Want to See your Backing? Visit our Spey Water Steelhead Camp

August and September is prime time for the most pissed off aggressive steelhead of the season and if you want a chance to see your backing, this is the time.  Our jet boat trips offer you the best flexibility and access on the river.  This allows us to stay in shaded water longer and fish specific runs and light angles at the right time of day with very little downtime between the amazing riffles, pools, and runs of the Deschutes.  We pick you up at the boat ramp in the afternoon before your first full day so you can get to camp settle in and get a good dose of evening fishing, departing around 1pm the last day- your time on the water is optimized you simply fish and relax. 

  

Located in north central Oregon the lower Deschutes River is an immense fish magnet which flows into the Columbia river near the Dalles, OR.  In August and September near lethal water temperatures are common on the Columbia river and the spring fed Deschutes river commonly flows 10 degrees cooler than the Columbia.  This creates a magnetic effect that draws thousands of fish into the lower Deschutes.  On top of a bumper Deschutes river steelhead run these out of basin fish linger in the Deschutes for weeks waiting for cooler temps to continue their journey on up the Columbia river.  This is a bonus for anglers at times in Aug/Sept as staggering numbers of fish are available.  This is prime time for dry lines- the hallmark of Deschutes River fly fishing.

    

The thrill of the take from an aggressive steelhead can be only a cast away.  Wake up in the morning with a cup of coffee and step into a prime steelhead run only feet away from camp.  With the power boat we have the ability to cover lots of water and stay in the fish as they migrate up river.  Comfortable camps on the world famous Deschutes River get you into the action.  Our camps are designed to be home away from home with large 14' x 14' canvas tents that you can stand and walk around in.  Comfortable cots and plush sleeping pads make your adventure a breeze.  Our camp staff prepares your lodging in advance.  Steelhead Camp is 3 - 7 anglers with one or two comfortable and stable jet boats.

What we provide:

Our signature overnight guided jet boat trips are with an experienced guide who has spent countless hours on the waters you are fishing.  Expect patient personalize attention and intent focus on optimizing your time on the water with a willingness to teach you our favorite tricks to catching steelhead and trout.  River history, tall tales are river lore often come up too.  This trip also includes camp staff to cook and assist in camp as needed.  Camp is fully supplied with tents, cots, and comfortable sleeping pads.  We provide jet boat, life jackets and boaters passes.  We carry thousands of flies however we recommend you have a selection of favorites.  We supply all your meals starting with dinner day one through lunch the last day with soft drinks, snacks and water.  Meals are hearty and you won't leave hungry- most special dietary needs can be accommodated. 

These trips focus on the most remote part of the canyon to optimize our fishing success and will be downstream from the Mack's Canyon Boat ramp.  We use jet boats for transportation only as regulations do not allow fishing from a boat -all fishing is done while wading. 

Standard Jet Boat Camp Package:     Three person minimum - seven person maximum

2 nights, 1 full day fishing, 2 8 hr*-days fishing        $1250

3 nights, 2 full days fishing, 2 -8 hr* days fishing      $1650

Additional nights can be added at $425 per night / per person

Come join the fun on this world class fishery!  To save your spot call today:  503-704-6449 or email guide Rob Crandall at: rob@watertimeoutfitters.com  *approximate

Clackamas River Fishing Report

Fishing has been good on the Clackamas river chasing the chromers of early spring!  The weather has been mostly agreeable with some ups and downs on the water levels this month but we haven't seen a blowout of muddy water the entire month.  Chrome bright fish are arriving daily.  Some days there are more fish around than others and each day a good amount of hunting is often required to find silver.  The fish we see in the month of April in the Clackamas are often a mix of steelhead stocks.  Wild fish chrome bright are still arriving as well as some of the hatchery broodstock based on these wild fish.  The other stock of fish trickling in this year are the summer steelhead.  These robust fighters are often unlandable as they are incredibly acrobatic and balistic fighters!

Fishing the Clackamas River we use a swung fly strategy with spey rods.  Spey casting is a fun and enjoyable way to cover a lot of water fast.  Water temps have been mostly in the 40 degrees range and we typically employ fast sinking tips on the end of Skagit head fly lines.

We use a jet boat on the Clackamas river to cover a range of the best runs quickly.  See more about fishing the Clackamas River with www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Here are a few photos of lucky anglers who landed steelhead on the swung fly this April on the Clackamas River.

