On Tuesday, Dec. 3rd, the Redsides and Bluebacks (Corvallis) chapters of TU will be holding a happy hour at PublicHouse in Springfield from 5 – 6 p.m. We’ll be in ‘The Study’ room, which is adjacent to the Beer Hall.
Following the happy hour, we’ll migrate a few blocks to the Wildish Theatre on Main Street in Springfield to view the Deschutes River Alliance’s new film, The Last 100 Miles, which starts at 6:30 p.m. More information and tickets are available here.
On December 5th 2024 IF4 International Fly Fishing Festival
Please join us at the Wildish Theatre on December 5th at 7pm for the 2024 IF4 International Fly Fishing Festival! Nine captivating short films produced by talented filmmakers across the globe will be shown. You’ll have the opportunity cast your vote for your favorites at the event. Films will capture the passion, lifestyle, and culture of fly fishing and will showcase several different genres including: flats fishing, trout fishing, jungle fishing, trout fishing, sea run browns, trophy brookies, bass fishing, and much much more. There will be beer provided by Falling Sky Brewing. A raffle will take place with several prizes too. Proceeds will go towards the Fly Fishing Collaborative. Join us for a fun night of community, camaraderie, prizes, and film appreciation.
Some may know the mild mannered dry fly steelhead guru Todd Hirano. This article recently appeared in Swing Magazine, check it out. By Mitch Baker.
Meet Todd Hirano. In this installment of ICONS we talk with Todd about why he does what he does, and being a positive influence on the next generation of steelheaders.
You recently wrote a book with Jay Nicholas, titled “The Honest Flies of Todd Hirano.” What inspired that? Did you enjoy the process of writing a book?
The opportunity to write the book came about through my friend Jeff Hunter’s suggestion to Jay to have me featured in Jay’s Honest Flies series of books. Jay was wanting to give a voice to the stories of everyday fishermen, and I was honored and grateful to have the opportunity to put my crazy thoughts and ideas in print.
Even though the book is only 77 pages, it took a couple years to gather the photos and stories to present to Jay. A busy family life and fanatical fishing opportunities made for a drawn-out timeframe to getting the book done. Jay was patient, gracious, and encouraging throughout the process. His phenomenal fly photos and layout made for a humble yet satisfying outcome.
It was enjoyable to go through the process of writing the book. I love obsessing and writing about my favorite subject. I guess I have been a dry fly steelhead die-hard for long enough that I have formed a style, ideas, and philosophy that could lend encouragement to others who are new to the game of pursuing steelhead on the surface. I always enjoy the opportunity to help others take the leap of faith in fishing surface flies and then experiencing for themselves, the life-changing excitement of the steelhead surface attack!
Since the book went on the market, I have had some young anglers reach out to me for tips and advice in entering the strange reality of dry fly steelheading. It has been enlightening to be in a stage of my fishing life to be able to give back to the next generation of steelheaders who are taking on the challenge of chasing steelhead with methods that often yield lower percentage success rates, but big satisfaction when those glorious steelhead rises come.
You mention in your book that you’ve become addicted to 16′ – plus rods. When, and how did that happen? What’s been your experience — as an angler — with them thus far?
My current penchant for 16’+ rods began in 2021. A young man named Calem, who I became acquainted with through social media, was one who was constantly going through rods and lines in search of the magic bullet of casting ease and distance. He was buying and selling equipment more quickly than I could keep up with. He had run into David Wang on the river one day and David had suggested to Calem to have Steve Godshall build him a 16’ 7”, 7-weight. Calem stopped by my house to show me the gargantuan rod when he received it and I felt like the rod seemed outlandish, but who was I to judge?
A few weeks went by and Calem insisted on meeting me on the river to have me test cast the giant rod. When my schedule allowed, I met up with Calem and he handed me the telephone pole to try. I figured that Calem just wanted to show off his latest toy and to see if I could actually cast the thing. As I worked out casts, I was amazed at how easy it was to put 100’ of line out. I turned to Calem with a big smile on my face and acknowledged that, yes, I was impressed! As I handed the rod back to its owner, he then asks me “you wanna buy it?” Calem offered me the rod at a price I could not refuse, as he was off to buying the next greatest widget, and thus began my journey to the long side.
I soon became friends with the rod’s builder, Steve Godshall, and I found myself totally enamored with the beautiful aesthetics and feel of Steve’s artistic work. The handles that Steve builds are just pure ergonomic and visual magic, not to mention his beautiful wrappings and feather inlays. I had Steve build handles on several of my older rods, transforming them with new life.
