High pressure gives way to an overcast, showery “mayfly friendly” weekend. Fishing has been excellent on the McKenzie and Middle Fork of the Willamette Rivers of late. Look for that fishing to be more surface focussed and even better this weekend. Green Drakes, Pale Morning Duns, and Green McKenzie Caddis will be the highlights. Wet and colder conditions will keep mayfly wings damp and they will struggle to get off the surface giving trout a much longer opportunity to pounce.
The Mckenzie River above the South Fork of the McKenzie is at historically normal levels. The river below the South Fork is much higher than we normally see at this time of year due to increased released from Cougar Reservoir. Add in the fact that Leaburg canal is virtually empty and you have plenty of water in the McKenzie from Blue River to the confluence of the main-stem of the Willamette. While this may be a more water than you are used to this time of year it’s fantastic for fish and bugs.
Best flies for the weekend include the following:
Parachute Hare’s Ear Green Drake
Tilt Wing Pale Morning Dun
