Smoke and Silver Linings

Unfortunately, our low snowpack has finally caught up with us. Within the past week, lightning storms have sparked fast-burning fires across the state. From the looks of it, we are in for a tough fire season. Our hearts go out to all Oregonians who have lost homes, property, or have been evacuated due to the countless fires.

What do numerous wildfires mean for us anglers still trying to get out and fish? First and foremost, stay safe. Anyone with respiratory or other health concerns should keep an eye on the air quality index to make sure being outside won’t negatively impact health. Always take the extra step to make sure there are no road or river closures before heading out. First responders need fire perimeters and river access areas clear of recreators to do their job effectively. Rescuing people stranded in a fire’s path can be a dangerous task that needlessly puts first responders in harm's way. Different state and federal agencies are quick to put out notifications on fire-related closures, such as the recent and ongoing closure on the Deschutes around the Warm Springs and Mecca areas. These are often updated daily, or even hourly, so monitor ongoing situations in the days leading up to a trip.  

But secondly, this is where things get interesting. Some of you may have noticed that we have been experiencing some cooler weather and “cloud” cover as a result of the constant presence of wildfire smoke blowing in and out. These are the times when anglers need to be ready to throw their gear in the truck and hit the water ASAP. Cloud cover and cooler temps increase bug activity and fish respond accordingly. On a recent Deschutes float, Josh and I had high smoke cover on our last day, which kept air and water temperatures low and very fishy. Air temps were 80 degrees when we left the Deschutes, and 95 degrees when we arrived back in Portland, all because of a high ceiling of smoke.  So how does this affect your weekend fishing plans?

Trout

Locally, our rivers are still experiencing some unreliable hatches and fish activity. It’s time to bring the whole toolbox to the river and get ready to experiment. We’d suggest starting any day on the water with a dry dropper to cover different portions of the water column to help guide your bug choice as the day progresses. Small terrestrials that have enough foam and synthetic material to support a small, but heavy, tungsten fly will be the most effective way to accomplish this. Foam humpy’s, small chubby’s, and Rio’s Skater Tot all have the profile to keep fish looking up with the strength to do the heavy lifting in a dry-dropper setup. Anywhere you go right now, expect to see fish rising to small caddis in the mornings and evenings, but make sure you are stocked up on small mayfly cripples and emergers, both in Blue Winged Olive and Pale Morning Dun sizes and colors.

Mt. Hood lakes and other higher-elevation stillwaters will give respite from mid-summer heatwaves. Fishing has been good locally, with great reports coming in of people using damselfly and dragonfly nymphs, different styles of leech patterns, and small streamers.

Warmwater

If you’re looking for something different, our metro-area sections of the Willamette and Clackamas are kicking out great bass fishing. These fish are easily accessible to all of us locally and can be a fun way to spend a day on the water. During low light periods, try slowly fishing poppers or big foam terrestrials such as Rio’s Soft Chew to entice bass out of their hidey holes and weed beds. Small streamers tied on jig hooks are a great way to connect with bigger specimens without losing too many flies to rock piles and in-stream wood structure where bigger fish loiter.

Steelhead

Those of you monitoring dam counts and season frameworks are already well-aware that we are likely not going to reach our thresholds for a normal steelhead season on eastside rivers. If you need to vent or are looking for a shoulder to cry on, we are well stocked on tissues and shoulders here at the fly shop. Trust me, we are all deeply saddened and disappointed by this. If you had high hopes of getting a fish on the Deschutes this year, we recommend you stop doomscrolling the dam counts and get out for a few days in the canyon before the likely closure in mid-August. There are fish, we promise. With this time of year, of course, water temps fluctuate, with the very lower sections of the Deschutes continuing to reach the high 60s. Get out at first light, monitor the water temps with thermometers often, and practice restraint when water temperatures start to near 68 degrees.   

That being said, it’s not all doom and gloom for Oregon steelheaders. Willamette rivers fared quite well this summer, and there are thousands of fish working their way south through the valley. Rivers like the Mackenzie, Santiam, and Middle Fork Willamette have great swing water and are starting to get good numbers of fish. Consider going farther south to the North Umpqua or Rogue Valley for a change of scenery and a good chance at encountering summer steelhead this year.

For many of us, the ritual of steelheading is why we do it. It’s tying the flies, doing meal prep, planning with fishing partners, rowing the boat, casting scandi lines, and imagining fish holding beneath the technicolor glare of a sunrise on flowing water somewhere downriver. It’s watching the shade recede down the canyon walls and being replaced by the vibrant orange of a new day in the river canyon. A pull might come; it might not. But going through the motions that come with being a steelheader is what makes each encounter with these fish special. At Royal Treatment, we can’t imagine life without.

If closures do happen this year, please take the time to engage with efforts to improve the conditions of our rivers. Organizations like Deschutes River Alliance are working hard to address the mismanagement of the dam operations that have helped perpetuate high water temperatures. Many of our local watershed councils are also active in securing high standards for water quality. If you have time and resources to volunteer, this summer would be a great time to find ways to give back to these resources that have brought us all so much joy and meaning.

Everyone, have a great weekend out there, and we’re looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday!