Category Archives: McKenzie River

Last Shot Stone: A Large, Versatile Searching Pattern for Trout

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

In this video, Simon ties an effective large profile searching pattern. The fly is versatile in its imitation of several different types of large calorie food items for trout. The fly effectively imitates stonefly & salmon fly nymphs, crawdads, hellgrammites, … Continue reading →

Posted in Eastern Oregon, Fly Tying Materials and Supplies, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing, Proven Spring Fly Patterns, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

UPDATE now Two Obstructions on Lower and Upper McKenzie River

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

River left or the South channel exiting the “Powerline” flat below Bellinger is blocked. The lower river is one of the most dynamic sections of the river, with all the “post fire” wood in the river. We strongly advise against … Continue reading →

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BWO Hot Tag Wet Fly Tying Video

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

In this video, Simon ties a wonderful BWO soft hackle. Soft hackles are traditionally swung, but their sparse design allows them to be so much more than a swung wet fly. Simon developed this pattern for a late season trip … Continue reading →

Posted in Fly Tying, Fly Tying Materials and Supplies, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tips and Tricks for the Change of the Season: Late Fall/Early Winter Trout Fishing

Posted on December 10, 2025 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

The change of seasons can be an especially challenging time to find fish. This is even more true for new anglers. Beginners and experts alike have had the last 6 months to become accustomed to summer and fall conditions, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Fly Tying, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Jigged Beacon: A High-Water Searching Nymph Pattern

Posted on December 9, 2025 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Cold weather and winter rains are late this year, but are not entirely out of the picture. With plenty of rain in the forecast, our rivers are likely going to swell and a heavy nymph that stands out is necessary. … Continue reading →

Posted in Fly Tying, Fly Tying Materials and Supplies, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Simple Chenille October Caddis Pupa

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

In this video, Simon ties an extremely simple, but effective October Caddis pupa. The fly uses a variety of fantastic materials from Fulling Mill. Chenille body caddis pupa are a great way to pump out a large quantity of flies … Continue reading →

Posted in Fly Tying, Fly Tying Materials and Supplies, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Mighty October Caddis: Tips and Tricks for our Favorite Fall Hatch

Posted on November 12, 2025 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Many of us wait with great anticipation for fall weather. The fall colors, a break from the heat and smoke, salmon, mushrooms, bird season, cooler weather, but most importantly the October Caddis. This is an especially difficult time of year … Continue reading →

Posted in Central Oregon Fishing Report, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing, Oregon Fly Fishing Tips, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fishery Management in the McKenzie River, Fall, 2025

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Caddisfly

By David Thomas, NFS McKenzie River Steward Date: October 21, 2025 Work on the Rewilding of the McKenzie River Basin: Planned restoration projects for 2025 seem to have been productive.  The Gate Creek Flood Plane Enhancement was largely completed, expanding on … Continue reading →

Posted in McKenzie River, Oregon Conservation News | 1 Comment

Jigged Mahogany Dun

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

In this video, Simon ties a fantastic Mahogany Dun nymph. These insects are often overshadowed by their more popular fall counterparts: Blue Winged Olives and the mighty October Caddis. These small mayflies can offer fantastic dry fly fishing if you … Continue reading →

Posted in Fly Tying, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Willow Harvest & Fishing at Green Island: Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025

Posted on October 22, 2025 by Caddisfly

In partnership with McKenzie River Trust, Our local Trout Unlimited Chapter, Redsides will be volunteering at the special Green Island property on Saturday, Nov. 15th. Following the work, the property will remain open until 4 pm for exclusive fishing access to the Willamette … Continue reading →

Posted in Lower Willamette, McKenzie River, Oregon Conservation News, Oregon Fly Fishing Clubs and Events | Leave a comment

October Rabbit Caddis Pupa

Posted on October 20, 2025 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

In this video, Simon ties a fantastic fall searching nymph pattern. October Caddis are a large species of caddisfly that hatches in many places out west. This is a hatch that both anglers and trout alike are excited for. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Fly Tying, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pearl Rib Eggdrop Caddis

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Late in the summer and early fall is when several caddisfly species make their emergence out West. As the weeks tick on by, we find more species of caddisflies in our stream side vegetation. In this video, Simon ties up … Continue reading →

Posted in Fly Tying, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Simon’s Irresistible Ant

Posted on October 5, 2025 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

In this video, Simon ties a simple, but effective ant pattern. As summer progresses into fall, ants become more and more of a staple in trout’s diets. This is especially pertinent on small streams, spring creeks, and high alpine lakes. … Continue reading →

Posted in Fly Tying Materials and Supplies, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing, Oregon High Lakes, Stillwater Fishing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Simon’s Creek Surveyor

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

In this video, Simon shares a great terrestrial pattern he developed with dry dropper setups in mind. This pattern was born out of a need for a small, buoyant dry fly that could suspend a tungsten nymph below it. When … Continue reading →

Posted in Central Oregon Fishing Report, Fly Tying, Fly Tying Materials and Supplies, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

September Trout Fishing Report

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

We are nearing the end of the dreaded summer period where things are a bit too hot for a trout’s liking. Hot air and water temperatures reduce waters efficacy at holding oxygen, this in turn produces both stressed and lethargic … Continue reading →

Posted in Fishing Reports, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing, Oregon Fly Fishing Tips, Oregon Weekend Fishing Forecast, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment