Big Water Event Ahead

This graph shows the forecasted water levels for the Clackamas River for Dec 19-24.  Rarely do we get a graph like this where there is so much pink at the top of the screen.  More commonly on big rain storms we would see the river rising near or to the Action phase at 18'.  Here it shows the river rising to Major Flood stage at nearly 25'.  Normal flows for this time of year are around 12'6"-14'.  Looks like this one is going to be a dandy.  Watch for new channels to form and the river to shift.  We may have some new holes to fish by Christmas!

www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

Fishing Decal - The Tug is the Drug!

“The Tug is the Drug” Decal 

Display your fishing passion on your vehicle, thermos, tackle box, boat etc… 
Decal is 4” wide X 5” tall 

$2.99 for one (includes shipping & handling in USA) 
$10.00 for four (includes shipping & handling in USA) 


For fishermen it's so true "The Tug is the Drug"! Admittedly this is an addictive sport. We are always out looking for the next tug... can't stop the addiction, why fight it?

To Order Click Here

Early Morning Chrome

Mornings on the river are full of anticipation.  Sometimes those first casts are rewarded with an aggressive fish.  It had barely gotten light when client Eric H. connected with this chrome rocket. www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Winter Steelhead Season - December 2014

It is now early December and winter steelhead action is starting on the Oregon coast.  Fish returning this time of the season are often referred to as the early returning winter run fish.  These are typically the hatchery component of the winter steelhead run.  Most common rivers to find early returning winter steelhead in Oregon are the Nestucca, the Wilson, NF Nehalem, the Alsea, Necannicum and the Kilches rivers.  

Winter steelhead time of year the water is cold and requires the fly angler to get their fly down to the fish.  Sink tips or indicator riggings are most productive.  Common sink tips are T-11 and T-14 and at 10' long.  These tips are delivered with a shooting head fly line system called a Skagit line.  At the end of the sinking tip a short leader helps ensure the fly stays where is should- deep.  

Favorite patterns for winter steelhead are often larger than summer favorites.  Flies that have movement and swim with a life-like motion often get the best results.  A few of our favorites below are available at fly shops in the NW and at www.spiritriver.com 

Crandall's Guide Choice is a great fly when there is a lot of green coloration in the water. 

Crandall's Steelhead Nitemare is a producer under most water conditions.   

Crandall's Provider is a great fly for clear to medium clear water conditions.

For more information on winter steelhead in Oregon visit: www.watertimeoutfitters.com or check out our class/seminar schedule to get hands on help with steelhead success! 

Happy Thanksgiving! Deschutes Steelhead Summer and Fall Video

It's Thanksgiving Day 2014 and as I look back at this year there is so much to be thankful for.  Here is a fun video of fly fishing for steelhead in the Deschutes canyon.  When I watch this video I can't help but be thankful for such a great team of guides and such an amazing resource we have.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Spey Casting Class - Near Portland

Thinking about trying your hand at Spey casting? Want to learn a new cast or try a different line? Take a class! We are offering a special three hour class for the beginner looking for an introduction to Spey casting, or the intermediate caster looking to improve. This class will address the differences between Skagit, Scandi and traditional Spey casting, helping you choose the technique best suited to the way you want to fish. Learn the basics, or improve your casting prowess. 

We will have a few rods and lines to test drive. Students will need personal gear and warm clothes.

This class is limited to 4 students and will be held on Saturday, December 20th, from 9:00 to 12:00 at Barton Park on the Clackamas. Our instructor for this class is Rob Crandall of Water Time Outfitters.

Cost is $65.00 per person. 

Click the link below to book your spot in this class with Royal Treatment Fly Shop:

Spey Casting Class- Book My Spot

Steelhead Fly Patterns by Rob Crandall

I have finally put some of my favorite fly patterns out there in the commercial world.  These flies have been great producers for me for many years.  Each pattern has a specific use and water clarity application.  In generall there is a pattern for low and clear water, medium green to darker green waters.  All these flies work on steelies nearly year round.  I use them on the Oregon Coast, Clackamas and Sandy Rivers and the Deschutes River in summer and fall.

You can now use my secret guiding patterns that produce result for my clients on a daily basis.  Flies are available at great fly shops like Royal Treatment Fly shop in West Linn, OR 503-850-4397 and online at: https://spiritriver.com/new-flies

Good luck on the water!
Rob Crandall

Devils Candy- This is a killer leech pattern that has seductive flash and appeal.  Works especially good on low-clear water conditions or on fish that have been in the river a while. 

Guides Choice- this pattern is a favorite in the green waters of winter steelhead fishing.  Cerise and Orange colors show up well and move and swim in the water.  This is a go-to pattern in winter.

Promise Keeper: this pattern is a great combo of cerise and black with a bit of flash.  It is a top producer most of the year.  Works especially well in them medium green to clear water conditions.  

Crandall's Provider:  Black and Blue has always been a traditional color combo for steelhead that gets results.  This pattern uses Ostrich herl tied in Intruder style to get movement and action in the water.  Always a go-to pattern on any blue sky day or medium to clear water conditions. 

Crandall's Steelhead Nightmare:  This fly I had the hardest time turning over to the commercial side.  It is an all time best producer for me and it is hard to beat for both winter, spring, summer and fall fish. Black and red are great colors for steelies add in the white lead eye and there is a definite color contrast and eye grabber for steelies.  

Crandall's Wedding Dress:  This fly is much better that the traditional "Prom Dress" pattern in that the flash body of the fly articulates and really moves.  This fly is a killer anywhere aggressive steelhead live!