Fly Fishing Adventures
McKenzie River Fly Fishing
Using Oregon’s McKenzie River — our local favorite — as the example, we see many McKenzie River fishing guides and do-it-yourself anglers who restrict themselves to topwater strategies, using either dry flies or emerging wet fly patterns on, or near, the water’s surface. In March and early April, when the March Brown mayflies are hatching, surface fishing can be effective, BUT usually for only a brief period of the day. Often, this productive span lasts less than an hour.
Santiam River Fly Fishing
The North Fork and South Fork of the Santiam River originate in the Cascade Mountains, running clear and cool year-round. The fishing locations of interest on North Fork are east of Salem, while Sweet Home is the epicenter of boating and fishing on the South. Both offer excellent trout fishing in late spring through the summer months. When pursuing native rainbow and cutthroat trout, the riffles and runs of the Santiams are special.
Rogue River Steelhead Fly Fishing
The Rogue River stands alone in the Northwest when it comes to the possibility of catching a steelhead on a fly rod. This stream presents the best likelihood for beginner and veteran alike to hook a crazy sea-going rainbow even when compared to the imposing likes of fabled steelhead waters as the Deschutes and North Umpqua. Rogue River steelhead are “grabby”, considering these are fish that do not need to eat during their spawning migration.
Siletz River Winter Steelhead Fly Fishing
As a Siletz River steelhead guide I have to deal with the changing conditions and the occasional crowds in pursuit of these fabulous fish. It’s helpful for me to think of it as a game of chess. The chess pieces are flies, angling techniques, fly fishing equipment, the sections of river to be fished, when to stay and when to move on, my clients and their skills (or lack thereof), and pinpointing the best holding areas at any given water level. I move my chessmen constantly throughout the fishing day.
Nestucca River Winter Steelhead Fly Fishing
The little town of Beaver, about 20 minutes south of Tillamook on Oregon’s north coast, is the hub of fishing activity on the Nestucca River. February through mid-April find good numbers of both hatchery and native streelhead willing to take a fly. Because the Nestucca is blessed with an abundance of riffles, runs, and fish-holding pools, the fly angler will never want for excellent water which might hold a biting steelhead.