In this video, Jay ties a curved shank Carp Fly. This fly will ride hook side up and sit on the bottom of the water for hungry carp.
Hook: Daiichi 1120
Thread: Danville’s 140D Fire Orange
Eyes: Chicone’s Stealth Bead Chain Eyes
Tail: Ultra Chenille
Wiggle: Chicone’s Crusher Legs
Body: Senyo’s Fusion Dub Brown
Collar: Grizzly Marabou Patch
Head: Senyo’s Fusion Dub Crusty Nail
Capt Nate sent me a note about Redfishing on the Gulf Coast.
Hey Chris,
If you know anyone looking to do the Gulf Coast winter redfish program please let me (or more specifically Capt. Ken Jones) know.
I just got back from a wild trip on the water (and on Bourbon Street).
For more information and available dates here is a link: http://www.kenjofly.com/louisana-fly-fishing-trips and he’s fishing near Chalmette which is 20 minutes from New Orleans International Airport (MSY).
Below is an almost 40″ fish we got to eat a popper! The fishing is insane and Ken is dialed in…
Here are some fun older OFFB posts with Capt Ken.
http://oregonflyfishingblog.com/2011/07/11/huge-stripers-hanging-around-nyc-this-weekend/
http://oregonflyfishingblog.com/2013/10/25/captain-nate’s-bachelor-party-full-moon-texas-tarpon/
http://oregonflyfishingblog.com/2012/12/17/fly-fishing-for-texas-tarpon-on-foot/
Join fly tying guru Jay Nicholas this coming Sunday the 26th of January for a fly tying class.
Two classes focussing on steelhead flies are being offered:
Introduction to Tying Steelhead Flies – 8:30-12pm -
The morning class will help tyers who have been focusing on trout flies to bridge the gap to tying their own steelhead flies. This class requires basic tying skills and will allow the novice tyer to step up to steelhead techniques and produce flies that will catch steelhead.
Cost $25
Advanced Winter Steelhead Flies 1:30-5pm
The afternoon class is for tyers who have already mastered basic steelhead patterns and will emphasize techniques and skills involved in crafting more complex flies using more materials and composite dubbing loops.
Cost $25
Both classes will practice tying with tubes, shanks, trailers, composite loops, and modern synthetics.
Materials will be provided and participants will compete 3 new flies ready to fish.
Please call the shop to sign up as availability is limited.
541 342 7005
Recommended/Required tool list below:
Vise capable of holding shanks and tubes (pedestal style preferred)
Pro Sportfisher standard Flexineedle (or substitute)
Bobbin with Thread
Scissors Cutters for wire/Power Pro
Dubbing twister
Finger Dubbing Brush
Bodkin
Dubbing wax of choice
Loon D-Loop Tweezer
Glue/cement/UV cure of choice
Optional
Dubbin Loop Prep Pad
CDC Clamp
Tim discusses Ross’ iconic San Miguel fly fishing reel. A true classic that’s returned.
-Classic San Miguel aesthetic coupled with modern performance updates
-Polished, high-gloss black finish
-Powerful and smooth carbon / stainless sealed drag system
-Canvas micarta handle enhances grip when wet
-Large arbor for fast retrieval and reduced line memory
-Push-button spool release
-Available in sizes 3/4, 4/5, and 5/6
-Made in USA
Ross San Miguel
Anglers who know how great the lower McKenzie can be in late winter and early spring can rejoice and look forward to an even longer productive spring and summer season. Fish like water and there is no doubt in my mind that high water years have meant longer and more productive fishing seasons on the lower McKenzie. It appears with the information below that we will have more water in the lower river regardless of snowpack and rainfalls.
From Eugene Water and Electric Board- Joe Harwood
After collecting and analyzing subsurface soil data along the Leaburg Canal embankment near Cogswell Creek, the Eugene Water & Electric has determined that the time required to develop and implement a safe and reliable repair plan will keep the canal out of service until late 2021, at the earliest.
EWEB drew down the canal in October 2018 over concerns about excessive seepage through the canal embankment near Cogswell Creek. Since that time, EWEB staff and our engineering consultants have been working on an investigation and repair plan in an effort to safely restore the canal to service, both for generation purposes and for other stakeholders such as the McKenzie Hatchery and irrigators.
