Summer heat!

Hot, hot, hot!

We’re having a heatwave and getting our waders wet is the best idea we’ve had all week. With temps pushing 100 around the state it’s going to be hard to find relief anywhere, but there are a few options....

Cascade lakes are an option that doesn’t require too much effort. Many of the lakes on Mt. Hood have nice campgrounds that are very family friendly and have plenty of fish in them. Same holds true for the lakes on Century Drive near bend. For a more wilderness experience pack in off the beaten path and explore some of those liquid gems that are sprinkled through out the Cascades. Do a little research, pack light, and discover a piece of Oregon you didn’t even know about.

North and central coast streams are seeing a few harvest trout returning. Focus on shorter, cooler watersheds and don’t stress the fishery. Water temps on some streams are far to warm to safely fish. Be aware and plan accordingly.

The Deschutes has warmed up a bit, but steelhead are starting to move over Sherar’s Falls. Warmer water may slow that movement over the next few weeks. Fish early while water temps are lower. Looks to be a very good run of fish again this year. Wild fish have arrived early, with the hatchery brood numbers picking up now. BBQ time! Be sure to invite those hatchery dudes home for dinner. Trout fishing remains good in the morning and evenings. Smaller flies in the riffles mid-day can work magic if nothing else will. Take those size 20 caddis I keep telling you about...

I fished a section of the White River near Tygh Valley with Rob Crandall of Water Time Outfitter’s this past week. I was very impressed with the number of fish this watershed supports. Plenty of action and shots at some very large fish. You’d think you had been dropped into the wilds of Alaska if it wasn’t for the 100 degree temps and lack of Griz... We did see plenty of wildlife and great fish habitat on this little private water drift. I had a great time blasting big streamers into root wads and cut banks. The fish that lived there were big and feisty. My buddy WaterDog came along and did the hopper dropper deal all day and had plenty of action. Like I said, this watershed supports a large population of fish of all sizes. Check out the photos and more information on the guide page.

As we get into the longer, cooler nights conditions will improve and we can get serious about fall steelheading. Look for the action to pick up again very soon through out the state. It isn’t steelheading unless you’re wearing fleece....

Saturday, August 14, 2010