As time went on, I realized that with casting longer lines, it is necessary to use lines with more mass, as weight must be distributed over a greater length. This would require using heavier rated lines, along with more powerful rods to cast those longer, heavier lines. The 16’7”, 7-weight Quantum is a wonderful rod, however, it lacks the power to cast those longer, heavier lines. A trip to Steve’s shop for brainstorming and scheming was in order.
I also acquired a 16’6”, 9/10-weight Bruce and Walker in 2022 from a Speypages member, and this rod casts beautifully with the Boss Long 9/10.
In fall 2022, discussions with Steve resulted in me acquiring an RB Meiser 17’, 10/11-weight CX loaner rod from Bob Meiser that no one else had interest in. Simultaneously, Steve was scheming the idea of extending a 15’, 7/8/9-weight CX blank to 17’+. The result was a blue themed 17’2” rod that casts 9/10 lines. This rod was later tweaked by Steve to extend the handle section by 5 inches for better balance, bringing the overall length to 17’7”. I have been casting a Ballistic Vector XL 10/11 (870gr @ 75’) line on the 17’, 10/11-weight CX and the Gaelforce Equilizer 83 9/10 (71’) line on the 17’7” extended CX. I am having a blast with these long rods and lines, and I also love how the heavier lines cut the wind.
Steve Godshall loves doing these “frankenstein” builds and in addition to the above rods, Steve built me an extended 15’, 6/7/8-weight CX that measures out to 17’11” and an extended 15’, 7/8/9-weight (CX2) blank that measures out to 18’ 5”. These rods cast 8/9 lines and I love the Ballistic Vector XL 8/9 and Gaelforce Equilizer 83 8/9 lines on these rods. Sadly, with Steve’s impending retirement from rod building, these are the last rods that Steve has built for me. All of Steve’s rods will be forever treasured along with Steve’s friendship which has been characterized by his kind, generous spirit.
I have been finding much joy in casting and fishing these long rods and lines. I have found them to be a lot more versatile than one may imagine. They really shine on big water as can be expected, but they also work well on some smaller rivers as well. I regularly bring these rods to the North Umpqua where being able to cover lies on the far bank with a steeper angle can be an advantage. My home water is the Middle Fork/Upper Willamette, and the long rods are right at home here, where covering large swaths of water on broad runs is pure pleasure.
I have no aspirations to become a champion distance caster so I am happy with the modest casts I am able to make where I am still able to see my obnoxious skating flies. Casting and fishing the long setups have added another dimension to my fishing where the ongoing pursuit of the perfect cast is an elusive prize worth chasing for its own sake. This makes for satisfying days on the river even when the steelhead could care less what my casting looks like.
Who do you credit as your mentor or inspiration in flyfishing?
I have been blessed to have Bill McMillan as my mentor and inspiration since my beginnings as a steelhead fly fisherman starting in the late 80’s. The book Dry Line Steelhead formed the foundations of my ethics, perspective and style as a steelheader. Bill’s descriptions of the methods and thrills of surface fishing for steelhead created visions of angling in a way that I wished to emulate.
It has been an honor to become friends with Bill over the years. I first reached out to Bill in 1995 after experiencing my inaugural dry fly steelhead encounters on the Bulkley River in British Columbia. Bill was so gracious in taking the time to respond to a young angler with a budding obsession for dry fly steelhead. I most recently visited with him this fall as my friend Mike Bell and I traveled to BC and he shared memorable stories of great times with dry fly steelheading. This included an episode when he fished the Thompson River in the 80s and getting into a large hen on a bomber after battling blustery winds all day.
When I have thanked Bill for the profound influence he has had on me as an angler, he humbly states that he is simply a conduit of the influence Rodrick Haig-Brown has had on him. In a sense, things have come full circle, where I am at an age where I have been at the dry fly steelheading game long enough that I have been able to pass along Bill’s influence to younger anglers. I absolutely love giving encouragement to others to keep the faith in the surface fly though Bill’s inspiration.
What is it about dry fly winter steelheading that you find the most rewarding?
Fishing the dry fly for steelhead can seem like a longshot for many anglers to begin with, so spending time surface fishing for winter steelhead can seem like insanity. From the time I was a young angler, I somehow developed a sense of playing the game in a way that went against the odds. I remember when I was a 14-year-old in Hawaii and decided to pursue giant trevally using 15-lb line and succeeding in landing a 41.5lb “ulua” with the light tackle.