Engineering analysis of subsurface soil samples has preliminarily concluded that low strength materials within the canal embankment near Cogswell Creek could deform significantly during an earthquake. These seismic analysis findings, in combination with the known susceptibility of the canal to excessive seepage, have increased the challenge of developing a safe, reliable, and cost-effective repair design. As a result, EWEB has extended the projected timeline for returning water to the canal until late 2021, at the earliest.
In the meantime, EWEB has continued to perform work to keep the facilities operating safely while the repair planning work progresses. Since the Leaburg Canal intercepts a number of creeks along its five-mile length, (Johnson Creek and Cogswell Creek being the largest side streams), there are times during the wet weather season when the canal conveys a large amount of stormwater, even though the canal intake facilities on the McKenzie River are closed.
To reduce the potential for excessive seepage during periods of high stormwater flow, EWEB implemented interim repairs at locations of concern in early October. Four of the interim repair areas were in the Cogswell Creek area and one interim repair area was on the west side of the town of Leaburg.
EWEB staff will continue to carefully monitor the performance of the Leaburg Canal throughout the wet weather season, particularly during storm events when tributary creek flows rise. EWEB staff are poised to identify and respond to any unexpected developments along the full length of the canal and will inform canal neighbors of any changes of concern.
The Leaburg Canal has presented a long-standing seepage challenge for EWEB dating all of the way back to the original construction of the canal in the late 1920s. There have been indications in recent years that seepage conditions at some locations were worsening.
While EWEB does not believe there is an imminent danger of a canal breach, the demonstrated potential for excessive seepage makes it clear that we need to make repairs to the canal prior to returning the facilities to service.
I asked our local veteran biologist Jeff Ziller about this and he confirmed my assessment.
Hi Chris:
You are spot on in your assessment that the shutdown, and resulting higher flow, will provide increased instream habitat for trout and many other aquatic species. During the Leaburg Walterville Hydroelectric relicensing process, we fought very hard for higher minimum instream flows than what the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission gave us. I was extremely disappointed with the 1,000 cfs minimum as I was certain the river productivity for trout was greatest above 1750 cfs. The river has been above about 1,600 cfs all of 2019; pretty close to what we were advocating for.
On the other hand, the canal is the water supply for McKenzie Hatchery and not having the hatchery running is causing quite a few complications in terms of rearing chinook and collecting adults when they return. We are rearing the Chinook at Leaburg Hatchery and working on some solutions for adult collection. I’m cautiously optimistic that the adult collection ideas can be implemented and that they will work.
So I agree, nothing but good for trout (and also wild Chinook rearing) but difficult especially for collecting adult hatchery Chinook returns.
From Native Fish Society
Last month, we took a big step forward in our efforts to ensure wild winter steelhead in southwest Oregon are healthy, not overharvested, and remain abundant for all (read the complete update here). But we’re not there yet…
It’s time to turn out even more support for the upcoming ODFW Commission meeting on January 17, 2020 when the Commission will take a formal vote.
A huge thanks to all of the supporters who came to testify at December’s ODFW Commission meeting, especially those who made the long trek from southern Oregon and beyond. Your voices matter and helped make this issue a full agenda item for the upcoming Commission meeting on January 17, 2020. At this meeting, the ODFW Commission will take a vote on whether to implement the grassroots-driven petition after hearing one last time from the public. This is a critical opportunity for public comment and we need to fill the room again to show ODFW commissioners the public passion and support for proactively managing for helathy, abundant wild steelhead in SW Oregon.
Here’s what you can do:
1.Prepare 3 minutes of testimony.
2.Show up at ODFW Headquaters by 11am on January 17. Sign up to testify on the agenda sheet located in the hall. [The petition is Agenda Item E and may begin either proceeding or following the lunch break depending on the flow of the day’s meeting.]
3.Ask a friend to join you. It’s easier and more fun to do this with friends.
4.Reply to this email and let us know we should expect you and any friends.
And if you haven’t already, please join us in advocating for these iconic fish by signing the petition today!
