Oregon’s prime big bug hatches under way

When people ask “What is the best time of year to come to your area?” I usually give a lengthy answer skirting the question, discussing how many great options there are to fish from the Eugene area. The fact that every month of the year offers some excellent fishing. But when it really boils down to it. And I am pinned down to an answer, between May 15 and July 15 given normal water years are the best. Of course then you have the fall Sept-Oct how can you beat the fall.
We are in the midst of that prime spring window and why it is so good is the fact that “big bugs” are available.

Green Drakes: Upper Mckenzie, Metolius, Deschutes, Upper Willamette and many more. The size of the Western Green Drake alone is impressive but the fact that the largest trout in the river seem to come to the surface during the hatch is the deal.

Green Mckenzie Caddis: McKenzie and Middle Fork of the Willamette. Yesterday I fished the middle fork and there were impressive numbers of the green bug out. Afternoons are best. The aggressive take on these active caddis is awesome. Skate, drag, lift and swing your dry or wet and hang on.

Golden Stones: McKenzie, Middle Fork of the Willamette, Metolius, Deschutes, and most other western waters. Locally these bugs are very much present but not nearly as intense as they are on the Deschutes. A great fly to use as an indicator fly Half Down Golden, Aanes Mo Jo Golden Stone, or Foam Top Madam X Yellow.

The Golden Stones, Green Drakes and Green McKenzie caddis are the big bugs that seem to bring the post spawn  rainbows of our area to the surface. There are other important hatches as well. Pale Morning Duns, numerous tan and brown caddis and little yellow stones are all present and happening now. Fishing is great, get out there.–CD