Surface fishing for winter steelhead is definitely a game of very small odds, but the rare successes are satisfying. Sometimes I just find entertainment in doing things that most everyone else considers a hopeless waste of time. This is definitely not a healthy mindset for those wishing to maintain their mental health.
When you are fishing on your own, which river do you consider to be your “Home River” (or rivers)?
The upper Willamette/Middle Fork Willamette that runs through Springfield and Eugene has been my home river since I moved back to Oregon in 2009. The “town run” of hatchery summer steelhead has provided convenient opportunities to swing dry flies within minutes of my home and work. This convenience has allowed me to become very familiar with many local steelhead runs and I have been able to make regular visits to these places in pursuit of dry fly steelhead encounters. My home water is not exactly a world class steelhead destination with its urban setting and hatchery steelhead returns, but it has provided me the opportunity to continually learn about dry fly steelhead holding water and conditions.
The North Umpqua would be my secondary home water as it is within a two hour drive of my home. It is a legendary place that one can spend a lifetime learning. It is such a beautiful river with rich traditions and history that makes even my skunkings enjoyable. Through fishing this river since 2008, I have become familiar with its layout and legendary named runs, but there are always secrets to uncover with every visit.
Which river that you have never fished before would you most like to try?
I would love to fish the Dean River someday. I have read amazing stories about the Dean over the years. I also watched Dec Hogan’s spey casting video repeatedly and the beauty of the Dean River backdrop. The insanely hard-fighting steelhead leaves a strong impression.
Descriptions of the Dean in classic steelhead literature like Trey Combs’ Steelhead Fly Fishing were enough to get me longing to experience such a special place. Several folks who have purchased steelhead dry flies from me have sent me pictures and stories of their dry fly steelhead success on the Dean and it looks like a dreamy place to visit. At least some of my dry flies have made their way to Dean!
What is your favorite fly?
I would say that my Bivisi Bomber has become my favorite fly because it is a pattern that is easy to see and stays on the surface reliably. After having had good success with the Little Wang (also known as the Purely Functional Skater) which I developed in 2012, I sought to come up with a surface pattern using all natural materials, thanks to Adrian Cortes’s influence, and the Bivisi Bomber is what I devised in 2019. The fanned cow elk wing makes the bivisi-bomber the most visible dry fly in my arsenal and visibility tends to give me confidence.
What is your favorite two-hand rod, and what line do you most like to use with it?
It’s tough to pick a single favorite two-hand rod, but I have been most strongly drawn lately, to the last custom rod that Steve Godshall built for me: the 18’5”, 8/9-weight built from an extended 15’ CX2 blank. It is amazingly light and responsive even at its outrageous length and I had Steve build it in a “Night Dancer” themed color blend with black, purple and red which is pleasing to the eye. Nick Moses did the amazing feather inlay on the rod, all making for a very special build. The Gaelforce Equilzer 83 8/9 weight line is dreamy to cast with this rod and the extra rod length makes laying out the long belly almost effortless. I can fish this combo all day long.
What is your favorite memory from your times on the water?
My first visit to British Columbia in late September 1995 probably stands out as the most profound memory in my time as a steelhead fly fisher. I experienced raising, hooking, and landing my first steelhead on a dry fly during that trip along with several others that came to the surface over the course of that week. I had never hooked a steelhead by any other fly fishing method prior to experiencing those inaugural surface encounters and this probably led to instilling a stubborn dedication to surface fishing that persists to this day.
The beauty of the Bulkley river and the thrills of steelhead rising to the surface left a lasting imprint on my outlook to steelhead fly fishing where I am willing to forgo chances at encountering greater numbers of steelhead with more effective methods.
You’ve had a long list of contributions to steelheading and two-hand casting. Is there one you’re particularly proud of?
I have had the honor of being told by some folks that dry fly steelhead stories I have written have generated some interest and curiosity in taking the leap of faith in trying surface flies for steelhead, then later hearing their stories of getting into their first steelhead on a dry fly. I am always thrilled when my passion rubs off on others through my stories, my flies, and when I have the opportunity to lend encouragement through direct communication with fellow fly fishers. I often speak to younger anglers who are new to the steelhead dry fly game, but at other times it is veteran anglers who have spent most of their angling life using more effective, proven subsurface methods who want a new challenge. In any case, I value opportunities to make the reality of dry fly steelhead thrills relatable to those who have a budding interest in coming to the dark side.
