Oregon Lake Tour - Fly Fishing Oregon's Finest Waters

I just recently finished an exploratory mission on some amazing parts of the scenic and beautiful state of Oregon chasing trout with the fly rod.  On this mission we covered a lot of miles.  We saw amazing scenery and epic fishing.  Spring time weather like the fishing was a grab bag from cold to hot and everything in between.

From Oregon City we drove to Diamond Lake.  Where we saw massive  quanities of chronomids hatching.
Bugs were everywhere and it was a good thing they were not of the biting variety.  Our luck was poor as the temperature our first night dipped to a cool 27 degrees and the wind picked up putting a strong chop on the surface.  Our efforts mocked by a nearby bald eagle and a mallard that ate more chronomids off the surface than any trout I have ever seen we headed out to calmer waters and lower elevation.

Diamond Lake 

Our next stop was Klamath Lake near K-Falls and almost to the southern state border. Here we chatted with Rocky Point Resort's manager who had reported some good fishing on streamer patterns for large trout. Here the rainbows average in the pounds and inches are far to paltry a measure for these beheamoths.  Most action was to be found in the Rocky Point areas and around Crystal Creek entrance on streamer patterns of white and silver with some gold bits mixed in.  Intermediate lines were the call to action here and timing was important.  The wind picked up in the afternoons but the water temps also rose peaking the bite in the warmer hours of the day.  Here one or two grabs in a day are the norm with the real possibility of a 10lb or larger rainbow grabbing your fly.

Klamath Lake at Rocky Point Resort

With 20-30 mile an hour winds in the forecast we changed our plan and headed off to the Crooked River for the next leg of our journey.  Arriving mid-week we had the pick of campsites in the well appointed campgrounds along the Wild and Scenic Crooked River cooridor below Bowman dam.

 Time at the campfire was a highlight of the trip

Our timing at the Crooked coincided with some recent rains/thunderstorms and some added releases from the dam.  Flow as at 270 cfs as we embarked and included the lovely addition of green algae floating in globs down the river.  This became such a nusciance that the continual cleaning of our flies turned our hands green.  (The good news is that this seemed to be greatly reduced by mid-day.)  Our first attempts at the magic combination were a bit timidly received-a few fish here and there.  We finally dialed in on a red San Juan worm and a midge larve pattern like a Zebra Midge.  These worked well on fat 6-14" rainbows and a few whitefish.  The bite seemed to really pick up around 10:30 with the main event of the day being a great Blue Winged olive hatch that was going full bore by 12pm.  This was soon interupted by the introduction of a small tan caddis that was a bit spunky on the surface and elicited some great splashy rises from rainbows up to about 14".  This was the funnest fishing of the day and after rising our share and then some we headed out on our next journey. 

The Crooked River BWO hatch was good to us mid-day.

This segment of the trip took a couple hours to bring us to Rock Cr. Res.  Here we set up camp and were prepared to relax by the fire but were interupted by rising fish everywhere on the lake near our camp.  This kicked the energy level back to high gear and soon the float tube was inflated and the 5 weight was swinging! After a slow start we found the fly they wanted a slim damsel pattern that was getting hit on nearly every cast.  Most of these fish were stocker trout about 8".  Reports of trophy trout 6-8lbs were rumored as we checked in with the camp host but during our short time here we did not find any of these.

Rock Creek Res. in early May on a low water year. 

The next morning and final day of our journey we drove the short 20 minute drive to Rocky Ridge Ranch for the final rod bending test of our Oregon Lake Tour.  Here we were rewarded with a dandy rainbow on the first cast for Darrin and then an onslaught of rod bending battles until we finally gave up took some advil and left and a mere 1pm.

One of the dandies we landed at Rocky Ridge Ranch

All in all we had a blast, celebrated some wild and amazing places in Oregon and I can't wait to go back!

Time for a new map!

See more about our professional fishing adventures at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com  

Fly Fishing Lakes Class 2015 - Portland Area Fly Fishing!

Learn what it takes to catch trout in lakes with this one day well rounded, 8 hour, fly fishing school brought to you by Water Time Outfitters and Royal Treatment Fly shop.  Get started in fly fishing the right way and learn from our pro’s.  Our first segment of the class is held in the classroom at Royal Treatment Fly shop in West Linn, OR.  From there we go get a line wet on a private lake with healthy  populations of Rainbow trout.  Get started fly fishing the right way or just advance your skills on some trophy trout waters.   Come join the fun! 

What’s Included:

•             Beginners approach to fly fishing session- knots, terminology, rigging etc…

•             Fly casting lesson- learn the basics of fly casting- overhead, roll cast, roll cast pickup, presentation               casts and more

•             Lake fly fishing techniques- dry fly, emerger, streamer and midge techniques

•             Lake entomology lesson- learn what trout eat in lakes

•             Guided fly fishing on a private lake

•             V-Boats and kick fins

Bring your lucky fishing hat, a lunch and your camera you just might catch some memories!