Tanner Crandall our "7 year old guide in training..."

Fly Fish Steelhead Seminar - Portland Sportsman Show

Want to improve your game chasing steelhead with the spey rod?

The annual Portland Sportsman's Show is being held Feb 5-9 come see Rob Crandall; editor of Flyfishing & Tying Journal and owner of Water Time Outfitters present "The Missing Pieces"- The Cold Water Quest for Swung fly Steelhead.  Rob will be presenting in the Fly Fishing Theater and on the "Steelhead River" most days of the show.

Stop by the booth and say hello, Water Time Outfitters booth will be along the fly casting pond.

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

Clackamas River Steelhead - Guided Jet Boat Trips

Guided Jet Boat Steelhead Trips – Clackamas River

On the Clackamas River we target winter, spring and summer steelhead just minutes from the Portland airport. Long runs, choppy riffles and sweet hidey holes are everywhere on the Clackamas if you know where to look. With perfect water for the swung fly, chrome fish arriving daily and a mountain view the Clack is the perfect choice for the spey rod angler. Variety and options abound on the Clackamas. With the speed and versatility of the jet boat we can cover many different sections of the river often without other anglers; during low water times the drift boat comes in handy.

We fish the Clackamas from February through June.

Guided jet boat trips cover the best waters of the river, timing our fishing locations to optimize our results. Full day trips may cover many miles or just a few depending on where the fish are; the mobility of the jet boats helps us "stay in the fish". Hot riverside meals are served with your full day of fishing with the jet boat.

Make the most of your time on the water, come fish with Rob Crandall on his home river. Rob grew up on the banks of the Clackamas and has been guiding it since 1992. He knows the river intimately and loves to introduce anglers to the hardy steelhead of the Clack.

Guided Jet Boat Trips -	One angler (w/lunch)	$400
	Two anglers (w/lunch)	$495
	Three anglers (w/lunch)	$650
Jet Boat Half Day Special -	One angler	$175
	Two anglers	$300
	Three anglers	$375

Book your trip now - call to reserve your spot or more details: 503-704-6449  see our website: www.watertimeoutfitters.com  

Deschutes River Steelhead - August September 2013

The weather has been hot, cold and in between but the steelhead season so far has been consistently good  for summer run steelhead since early August.  Water Time Outfitters plies the cool waters of the lower 22 miles of the Deschutes river for summer steelhead in August and September not far from the central towns of the Dalles and Maupin Oregon.  Steelhead migrating from the ocean veer into the cool waters of the Deschutes for respite from warm water in the Columbia River.  Often upper Columbia basin steelhead will stray into the Deschutes (up to 100 miles) only to back out later and continue their migration up the Columbia River.  The lower part of the Deschutes River is the perfect collecting pool of the entire Columbia basin run.  Run sizes of 200,000 to 600,000 chrome steelhead migrate each season up the big river slicing through the edges of Oregon and Washington a large percentage of these fish stop in for a visit in the Deschutes Rivers cooler waters before finishing their journey to rivers like:  Salmon, Clearwater, Methow, Snake and others.

On the lower Deschutes anglers use many methods for producing results on steelies 5-20lbs.  Our favorite strategy is to swing flies.  This is an extremely effective approach to the big water of the lower D.  Here long flats and wide swaths provided the ideal current and boulder combination for perfect hangouts for steelhead. Fishing floating lines and traditional flies like: Green butt Skunks, Purpil Peril, Streetwalker, Muddlers and the like get aggressive fish in the shade of morning and evening.  During the full sun hours sinking the fly deep with sink tips is the preferred strategy.  (That or a nap in the shade waiting for evening).

Deschutes River steelhead move aggressively to the swung fly.  When they grab the fly there are often large boils or even a spray of water on the surface.  An exciting way to fish!

Customer Don L. proudly holds a strong wild steehead

Jet boating is the preferred way to access the lower 22 miles of the Deschutes

Fishing in full sun with a fly rod is the trick on the lower D. 

Fish counts at Sherars falls just 9 miles below Maupin indicate what is moving upriver and when.  The fish trap samples approximately only 1/4-1/3 of the run

Clackamas River Steelhead

Steelhead fishing on the Clackamas river for May and early June will consist mainly of the summer steelhead stocked by ODFW.  This strain of fish is a hard fighting, acrobatic steelhead identifiable by the fin clip markings they received at the hatchery before release.  The Clackamas summer steelhead markings are easily recognized by an adipose fin clip and a maxillary fin clip.