What is it going to take to save wild fish?
I think fishing dry flies will save wild steelhead! Seriously, surface fishing for steelhead is a low impact method, however being mindful of our impacts should be a priority. On some rivers and during certain times, large numbers of wild steelhead are caught and released numerous times and not necessarily handled well, along with the damage caused by barbed hooks where they are allowed. When fishing is good and I encounter the rare, loaded run, I have been as guilty as anyone of wanting to hook into as many steelhead as conditions allow, but how many steelhead do I need to hook into to make whatever point I think I am trying to prove?
I also feel that barbless hook regulations should be in place wherever wild steelhead populations exist and that hatchery plants should also be reduced or eliminated on rivers with viable wild populations. Continuing to take out dams will contribute to bolstering steelhead populations as well.
What are your plans for the next five years?
My 5-year plan is to keep on fishing! There will always be visions, obsessing and planning to fill my year-round fishing schedule. With this year, 2024, being the last year that hatchery smolts are being released in the upper Willamette watershed, the last returns of hatchery summer steelhead up my way will be in 2026, so I will sadly be losing my convenient dry fly steelhead run. After that I still see myself returning to familiar runs on the Willamette for casting practice and the remote chance of encountering one of the few naturalized, feral summer steelhead that may continue to return.
I see myself continuing to pursue consistency in my casting with the long rods and lines. Gaining proficiency in getting line out even in adverse conditions is always an ongoing challenge.
I hope to continue with opportunities to fish coastal Oregon rivers in winter and spring and rivers ranging from northern BC to northern California in summer and fall. I would finally like the opportunity to fish the Copper River (without it being blown out!) whenever I travel north. A trip to the Dean would be great too…
Stillwater Guide Adison Rook details his strategies for winter stillwater preparations. Check out his previous post on local stillwater opportunities.
The peak of fall stillwater action is over for this season here in the Pacific Northwest. We had a pretty good fall season, with a typical boom bust cycle on our venues. That’s typical for fall fishing, and you take what you can get.
We can choose when we go, but we can’t choose the weather! With the season at its end, those dedicated to stillwater fly fishing look at the coming winter and can’t wait for spring. Some tie flies and wait for spring. But there is work we can do to hone our stillwater game this winter. Let’s talk about a few options we have while we wait for more favorable conditions next spring. I encourage anyone new to stillwater to PRACTICE CASTING! Even if it’s just a 20-minute session on a local field, you stand to gain a ton from practice. And don’t just go if it’s nice outside, go in the rain, go in the wind. You don’t need great distance when indicator fishing, but sinking lines often require distance casting. The longer you can cast, the more fish you present to.
If you live in the valley, your familiar with the annual drawdown of our local reservoirs. Often this makes launching a boat impossible. The ramps get slick with mud and can be sketchy. But you can still run” recon” at these reservoirs. In years past I’ve walked the reservoir bottom and located fishy features I can fish during full pool. These might be flats, rock rip rap, channels, drop offs, etc.. Becoming familiar with these features has increased my success substantially during full pool.
If you can, go fishing! Conditions are far from prime, but sometimes you’d be surprised how good the fishing can be, especially when the rivers are blown out. You can get familiar with new lines, flies and techniques during winter stillwater fishing. Maybe you got a new boat, or float tube, or line. Maybe you have some new patterns you want to develop confidence in. Even though our local reservoirs are at low pool, you can still fish from the bank.
You can iron out your new float tube, boat, flies or lines at one of our many natural coastal lakes. I encourage you to go down to the caddis fly this winter and start getting ready for spring season NOW! Talk to the shop and get that float tube, or personal watercraft you’ve been checking out, and get familiar with it this winter. Get a new fly line you haven’t used and put in some reps on it before the spring equinox rolls around. Pick out some new flies, or patterns to tie and get them ready for spring. The folks at the shop have everything you need to improve your stillwater game this winter. If you put in the work now, you’ll be ready to go when the stars align next spring.
Now is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Oregonians to weigh in on the public investments YOU want our state to make to build resilience for salmon, steelhead, and trout in the face of a changing climate.
Currently, ODFW is conducting a survey to gauge the public’s support for investing public funds to update its ailing state hatchery facilities. Under various alternatives, the state would need over $200 million to consolidate the hatchery system, fix crumbling infrastructure, expand facilities, and add climate change adaptation technologies like solar panels and water chillers. The majority of these hatchery facilities release fish into free-flowing coastal rivers – the very places where we should be prioritizing wild fish.
