Camp Water Reports

The Hatch is on

Thu, 17 May 2012 07:00:03 -0700

The Deschutes has come alive with an invasion of monster insects that cover the stream side vegetation and anyone that ventures near the water... that should keep some people away. Especially those that don’t like big bugs crawling down their neck.

Stonefly and Salmonflies are on the move throughout the lower Deschutes and the hatch is well underway. Bushes in the Maupin area are covered and the Goldenstones are already flying and laying eggs. Warm weather and near perfect conditions should move the hatch right on up the river by this time next week.

There are already report of some activity in the Trout Creek area, but anglers tossing big Goldenstone nymphs where smacking big fish like the one above. This monster was landed by one of Rob’s clients from the midwest .... I don’t think he’s in Kanas anymore.

Salmonflies, Goldenstones, March Browns, PMDs, Caddis, Midges and a few BWOs will make up the main course over the next few weeks. Look for the occasional Green Drake and Mahogany Dun in the mix as well.

Closer to home the Clackamas and Sandy rivers are still kicking out Steelhead in good numbers. Pressure is light as anglers look to the east and the trout fishing opportunities. My man on the inside has even reported Springers in the mix on the Clackamas. They should also be showing in the Sandy.

Water levels are near perfect and fishing is ramping up. If you have vacation time, take it.

See you on the water!

Fishing Report

Thu, 10 May 2012 06:40:21 -0700

Summer is threatening to move in overnight, raising temperatures into the upper 80s across the state. We have all been complaining about the rain, now we get to focus our attention on some serious trout fishing as the warmer weather jump starts seasonal hatches of trout food. The Deschutes has come down to under 5000 cfs (4930) at Madras so things are looking up.

First up on the menu is the world famous Salmonfly hatch. These big, tasty trout morsels have already made their presence known on the lower Deschutes in the Maupin area and the fish are eating them. That trend will continue up through South Junction over the next few weeks, before the entire river is crawling with this major trout food event.

Other hatches may take a backseat to the big bugs, but there are plenty of buggy things on the menu. March Browns, PMDs and a assortment of caddis are also working hard to fill the bellies of our plump Deschutes Redsides. If you’re fishing the upper river and not seeing any Stoneflies crawling out, try drifting a nice Cased Caddis with a smaller offering behind. That combo can be deadly until the focus changes to the Stones. Hare’s Ear Soft Hackles fished on the swing are another way to pay tug-a-war with a trophy trout. With trout looking for an easy, digestible snack, emergers play a very important roll in the food chain. If you are seeing backs and tails, fish emergers.

When the big bugs are on the menu, change your set up to maximize your success. Shorter leaders tapered down to 3x will normally get the job done and not twist up as easy. Casts made tight to the bank or other structure is where the trout will be looking for fresh food. Don’t be afraid to pop it in there as Salmonflies are clumsy fliers and tend to crash on takeoff. Fish expect that.

If steelhead are your thing, there is plenty of local action on that front. Both the Clackamas and Sandy Rivers have good numbers of late winter, spring and summer Steelhead. Fishing pressure is dropping off as things heat up in the Deschutes. The Sandy should also be hosting a few Springers for you Salmon guys, but note that water conditions may change with the warmer weather.

Plenty of things to do and finally the weather we all have been waiting for. Pull the spark plug out of the lawnmower and hide the leaf blower until at least the end of the June, or maybe November. Better yet, hire a professional that doesn’t fish...

Trout time

Tue, 1 May 2012 07:27:36 -0700

Trout season is upon us and even though most of our good trout waters have been open all winter, it’s trout time! Boaters can now head out from Warm Springs in search of monster Resides as they gently drift the idyllic waters of the Deschutes.... Check that. The river has been running over 6000 cfs in resent days, but has been on a downward trend. High water and high flows are not unusual, but do require a change in strategies. Number one, check current conditions when planning your trip.

Number two on the strategy list is boating and fishing safety. Make sure you don’t get in over your head on either one. Wade carefully and know were your next step is. Use a wading staff! That alone has kept my waders dry over the years and it’s a sign of intelligence, not weakness.

High waters years always see a few pontoon and drift boats heading down the river alone. Make sure you anchor properly or tie your boat up. Don’t be that guy.

When it come to fishing strategies keep it tight. High water will move fish in even closer that normal. Work the edges and stay back away from the bank. Look for fish in back eddies and seams, no matter how small. Remember fish need food and comfortable holding water. Look for that feeding lane and you’ll do just fine.

We have already heard rumors of Goldenstones crawling out in the Maupin area. We should see more activity over the next few weeks as things warm up. Don’t pass up the chance for a March Brown or BWO hatch in the meantime.

On the Metolius we are still a few weeks away from any Green Drake activity, but again this is a good time to be on the river. There is always something hatching. With the upper section of the river open it is time to do a little small stream fishing before the summer crowds arrive. Spend a day on the Metolius and you’ll always remember it, even it you don’t catch a fish.

Finally, if you just can’t give up on Steelhead, but local high water has put you in a grumpy mood, no worries. Even at 14 feet the Clackamas has been red hot with plenty of summer and winter fish. As our man on the water, Mr. Crandall, said last evening “14 is the new normal”. Be normal, go fishing.

Springtime Report

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 07:28:51 -0700

Just a shower moved through last evening so I’m hoping that the rivers stay in shape and we can get on with our spring fishing. As you may have noticed, it’s been interesting to say the least. Conditions have changed overnight and that has caused cases of cabin fever not seen in years. Hopefully we’re past all that.

I don’t think we’ll have the same water issues we had last season as we transitioned from steelheading to trout fishing. In fact currently the Deschutes is fishing pretty good, even with the water a little on the high side. It has cleared up and is giving up some of it’s famous redsides. Wouldn’t be a bad place to spend the day.

Locally the Clackamas has seen a good showing of summer fish mixed in with late winter returners. Swinging flies is working great and some are finding success on floating or near floating presentations. I wouldn’t toss the sink tip just yet, but fishing soft water “tipless” can pay off. Just fish for the conditions in a way you feel comfortable and you’ll score.

The coast has also seen the return of some summer fish and conditions there always improve fairly quickly after a little push of water. The odd Springer has even showed up in a few of the systems for those of you with salmon fever. Soon. Very soon.

So if you plan on hitting the water this weekend, check current conditions and have a great time. Remember that the water is a bit higher in some systems and a lot colder than last summer. Wear your life jacket and wade with care. I want to see you back here next week.

Cheers

Steelhead report

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:43:05 -0800

Conditions are good heading into the weekend as we haven’t been pounded with rain, yet. Coastal streams are clear and there have been plenty of fish around. Tillamook are rivers should be a good bet. The next few weeks should be stellar if the weather remains moderate.

Locally the Clackamas and Sandy are in great shape, but fishing has been a little slower than on on the coast. Hopefully that will improve. We are forecasted to see more rain this week so look for fresh fish to move in.

I’m heading to the Metolius for some winter trout fishing. I’ll report next week... Cheers!