Category Archives: Middle Fork Willamette River fishing

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

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

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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

$27 Million Awarded For Springer, Winter-run Restoration In Willamette

THE FOLLOWING IS A NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE FEATURE STORY An influx of $27 million from the Office of Habitat Conservation under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act is reinvigorating efforts to restore threatened salmon and trout species in Oregon’s Willamette River … Continue reading

Posted in Lower Willamette, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing, Oregon Conservation News | Leave a comment

Early November Fishing Report

Rain and cooler weather have brought lots of Baetis (Blue Winged Olives/BWOs) and our first small winter stoneflies. There are still some lingering Mahogany Duns and October Caddis around, as well as a few leftover small caddis around. Much of … Continue reading

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This Billion-Dollar Plan to Save Salmon Depends on a Giant Fish Vacuum

Check out this informative article from Propublica.org about dam drawdowns in the Willamette Basin. If you have been wondering why Fall Creek, Cougar, and Lookout Reservoirs are like rivers right now this article will explain. Click HERE to read.

Posted in Lower Willamette, McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing, Oregon Conservation News | 1 Comment

Dexter Fish Facility Upgrade will Limit Access at Dexter Dam

The boat launch at Dexter Dam may close due to the Fish Facility Upgrade at Dexter. Anglers/Boaters should contact Ross Foster at the Army Corps of Engineers. Let them know if you would like to have continued access to the … Continue reading

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Late August Fishing Report

Despite warmer weather and smokey conditions, trout fishing remains good. Recent wildfires to our East have left the valley filled to the brim with smoke and haze. The haze and smoke mimics cloud cover, and has contributed to good dry … Continue reading

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