We believe that fish and Oregonians would be much better off by investing more of these funds in nature, not concrete. By removing culverts not adding pellets. By investing in healthy forests and shade, not chillers.
Join us for the Lane County premiere of a new documentary about the majesty and challenges of the lower Deschutes River, The Last 100 Miles: The Fight for the lower Deschutes.
Richard E. Wildish Community Theater, 630 Main Street, Springfield, OR 97477
Nothing quite beats the beauty of fall fishing … as long as its not dumping rain
Fall is here in full swing. For us here that means rain, and generally lots of it. The first atmospheric rivers of the year have brought substantial rains which have bumped river flows. Water levels fluctuate as rain comes and goes. Right now flows are high, but with time will drop back into shape Keep an eye on water flows here or through USGS and your weather apps. As for fishing, it has been productive as long as you are changing your tactics correspondingly as river conditions change.
October Caddis are the last hurrah for “Big Bugs” until next year
Hatches
Current insect hatches are sparse and most insects are small. The only outlier that you may see is an October Caddis that was late to the show. The large bulk of insect hatches are Baetis Sp. commonly known as BWO’s or Blue Winged Olives. These hatches will be isolated to the middle of the day when it is warmest. These insects like to emerge in slower, glassier sections of water where it is safer on cloudy days especially. Look for fish sipping emerging duns (emerged adults) and cripples towards the tailouts of runs. You may also see a few lingering Mahogany Duns, but their days are numbered as the nights get colder. We’ve seen a few, but as things cool off even more we will start seeing small winter stones as well.
These small winter stones don’t get as much surface action as other bugs locally, but fish do seem to key in on the nymphs
The fish are already starting to have their winter colors on
Nymphing
Nymphing will be your most effective strategy as of late. With water levels that are prone to fluctuating due to fall precipitation, nymping is always your best bet. If you are a new angler fishing through the winter, this is the time of year that you’ll get good at nymphing whether you like it or not. I like to choose my nymphs in the winter loosely based on insect hatches, and more based on utility. When I choose a nymph out of my box, I ask: “what can this fly do for me”. Fish in the winter can be holding very deep, and running a #18 BWO nymph might just not cut it to get down. For winter nymphing as long as the river isn’t totally blown out, I like to fish a larger heavier fly with a smaller one tagged behind. When the water is up I like to choose larger, heavier nymphs with a large profile so that fish can notice them in higher, off-color water. Some larger, heavy nymphs follow: Lex’s Improved Rubberleg Stonefly Nymph, Mega Prince, Stone Fly Double Bead, or a T.J Hooker Nymph. For smaller flies imitating BWO’s Mahoganies, Winter Stones, and other juvenile nymphs these work great: Olsen’s Blowtorch, Roza’s Colored Water Fly Jig, Montana Fly Company Jigged Perdigon, or Yardley’s Low Hole Jig.
Overcast days like this you want to make sure you have your BWO box
Swinging Flies
Swinging streamers can be productive in high water. As the rivers blow out, smaller fish are blown downstream disoriented. Large fish key in on this and place themselves in ambush zones where they can easily intercept these fish. I like to strip a small fly downstream or strip and swing one through a pool. Here are some of my favorites: Tactical Jig Zonker, Tungsten Thin Mint, or a Conehead Slump Buster. Swinging soft hackles is a great way to fish in the winter during a BWO hatch. Pre hatch swinging a small soft hackle through holding water can result in some explosive takes. I like to use weighted flies, or tag a unweighted soft hackle behind a weighted nymph. During the hatch try swinging an unweighted one right under the surface. Searching with an October Caddis pupa can still produce some eats. These are some great fall wet fly swinging patterns: Bird’s Swinging October Caddis, Anderson’s Tungsten Bird of Prey October Caddis, Soft Emerger, Harrop’s Soft Hackle Thorax Bead, or a Spectre Soft Hackle.
If things blow out real bad here in the valley, the Metolious offers beautiful yet challenging fishing and does not blow out as often as our local rivers.