Summer steelhead first enter the Clackamas river as early as March and will continue to trickle into the river system through the summer months.

Lately the Clackamas river has been running a fairly warm 52 degrees with a flow around 12'4" at Estacada. Chrome summer steelhead are caught on swung flies this time of year and aggressive takes are the norm.
Favorite fly pattern colors are black/blue, red, black & black & cerise.  See more info at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Clackamas Steelhead Hit Prime Time

It's prime time on the Clackamas for Steelhead fly fishing.  This close to Portland, destination river offers year round fishing opportunities but for those who swing the fly with spey rods, this is prime time.  Water temperatures are starting to warm from the winter chilly readings, the spring foliage is budding out in brilliant shades and three strains of steelhead are steeming up the Clack right now.

While you may see ducks, geese, osprey, deer, beaver, or bald eagles it is the steelhead we are after right now.  Chrome bright fresh arriving wild, hatchery spring fish and hatchery summer fish are all overlapping right now.

See more about fishing the Clackamas River with Rob Crandall in his Jet boat or drift boat at:
www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Clackamas Summer Steelhead

Clackamas River Summer Steelhead start entering the river as early as February and reach full stride in May, June and early July.  Here is a photo of the Clackamas River near McIver Park in late June.

To find out more about fishing the Clackamas River visit our website: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Oregon North Coast Winter Steelhead Video

Click the play arrow above to see NF Nehalem Video

Here is Jeff landing a dandy wild steelhead in January on Oregon's North Coast favorite stream of Water Time Outfitters - the NF Nehalem river.   Water Time Outfitter guides Rob Crandall and Gil Muhleman float the NF Nehalem in rafts.  Serious white water makes for an exciting float with beautiful scenery including 37 waterfalls cascading into the canyon.  See more at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Mad Steelhead Mid-Day-Angler in Pain

It was a slow morning and we had to drop off a friend at the boat ramp at 1:00 so we decide to fish close by. The sun angle was good and I told Josh sometimes if there are fish around we can have great fishing mid-day if the sun angle is right.  Josh and I split the run and worked through with sink tips.  I was enjoying the opportunity to work on my cast and this spot was a good one for it.  The swing was wide and a long cast would reach out mid-river to the fastest water and swing into the sweet spot very nicely.  I worked on my D-loop and focused on using the bottom hand to tighen up the loop and launch the line into the wind. 

Fish were rolling mid-way through the run.  As the water deepend, fish rolled a lot and they were not trout.  Violent rolls of aggressive fish would snap my head around when I heard them. Often they were above me, fish that had not taken my fly as I moved through the run.  Anticipation built as I worked into the tailout.  In the deeper water above I could reason why I might not have had a grab but in the tailout all bets were off; fish should be seeing my fly. 

Then it happens when you least expect it.  At the end of the swing my fly came across a boulder as the swing was slowing down.  The line tightened slowly and I was sure I hung up on the rock.  I tightened the rod and started to lift to unhook the fly when I felt the unmistakeable pulse of a throbbing fish ripping the rod the opposite way and then - it was gone!  Uggh!  bad mistake.  I continued into the tailout with long casts deep into the current and far into the tailout.  Two casts after the "rock" incident the loop ripped from my fingers.  The line came tight to the reel and ripped out in aggressive surges.  I tightend the rod lifting towards the downstream side and a the fight was on!

Large headshakes shook the 13'-6" #7 weight Z-Axis spey rod I was using bending the rod deeply.  The fish ripped out some line and then cooled a second for more headshakes, then, well then it was gone.  Water sprayed off my reel as the fish ran downstream into heavy current.  The running line quickly dissappeared and then the backing.  Lots of backing.  I thrashed towards shore.  The bottom gave way under me and I dog paddled a bit getting a good dose of cool water in my waders.  Once to shore I scrambled down stream over rocks, boulders, branches, trees and other fun obstacles. 

I pulled hard on the fish.  It would slow down from time to time but the current and gravity were on it's side.  I couldn't stop it.  At one point it nearly spooled me.  That's right, all my flyline and over 100 yards of backing.  Running through the water with half full waders as fast as I could go over rocks and under trees was the best workout I've had in a long time.  My legs ached my lungs were burning and my rod arm was starting to cramp. 

