canopy, shower and full kitchen.  Marty is generally keeping camp dialed in and doing our cooking.  We generally run up to 3-4 anglers in the jet boat per day.  

Fall steelhead camp on the Deschutes River.  

Wild Fall run steelhead on the Deschutes River- October.

Deschutes Steelhead Camp - October, November

This is one of our most cherished times of the year when the weather is amazing, the fishing incredible and the canyon beauty /wildlife is spectacular.  Time around the campfire is full of stories and reminecing with prime steelhead water only feet away.  This time of year we offer 3 and 4 day float trips in the wild and remote section of the Deschutes canyon with comfortable camps, great meals and some of the best spey water on the river.  Groups of 6 or 8 anglers are easily accomodated.

Chum salmon are tough fighters, fishing near Tillamook, OR.

Oregon Salmon - November

If there ever was a more feirce battle of dogged determination and deep throbbing- rod wrenching fun it is from the standoff between the fly angler and an angry fall salmon.  Fall chinook or the notorious Chum salmon both are known for their tackle testing brute power and are a blast to go after with the fly rod. Most fishing is done with a #8 or #9 weight rod but a #10 weight is not too heavy.  Flies are often bright and flashy and expect to be using deep sinking sink tips or other tricks to get the fly deep where bright chinook and chum salmon like to hang out.  Day trips out of Tillamook, OR.  

Come join us for Oregon fly fishing at it's finest!  Our experienced team of guides have been fishing Oregon our entire lives and we love to share cherished time on the water.  See more about our guides and our fishing trips on our website:  www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

Oregon Steelhead- Fish of a Thousand Casts- Winter Spey Addiction

Fly fishing for winter steelhead in Oregon can be a challenge whose reward is often found after a lot of hard work.  Steelhead are often known as the fish of a thousand casts.  Oregon has many rivers that offer excellent steelhead fly fishing through the winter and spring months.

Not far from the city of Portland, Oregon are a number of great rivers.  The Clackamas and Sandy Rivers offer miles of great spey water.  1-1/2 - 2 hours away from Portland there are dozens of rivers along the Oregon coast that offer winter steelhead fishing.  Here we look for the best water conditions on rivers like the Wilson, Trask, Nehalem, Nestucca among others.

For more information on steelhead fishing winter and spring in Oregon visit www.watertimeoutfitters.com The professional team at Water Time Outfitters will help you make the most of your time on the water!

Deschutes Steelhead Spey Camp

Experience the thrill when a Steelhead takes your fly in Central Oregon's most impressive canyon!
Deschutes River fly fishing at it's finest.  See more at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

The Deschutes River Fall Steelhead Experience

It is hard to find the words to describe the experience of the Deschutes River canyon fall steelhead trip. It's in Oregon's high desert, sage and juniper trees line the hills where basalt cliffs tower and canyons veer through the crags.  This is home to chuckar, quail, bighorn sheep, mule deer and coyote. A National Wild and Scenic cooridor that hosts a bounty of other wildlife along the river too. Beaver, otter, muskrat, mink, varieties of ducks and geese, great horned owls to name a few.  Then there are the big birds; bald eagles and golden eagles which are often seen soaring the basalt cliffs and wind ruffled ridgetops searching for prey.  Whitewater welcomes the prepared here and eats the non-experienced for lunch!  The remoteness of the canyon is part of the adventure where 32 miles of hard to get to water invites your exploration. www.watertimeoutfitters.com

The Deschutes river is an aqua ribbon through this desert landscape and is home to one of the most robust steelhead runs on the lower 48.  Here both wild and hatchery steelhead are seemingly somehow born with-out the abiltiy to resist the swung fly.  These fish average between 6-8 pounds but are often found to 10 pounds.  Each year we land fish in the mid-teens.  One does not simply put the breaks on when fighting a steelhead here.  Mix big water with powerful fish and it's a recipe made for good seeing portions of backing line.  Hang on and enjoy the battle, don't rush it; let that fish run and then coax him back.

Getting ready for Buckskin Mary Rapids.

Wading is required on the Deschutes as regulations do not allow for fishing out of the boat.  The best traction money can buy is well worth it here.

History abounds on the Deschutes.

The Deschutes River railroad has an incredible story starting back in 1908.

On this adventure you can wake up to the smell of coffee and step into a prime steelhead run just feet away from camp.  Fish til dark if you like and allow the glow of the lanterns in the large canvas tents to lure you off the water. Or perhaps it's the smell of hot chocolate chip cookies coming out of the oven that welcome you to camp.  The sound of a crackling fire and dinner on the grill are part of the memorable adventure that tingles the senses and creates lasting memories.

As the weather gets colder times around the fire get better!

Campfires are allowed in the canyon after Oct 15th.  

The cool clear waters of the Deschutes are a mecca for salmon and steelhead migrating up the Columbia river.  Many seasons the Deschutes runs 10 degrees cooler than the Columbia river and is a much needed safety zone for salmon and steelhead.  

Big Deschutes river rainbow trout like to eat steelhead flies too!

Fishing the swung fly for fall steelhead

Bull trout on the Deschutes River. 

Wild turkeys in the Deschutes canyon.

Bighorn Sheep on the hills of the Deschutes Canyon

Home away from home on the river.

Come join us for an adventure that words cannot describe; once you see it you will soon know why many of our customers have been fishing this trip with us for nearly 20 years!  Make the most of your water time with Water Time Outfitters.  For more info visit us at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com @robcrandall @sageflyfish #perfectingperformance