While the upper Mckenzie was heating up, the Middle Fork Willamette between Oakridge and Black Canyon was staying cold. That was the likely culprit, cold water. I’d have confirmed that but my William and Joseph Boat thermometer read 15.6 C most of the day whether it was in the water or out. On the bright side, since it stopped working completely I disassembled it and found a switch on the circuitboard and got it to not work in Fahrenheit–a definite improvement.
Todd Mullen, VP of Trout Unlimited 678 and I fished fairly hard from about 1:00 to 6:30 or so though it was readily apparent fishing was not going to be very productive. Todd, normally a fine and fishy angler reported one trout that looked like it wanted to scratch its back with his fly. As for me, I hooked one nice trout on a small brown soft hackle that I lost to too much slack in the line and I caught a 10 inch fish on a #8 Possie Bugger that hit in some really heavy water– as such, despite his small size he felt like a freight train.
I didn’t see a fish rise all day though it is only a matter of time. I saw a couple Green Drakes, Green Caddis, Rusty colored caddis and a bunch of midges.
The North Fork should be coming into good shape soon and when we shake off this late spring, the Middle Fork will definitely heat up. When that happens, I want to be there.–KM
Sounds like a fantastic trip Lou; great, envy producing , photos. Awesome. Looking forward to hearing more about the Ikari House operation. Perhaps a few more Fosters, Southwark Pale Ale’s, and XXX Bitters will prompt further posts.
Guy