When water is high or even blown out there are still fish to be caught. You must exercise caution and be on your toes wading in high water, but fishing can be fantastic. Fish will not want to work hard and hold in fast water all day. You’ll find fish much closer to the bank or holding in backeddies during high water events. This generally means you don’t have to wade as deep in that fast water. Fish pockets of “soft” water where you can find it. If fish aren’t pushed close to the bank, they will be holding on the bottom. Right on the bottom of the river, the water is actually fairly slow. This is perfect holding water for fish to conserve their energy in. Look for rocks and logs that can break the current as well. Make your indicator rigs deep to account for where fish are holding, and the fast water. Fishing heavy flies with large silhouettes help your presentation stand out in quick water.
One of the last few Mahoganies of the season
Swing by the shop if you need anything or more advice. Feel free to call the shop, or shoot our Instagram account a message as well if you need any other tips and can’t stop in. We are more than happy to help however we can.
-Simon
Here a few local nymph patterns that are worth tying up for the next few weeks in case you missed them.
Please join us at the Wildish Theatre on December 5th at 7pm for the 2024 IF4 International Fly Fishing Festival! Nine captivating short films produced by talented filmmakers across the globe will be shown. You’ll have the opportunity cast your vote for your favorites at the event. Films will capture the passion, lifestyle, and culture of flyfishing and will showcase several different genres including: flats fishing, trout fishing, jungle fishing, trout fishing, sea run browns, trophy brookies, bass fishing, and much much more. There will be beer provided by Falling Sky Brewing. A raffle will take place with several prizes too. Proceeds will go towards the Fly Fishing Collaborative. Join us for a fun night of community, camaraderie, prizes, and film appreciation.
There also will be a pre-event for the IF4 film tour hosted at Falling Sky Brewing towards the end of this month. Join us at 4:30pm on November 23rd at Falling sky for a pre-event gathering. There will be readings from fly fishing authors, live fly tying demonstrations by local pros, an exclusive sneak peak at future FFC Videos and “Fish well, Do Good” tour, and Falling Sky Beer Tasting with owner Steve Nash. This is an awesome opportunity to connect with your local fly fishing community; there will be loads of familiar faces there, and we hope to see yours!
What: Free IF4 Pre-Event
When: November 23rd at 4:30pm
Where: Falling Sky Brewing 1334 Oak Alley, Eugene, OR 97401
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What: 2024 IF4 Fly Fishing Film Tour Film Showings
When: December 5 at 7pm
Where: Wildish Theatre 630 Main St, Springfield, OR 97477
Tickets: 15$ in store at Caddis Fly Shop or to buy click HERE
In this video, Simon shows how to tie his “Ace” nymph. This fly Simon developed came out of slowly experimenting with a small jigged softhackle that not only works as a searching jigged nymph, but also one that could be swung like a traditional soft hackle. The flies design was sized down to fish tailwaters, the waters of Norcal, Smaller streams/low summer water locally, and the spring creeks of the Midwest’s Driftless area. This fly is a summer dream paired with a smaller #10-12 chubby or terrestrial. It certainly could be sized up, but this fly produces fish as a small mayfly or caddis pattern. Simon has had good luck with this fly for finicky browns, as well as selective tailwater rainbows. On his most recent trip up in Central WA, this fly produced several nice Westslopes. The fly has been tested and serves as a great general attractor. Its small size makes it a great searching fly even in places where the fish can be picky and key in on small flies. The starling collar on this fly really makes the difference and provides a lot of animation. Starling is a wonderful palmering feather; generally a starling skin has feathers pre sized 16-20 making it a phenomenal choice for small flies. Sometimes finding small partridge or grouse feathers can be a headache, this is where having a starling skin can be super helpful. The colors of this fly can certainly be tweaked and it could be sized up or down depending on your fishery.
A Driftless brown took the Jigged Ace under a dropper early in the morning
The starling on this fly adds lots of movement and allows the Ace to be dead drifted or swung.
We are offering a shortened half day trip on our local waters for trout and steelhead November 1 -November 30th 2024. The cost of the trip is $425. The trip includes guided fishing from a boat and equipment for one or two anglers. The trip does not include lunch. The trip is designed to hit the best time of day, we recommend approximately 11:00am-4:30pm. This is a great opportunity to learn some of our close in to the Eugene/Springfield waters. Give us a ring to discuss options, water conditions and booking possibilities. Phone (541) 342 7005 TEXT 541-505-8061 Email: support@caddisflyshop.com
“Fly Fishing in Argentina: Exploring the Waters of Northern Patagonia and The Fascinating World of Golden Dorado” by SET Fly Fishing
Where: The Caddis Fly Angling Shop 168 West 6th ave, Eugene Oregon 97401
When: October 25th 6pm
Matias Claret of SET Fly Fishing will discuss the Golden Dorado as a species and why they are a great fish to fly fish for. In addition he will discuss SET Fly Fishing’s 3 Golden Dorado programs. For the final part of the program he will talk a bit about Northern Argentina as a trout destination.