For abundant wild fish,
Jennifer Fairbrother
Conservation Director
PS: Coming from afar and looking for a carpool? We have folks volunteering to drive others from SW Oregon and other locales. We also have funds available to assist in offsetting travel costs. Get in touch and let us know how we can help you get to Salem.
When: February 12th 7pm.
Where: Venue 252
Tickets: $18 Purchase at The Caddis Fly Shop, 168 West 6th ave, Eugene, 97401
January Chapter Meeting
DATE: Monday, January 13
TIME:6:00 to 8:pm
LOCATION: Claim 52 Kitchen, 1203 Willamette St. Eugene
Jeff Ziller from ODFW will present a program on some of the recent McKenzie River and Upper Willamette programs at our next Chapter Meeting.
As many of you know, Jeff was key in helping navigate adding another 5 miles of wild trout water to the lower McKenzie.
Oregon has recently joined the Western Native Trout Challenge and Jeff can talk about how you can fish for native species across the west.
2020 Beginning Fly Tying Classes will be three consecutive Tuesday evenings for two hours beginning January 28th. Classes 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Session #1 January 28th, February 4th & 11th.
Call the shop 541 342 7005 or email us at caddiseug@yahoo.com to sign up.
Each class will build upon the previous session in complexity of flies tied. You will learn the basic elements of tying, working with tying tools, and develop skills such as dubbing, palmering hackle, tying hair wings and much more. Locally important fly patterns are covered each evening. All equipment, tools and materials are included in the price of $60 per student. Limited to 5 people per class. Call the shop at 541-342-7005 and sign up now!
2020 Beginning Fly Tying Class
In this video, Jim Sens ties a fun jig nymph known as the 20 Incher.
This fly has been a favorite with McKenzie River guides this year and for good reason, it catches lots of fish.
Designed to sink fast, the 20 Incher is a great Euro nymphing fly, but could be used under an indicator too for some serious hunting. The hook rides point up with the Gamakatsu J20 jig hook to reduce snagging and to increase hook-sets.
With different colored beads, ribbing, and weight, the 20 Incher can be tied to fish all types of water depths, speeds, and seasons.
Tie some up and get out there!
20 Incher Jig
Materials
Hook: Gamakatsu J20 Size 12
Bead: Slotted Tungsten Bead Matte Black 5/32″
Weight: Lead Wire .015
Thread: Veevus Red 10/0
Tail: Stripped Goose Biots Rusty Brown
Ribbing: UTC Ultra Wire Cooper-Brown Small
Body: Peacock Body Herl (4)
Wingcase: Ozark Oak Mottled Turkey Tail (coated w/Softex)
Thorax: Hareline UV Ice Dub Tan
Legs: Premium Hungarian Partridge Feather Natural
Glue: Zap A Gap or Loctite
In this video Jay ties a Creative Deceiver Fly using Popovic’s Jig Heads.
A variation to a classic, go-to pattern, the Deceiver. A great fly with lots of movement and designed to get down fast to the fish.
Try it in a variation of colors and sizes.
Hook: Ahrex PR320 Predator Stinger 4/0
Thread: Veevus 150D GSP
Cement: LocTite/Hard as Hull
Tail: Buck Tail
Flatwing Saddles (6)
Body: Lavender Flat Braid
First Composite Brush: Predator 2 White/Orange
Second Composite Brush: Predator Chartreuse
Head: Popovic’s Jiggy Head
In this video, Jay ties a Winter Steelhead Nymph. An awesome pattern to try on channeled coastal streams fishing under an indicator or Euro Nymphing. Give this pattern a try!
Hook: Gamakatsu Barbless jig size 10
Wire: 0.20 lead free
Thread: Danville 6/0 Red
Bead: Slotted Tungsten 5/32 metallic light pink
Tail: Black Pheasant Tail
Body: Black Pheasant Tail
Wire: Ultra Wire Red
Glue: Loc-Tite Brush on
Thorax: SLF #15 Dark Stonefly Nymph and Senyo predator wrap – composite loop
The mighty Clouser – a fly for all seasons.
This is the last of three blog posts that feature the Echo fly rods I fish through the seasons here in Pacific City.
