Category Archives: McKenzie River

Late May 2024 Local Fishing Report

Our local waters are shaping up for great summer dry fly fishing. The water is a little bit high, but is dropping into its summer flows which will persist until fall. There are loads of bugs out including PMDs, Green … Continue reading

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Summer Steelhead in the Willamette Basin

It’s been a few years since we have seen a hatchery summer steelhead run with any consequential numbers. 2024 looks to buck the trend with 7,000 and counting fin clipped, ready for the BBQ, summer fish. If the counts on … Continue reading

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Hendricks Bridge Boat Ramp Closure

Hendricks Bridge Boat Ramp closure starting 05-13-24 From Lane County Parks I’m reaching out to inform you about an urgent matter regarding debris cleanup at Hendricks Bridge. As you may know, it served as the staging area for debris collection … Continue reading

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Local Waters on the Drop – Fishing Improving

Quite a few McKenzie Green Caddis out this afternoon. PMD’s, Brown Caddis and a few late March Browns were on the water after 2pm. The high cold water is beginning to dissipate, look for hungry fish to start looking up … Continue reading

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Early May Fishing Report 2024

High water and cold water temps have been the norm of late. Fishing has still held up on the McKenzie River near Eugene. Blips of sunshine have shown what’s to come. Pale Morning Duns, Green McKenzie Caddis, stonefly adults, Little … Continue reading

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Mothership Salmon Fly: Dry Fly Tutorial

In this video, Simon ties a great extended body Salmonfly dry fly. Every spring some of the West’s largest aquatic insects make their emergence. The salmonfly often marks the beginning of trout season, and means summer is on the way. … Continue reading

Posted in Central Oregon Fishing Report, Eastern Oregon, Fly Tying, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing, Proven Spring Fly Patterns, Southern Oregon, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cool Nights Slow Mornings on the McKenzie

There is no rush to get out there on these cold mornings. I kept close track of water temps yesterday with my new Fishpond Digital Thermometer and there was a swing from 45-50 degrees between 830 and 5pm. Once water … Continue reading

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Jigged Perdi Egg: Fly Tying Tutorial

In this video, Simon ties a great egg pattern for the winter and spring. This “Perdi-Egg” merges two proven patterns into one. The Perdigon is a european style attractor nymph that is known around the world. Whether you like it … Continue reading

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

April NFS McKenzie Chapter Gathering – 6pm April 9th

Event Details: What: April McKenzie Chapter Gathering When: 6 pm – 7 pm, Tuesday, April 9th, 2024 Where: Falling Sky Brewing | 1334 Oak Alley, Eugene, OR 97401 Topic: Join us for an evening covering Keep Fish Wet best practices as a way to get excited for the … Continue reading

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March Brown Fly Tying Tutorials

With the March Brown hatch underway, we’ve collected a variety of past tying videos for some spring-time inspiration. We are seeing plenty of bugs on the lower river. Swinging wets is super effective for this hatch specifically. Plenty of fish … Continue reading

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

Jigged Red Pheasant Tail: Nymph Tying Tutorial

In this video, Simon ties a new take on a classic pattern that has withstood the test of time. You can find some variation of a pheasant tail nymph in most shops across the world. It is a great attractor … Continue reading

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Early March Fishing Report

After a winter of high water, cold weather, and ice, it is nice to have some more mild weather and to see our river’s clarity and levels in a more stable state. Fishing lately on our local rivers the McKenzie … Continue reading

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McKenzie and Willamette River Resource Guide

Stopping by your local fly sh0p to get water conditions, fly recommendations and information on tactics is still the very best resource for the angler. Chatting with a fly shop employee who was on the water recently will give you … Continue reading

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Bubble Back BWO: Nymph Tying Tutorial

In this video, Simon ties his secret winter nymph that he doesn’t leave home without. The Bubble back BWO is tied to imitate an ascending Baetis nymph surfacing to hatch and is one of his most productive BWO nymphs. When … Continue reading

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

Snowshoe BWO Emerger: Dry Fly Tying Tutorial

In this video, Simon ties a proven Bluewing Olive (BWO) Emerger. Bluewinged Olives generally hatch on cloudy, overcast days. Because of the cooler, sometimes wet conditions, it can take them longer to emerge and dry their wings. Due to the … Continue reading

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