Local wines will be served during the free presentation.
Please call the shop to confirm your seat. 541 342 7005. or Text us at 541 505 8061
Join the Native Fish Society’s McKenzie Chapter for a river cleanup at Armitage Park on October 27th at 10am. We’ll provide hot beverages, donuts, garbage bags, and gloves as we work together to clean the McKenzie River. Afterward, gather with us at Falling Sky Brewing for discounted food and drinks! Please RSVP by October 25 so we’re prepared for you!
We will also have a limited number of hip waders available to pick up trash directly from the shallows of the river
What To Bring:
Sturdy, weather-appropriate footwear and clothing
A reusable water bottle
Work gloves and waders, if you prefer to use your own
We hope you’ll join us! We welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re passionate about conservation or just want to contribute to a cleaner environment, your help makes a big impact!
For any questions or additional information, feel free to contact Liz Perkin at liz@nativefishsociety.org
My name is Matt ”Gilligan” Koles. I am a fly fishing guide and local resident on the Truckee River in Hirschdale CA.
I have started, with the help of four others, www.truckeeriverpublicwaters.org to combat the public access issue in Hirschdale on the Truckee River, an access issue that is now going on five years.
Since 2019, public access in and around Hirschdale CA on the Truckee River has been significantly affected by a handful of new residents claiming public access below the high water mark adjacent to their properties is illegal. Threats, legal, verbal and physical, have all been used to shut down legal river usage in one of the most heavily used and iconic portions of the river downstream from the town of Truckee.
Confusing the issue is the fact that the previous landowners allowed public access for as long as anyone can remember. New ownership has changed this, and many local residents are confused as to what the issue actually is. Past landowners did not restrict access, but new owners have. They have all adopted an attitude to take advantage of people’s ignorance to the California state constitution as it pertains to stream access and navigability, not only closing their land to use, which is their right, but attempting to discourage the public’s legal use through cease and desist letters from a local law firm, verbal threats, and even physical and firearm altercations. Local river runners, anglers, and long time local guides have all been repeatedly harassed and intimidate.
It is legal to access the Truckee River in Hirschdale from all 4 corners of the bridge. Since the bridge is public, there is a 40 foot public easement from all 4 corners of the bridge. As long as you get in from the bridge and stay below the ordinary high water mark you are legal to fish or recreate on the river. The landowners do not own the streambed.
Since 2020, the aforementioned landowners have not only attempted to enforce these false rules, but have expanded to include blocking access to the river from the Hirschdale neighborhood, to their own neighbors from their property bordering the river. We now see “No Trespassing” signs right down to current summer water levels, blocking access for the public to use land below the rivers high water mark to travel safely and legally along the river.
Multiple public Fish and Wildlife parcels exist downstream of the bridge, on both sides of the river. In 2013 a Hirschdale resident and property owner took it upon himself to block CA Fish and Wildlife land at the end of Iceland Rd, a county road that has been utilized by the logging industry, an ice company, and the public for 150 years. In 2022 a gate was installed and locked by the new landowners halfway up Iceland Rd. past Hirschdale which is a county road. These landowners will harass anyone they see on Iceland Rd. effectively shutting down public access on both sides of the river for more than a mile. This has worked for them, people are scared, especially if they’ve heard stories of people having a firearm pulled on them, shown to them, and maybe more allegations that shots have been fired.
Recently landowners have put up no trespassing signage interpreting their own high water marks very close to the river north of the Hirschdale bridge. On the West side of the river there is signage very close to the river stating the same. We believe the high water mark is best determined by a professional, not a local landowner.
These landowners call the Sheriff anytime they feel someone is encroaching on their property, legally, or illegally. The department has been used as a weapon by the landowners, who seem to feel helpless to enforce the public’s right to access, and in some alleged cases, have suggested to the public that we just stay away from the area to avoid conflict. This is completely unacceptable.
The County of Nevada is not keeping their citizens safe and effectively fallen on deaf ears about the situation in Hirschdale. On the Nevada County website, District 5 supervisor Hardy Bullock claims he’s rectified the public access situation in Hirschdale, but sadly that is not the case, https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/3342/Responsible-Hirschdale-Recreation-Access
Hischdale has long been a heavily utilized public access spot for recreation due to the fact the river is not too fast here, has nice banks for swimming, fishing, walking the dogs, etc. The fact there is a county bridge allowing access has kept Hirschdale heavily utilized by the public for river access for many years.