Fly fishers who know me have long ago realized that I fish rods offered by the likes of Sage, Winston, Scott, Loomis, T & T and so forth. People also see that the rods standing ready in my cabin, on my 4 runner, and in my boat are as likely to include a selection of Echo fly rods, and this is true every month of the year and everywhere I fish.
I am quick to recommend Echo fly rods alongside all of the pricier rods I’ve fished over the decades, for 4 basic reasons.
First. Echo fly rods cast and fish side by side with the best brands in the industry.
Second. Echo fly rods are durable, tough and dependable. Tim Rajeff engineers extra strength into all of his fly rods, and this makes a crucial difference when I’m setting out to fish for the day or the week, whether my venture is 500 yards from my cabin or several thousand miles away. I would never embark on a long range fly fishing trip without carrying Echo fly rods — because I have found Echo rods are D-E-P-E-N-D-A-B-L-E!
Third. I have good friends at Rajeff Sports. I’ve known Jamie and Jarrod, and then Red, and Randy, and now James – successively – over a period exceeding ten years. Tim Rajeff has been a good friend and the people he hires are rock solid too. Relationships are a crucial element of brand loyalty in the fly fishing industry, and I trust my friends as well as the products at Rajeff Sports.
Fourth. Warranty. The Echo fly rod warranty is rock solid. Fast, fair, and no hassles. Simple.
With all this said, I will now note the Echo fly rods I fish for fall chinook, because this is the feature species on the Oregon coast, even though the fall angling season of 2019 offered great fly rod opportunities for late season albacore, coho salmon, sea run cutthroat, and black rockfish.
My Echo Chinook fly rods.
EPR 8 and 9 wt
I have described this fly rod before, but it is worth noting that I am comfortable fishing 8 and 9 wt rods in 2019, but would have insisted on 10 wts fifteen years ago. Fact is, our fall chinook are smaller these days, with 40 pounders non-existent (in my world) and salmon above 25 pounds a rarity for most folks. The 8 wt fly rods I fish are well suited to battle the vast majority of 12-20 pound king salmon I encounter in Oregon estuaries.
Prime 8 and 9 wt
Same rationale as with the EPR.
Gen-2 Prime
to arrive!” width=”640″ height=”640″ /> Fall Chinook and First-gen Echo Prime. I can’t wait for the Gen-2 Prime to arrive!
Boost Salt 8 wt
The Boost salt is stout enough that I do not feel the need to venture north of an 8 wt.
Boost Beach 9 wt:
This is a new rod in 2019 for me to fish, and I have found it a reliable long rod when I want a stout salmon rod to fish two handed in tidewater. Note that I am fishing my usual shooting head and integrated short head fly lines like the Rio Quick-shooter and Airflo Sniper on this 12 ft 2 in rod. Fishing this 9 wt rod gives me the option of casting off my left shoulder when the wind is howling from my right side. This rod is powerful, and has all the heft needed to handle kings and the occasional chum salmon you might encounter.
Chum salmon to the Echo Boost Beach 9 wt.
I hope you have found something of information or entertainment here, and I wish you kindness and good fishing always.
Jay Nicholas – late 2019
In this video, Jay ties a lively trout tube fly using Pro Sportfisher tubbing and materials called the Royal Trout Tube Streamer Fly.
Perfect for trout and summer steelhead, this fly is light and easy to cast and has a full profile to catch the fishes attention. Try it in different colors to suit your fishery.
Tube: Pro Sportfisher Micro Tube Clear
Thread: Lagartun 95D Red
Hook Guide: Pro Sportfisher Medium Tube Clear
Hook: Gamakatsu C14S Glo Bug #6
Butt: SLF Minnow Gills
Body: SLF Minnow Body
Rib: Lagartun Small Oval Tinsel Silver
Shoulder Hackle: Claret Schalappen
Underwing: Arctic Fox Tail White
Overwing: Pro Sportfisher Marble Fox Sunrise Yellow
Topping: Kreelex or Peacock Hearl
Head: Spun Rabbit Micro Pulsator Barred Orange/Tan
Eyes: Pro Sportfisher 8mm Tabbed Eyes
Cone: Pro Sportfisher Pro Cone Small Red
We posted the videos below a while back but it’s crunch time and just in case you need some last minute ideas, here you go.