Our guarantee:  We will work hard so you can learn as much as possible in this class on the great sport of fly fishing lakes.  We will do our best to see that everyone catches fish and has an enjoyable day.  Space is limited reserve your spot today!  Fee is only $130.00  Call 503-704-6449 to reserve your spot today! Classes in May and June 2015  Email:  Lake Fly Class Info

Lake Fishing Class 2013

Darrin with a dandy rainbow from Rocky Ridge Ranch

Thank you to all who attended our Fly Fishing Lakes Class on Saturday at Rocky Ridge Ranch.  The weather was amazing for May- it felt more like August!  Lots of sun and clear skies.  The Ranch is beautiful with incredible view of Mt. Hood and the surrounding countryside.  All our anglers caught fish and many caught their first fish ever on a fly rod!

                                                    First trout ever on a fly for Jim

Morning fishing showed a promising start to a chronomid hatch that fizzled out by mid-day; several fish in the 20" range were landed.  Afternoon fishing was best with smaller olive wooly bugger flies, fished with clear intermediate fly lines.

Dave's first of many at Rocky Ridge Ranch

If you'd like to learn more about fly fishing and catching fish in lakes join one of our upcoming classes or ask about a guided trip at the private lakes.  See more info at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

Lake Fly Fishing Class- May 2013

Want to get started fly fishing lakes or just learn to fly fish?  This is a great class to get going and learn in a fun and informative atmosphere.  This is a two part class that gives you the tools you need to get a good start on fly fishing lakes.

Part 1 is held at a fly shop classroom covering the basics.  Knot tying, rigging, fly selection, lake discussion and gear are covered here.  2 hour session.

Part 2 is held on a private ranch near Tyghe Valley, OR. (approximately 1:45 minutes from Portland). These fertile lakes host an excellent population of rainbow trout.  Food sources are prolific and range from midges, callibaetis, damsel and leeches. Trout are often caught up to 16-18" with some up to 10lbs in these lakes.  Here we cover fly casting starting with square one or building on your current skills.  We cover fishing techniques and strategies, provide a hot lunch and spend the day on the water.

Bring your lucky fishing hat a camera and makes some fly fishing memories in our fly fishing lakes class.

Call to save your spot today:  503-704-6449  See more fishing opportunities at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Water Time Outfitters - Classes and Schools 2013

Water Time Outfitters offers some of the finest instruction in the business of fishing.  Come join us on our custom made classes, schools and workshops on Oregon's finest waters.  Call or email for more info.     503-704-6449  wto@ccgmail.com

Winter Steelhead Workshops- Perfect for the bank bound angler this class takes you to the river and shows you the best access points, fishing strategies, run timing, water levels, spey casting, fly selection a hot lunch and much more!   Classes on the Clackamas, Eagle Creek, Wilson, Trask, Kilches rivers.  Only $100.  Call or email for details. 

Spey Casting Classes- Learn the basics of the spey cast with Rob Crandall and the crew at Royal Treatment fly shop.  This class will get you started with good fundamentals so you can be a great caster.  Call the shop for the next class. $60 503-850-4397

Steelhead Boot Camp- Intense focus on the "why" of "what" we do to catch steelhead on a fly in the winter.  Come join us at the coastal river house and immerse yourself in steelhead fishing.  Includes: casting lessons, fishing approaches, fly selection, knots, guided fishing, all your meals, lodging and much more!  Limited space fills fast.  Call Rob for details:  503-704-6449

Salmon Fly Workshop- If you've experienced frustration with salmonfly hatch, can't seem to time it right or just learning this class is for you.  This one day seminar helps unravel the mystery of salmon fly secrets.  Learn fishing techniques, entomology, reading water and much more!  This class fills fast, call for details 503-704-6449. 

Beginning Fly Fishing - Get started right with good fundamentals and fun.  Fly fishing can be confusing, let us help.  We start with the basics and build from there.  We have rods or bring yours.  Held on the beautiful Deschutes River this class is a good start in fly fishing.  Call 503-704-6449 for details.

Lake Fly Fishing- Our private lakes setting couldn't be better to get you going fly fishing lakes.  Large hungry rainbows with good hatches make this the perfect setting for a lake fly fishing class.  We provide float tubes, BBQ lunch, rods/reels as needed and much more.  Come join the fun!  Call for dates 503-704-6449.

For more info contact Rob Crandall at 503-704-6449 or email wto@ccgmail.com 

Father, Son Fishing Trip- River Lake Combo

Not far from Portland, Oregon are several angling treasures that have started many a new angler into fly fishing.  Oregon has some great outdoor opportunities and one of the best it has to offer is fly fishing.   Water Time Outfitters offers beginning fly fishing trips for those who want to get out and wet a line for the first time.  Building lasting memories and hooking new anglers on a lifetime passion is one of our favorite things. 

Our new friend Jay called and asked about getting him and his boys started in fly fishing.  We designed a custom package for him and his sons.  The first day would be at Rocky Ridge Ranch where we would fish one of the 3 private lakes with big rainbows and then stay at the lakeside cabin.  The following 3 days would be a float trip on the wild and scenic Deschutes River Canyon.  These options would give the group of father and 2 sons lasting memories, some great fishing, whitewater, epic scenery and new fly fishing skills.

Visit www.watertimeoutfitters.com or email us at: wto@ccgmail.com to ask about a custom trip for your family and friends. 

Here are some of the pictures from their trip.

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.