We feel the best course of action is to establish high water elevations, and enforcement of the public’s right to access the river below them safely, and stop the harassment of the public while accessing the river legally.
Update: Thanks to pressure from Truckee River Public Waters, on September 30th, a meeting with the landowners, their lawyer, the CA State Land Commision, and county officials including local law enforcement happened. The goal of this meeting was to delineate the ordinary high water mark. While this did happen, stakeholders such as Backcounty Hunters and Anglers, TU, and Truckee River Public Waters, and the public, were not invited. While we did attend, we were not invited to walk the riverbank with the above said officials. There was a gentlemens agreement on where this OHM will be set. No GPS coordinates were taken by the State Lands Commision, their hydrologist eyeballed the OHM. This is something that ordinarily takes months. Private landowners will be posting stakes at that location all up and down the riverbank. We hope that these stakes are not misrepresented by the private landowners and are encouraging other stakeholders to be present.
We would love to have your support at www.truckeeriverpublicwaters.org. It’s free to be a member. Access issues can happen anywhere anytime, and the governing agencies are not going to do a damn thing unless you call them out on it.
This is one of Simon’s most productive fall flies. Fall anglers need to have October Caddis on the mind; if you don’t, let this serve as a reminder. They can be clumsy fliers, and ovipositing females can make a big meal to hungry trout. Fish can get especially keyed in on their pupal form subsurface. October caddis emergence primarily happens in the evening; much like the pupa, the adults are especially active at night. If you can’t fish all the way up until dark, you may go the whole fall season only seeing a few adult insects. The same holds true for pupa emergences. The nymphs emerge overnight leaving only a shuck on stream side rocks. Despite their nocturnal emergence, trout will still take a dead drifted or swung October Caddis Pupa during the day. They are so used to eating these high protein meals, that anything large and orange catches their attention no matter the time of day. This fly was originally tied on a #10 with a 4.6mm bead. With much more testing between when we filmed and now that we are posting, Simon has revised the recipe to use a smaller hook and bead. The larger size is a great option as flows bump, but the #12 with a 5/32 bead is most versatile. The ostrich this fly uses gives a super buggy and “juicy” look to the pupa. The body is built up with chenille, but any junk material would work great. A collar of CDC and Partridge gives the impression of legs and full wing pads. This fly works phenomenal dead drifted as well as swung. You always could let the fly swing on the end of your indicator drift. The super pupa is responsible for Simon hooking many large trout this fall and bringing some beasts to the net. It is just too good to pass up for a hungry trout.
When wet, this fly quickly transforms from a fluffy orange nymph to a super juicy looking October Caddis pupa.
In this video Simon ties his take on a Midwest classic. The Pink Squirrel nymph was invented by John Bethke of the Driftless area in Wisconsin. His two sons still guide in the area, and Simon was lucky enough to have a trip years ago with one of the sons. Upon talking to the two brothers over the years, he learned they both have lived in Eugene/Blue River years ago and have fished our waters extensively … small world. Traditionally it was tied on a scud hook, used spiky squirrel dubbing, and loads of pink chenille for the collar. This fly is a staple on the limestone spring creeks of the Driftless area. Many people who have fished those creeks are familiar with the fly. Nowadays, many fly manufacturers have several spinoffs of the fly too, so it is a familiar looking fly. There are a plethora of food choices in the rich streams of the Driftless, mayflies, craneflies, caddis, small stones, loads of scuds and annelids, etc. The original fly is suggestive of an egg sucking scud, but could make a great imitation for mayflies, caddis, and cranefly larva. The fly serves as a true attractor pattern. Simon tweaked the fly for our Willamette Valley waters. He slimmed down the body and added a large bead to get the fly down in our waters. A super hot collar of Senyos Fusion Dub acts as a smaller, but brighter hot spot. Simon likes to fish this fly under a dry during the summer and in the winter in tandem with a larger stone. He has had luck with this fly all over Oregon, in Northern California, Central Washington, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and of course in The Driftless Area. Sizes can be changed depending on your need. Simon likes to size down in the summer for fishing tributaries and lower/slower water.
Here is the original Pink Squirrel tied by John Bethke of Wisconsin