Finally after what was close to 1/2 mile the fish slowed and held up.  I got the backing on the reel and then finally some of the running line.  Once caught on a boulder mid rapid, I was able to free the line and come back tight to the fish.  Working the fish downstream to softer water we finally were able to land one tough steelhead. 

See the video of Rob getting beat up by a steelhead:  Steelhead beats up Water Time Guide- Video

Josh and I came back through the run and got one more steelhead, a wild fish about 10lbs that stayed in the hole and didn't run so hard down river.  That was good because I don't think I could have run that run a second time. 

To get your excercise chasing steelhead come fish with us: www.watertimeoutfitters.com  

 

 

 

 

Deschutes River Steelhead - Best on the Planet?

The lower Deschutes River is perhaps one of the very best steelhead fisheries available to fly fishers in the entire western United States.  Columbia River which cuts a line between Washington and Oregon is the river highway for summer steelies going to eastern Washington, Oregon and Idaho.  Most years over 1/2 million steelhead migrate this passage.  During the warm summer months the Columbia River gets intolerably hot while the Deschutes River often stays relatively cool by comparison.  This creates a cool water magnet that steelhead cannot resist and often a major portion of the entire run will branch off into the comfort zone of the Deschutes waters.  Many of these fish travel the 100 miles up to Pelton Dam before turning back down river and on up the Columbia to their final destination.  This strain of summer steelhead is much different than it's winter run cousin.  These fish begin entering freshwater in July, August and September and won't spawn until the following February, March or April.  A long stint in freshwater for sure but puts into perspective how a short 100 mile jaunt up the Deschutes for them is no big deal.  The combination of cooler water, mega amounts of fish, the natural tendency of these fish to attack flies on the surface is the perfect combination for creating one of the best steelhead fisheries around.

The lower Deschutes has many access locations.  Favorite access sites are the mouth of the River at Heritage Landing or the Deschutes River State Park or the Maupin area.  For the traveling angler with a family there is a lot to do in both locations.  White water rafting is a big deal in Maupin with one day floats that have frothy whitewater spray for miles- a sure fire fun way to cool off on a hot August day.  Near the mouth of the Deschutes there is a great campground- called the Deschutes River State Park.  Full hookups here go for $20 per night.  Hiking, biking and swiming  fun are all around.  Of course fishing for steelhead can also be supplemented with some local smallmouth bass fishing on the Columbia River and the many small ponds along HWY 84. 

The old railroad bed build in 1909 is a great way to see the lower Deschutes River.  From the mouth of the river this grade is perfect for a mountain bike and a great way to access to lower 8 miles of the river. 

The mouth of the Deschutes is a popular trolling zone, just below the bridges where the Deschutes meets the Columbia River, steelhead and salmon alike will stack up.

This area is a historic zone where Lewis and Clark, native Indians and the Oregon Trail come through at the mouth of the Deschutes River. 

An interesting side trip a little over an hour from the mouth of the Deschutes river and about the same from the town of Maupin, OR is the interesting little town of Shaniko.  A listed "Ghost Town" Shaniko has a lot to see and represents a lot of history in the area.

If your wife likes to knit like mine does the Imperial Stock Ranch not far from Shaniko and a scenic drive from Maupin will give her plenty of great material for her next project.  A working ranch since the 1800's this ranch has some amazing history. 

Scenery on the drive to Imperial Stock Ranch.  The land between the Deschutes River and John Day river are full of scenic views of the Cascade range, rolling hills of wheat and plentiful deer. 

See more info on the Deschutes River including Trout and steelhead fishing- click this link for one of our other articles: http://watertimeoutfitter.blogspot.com/2012/04/deschutes-river-trout-fishing-oregon.html

If you come to the state of Oregon, be sure to visit one of the best steelhead fisheries on the planet.  The Deschutes River has steelhead fly fishing from July through November.  Water Time Outfitters offers guided fly fishing trips on the lower 100 miles of the Deschutes River.  Limited BLM permits allow guiding on the river.  Our permit allows us to offer guided float trips, jet boat trips and walk in fishing trips.  Come join us for a Deschutes River fishing adventure! See more at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

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