The Caddis Fly: Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Coyote Gotcha Fly Tying Video Instructional

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

The Gotcha bonefish fly pattern is an all time favorite. The Gotcha is a must have for any bonefish trip anywhere in the world. In this video the original pattern is modified to include new tying materials for the 2015/16 season. The Double Pupil eyes are on the big side here and you would fish the fly in the video in deeper water but you can adjust hook and eye size to fit your needs.

Coyote Gotcha

Hook: TMC 811S #4
Thread: Danville Flat Waxed Nylon Shell Pink
Eyes: Double Pupil Eyes Pink with White Pupil
Tail: Pearl Flashabou
Body: Veevus Iridescent Braid
Wing Coyote Mask
Overwing: Krystal Flash Bonefish Pink
Legs micro Silicone legs Sand

Fly Fish Down Under in New Zealand for the Holidays

Posted on October 25, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Tired of traveling to your mother-in-laws for over done turkey and dry dressing? Join us at Cedar Lodge for a “kiwi style” thanksgiving diner and a week of heli fishing at Cedar Lodge on the South Island of New Zealand. We have some prime early season dates available at Cedar and are offering a very special deal for those who book the week of Nov 22-28 or Dec 7-11, 2015. Book either of those weeks and we will purchase you a Sage Pulse Rod, a new Lamson Guru 2 Reel and a RIO Line for your trip. This five or six weight (your choice) outfit will serve you perfectly for the large rainbow and brown trout that inhabit the pristine waters of the South Island.

Posted in Fly Fishing Travel | Leave a comment

Postcards from the Bahamas

Posted on October 23, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

The weather has been less than perfect during our stay on Abaco Island in the Bahamas but when the wind lays down enough to get out and do some fishing we have had some very nice days.

I have had a chance to give the new Winston BIII Plus Saltwater Rod a work out and it’s been fantastic. I love the metal reel seat, ultra slick guides and fast action with “Winston feel”. This is one of the best saltwater specific rods available today without a doubt. The new Airflo Bonefish/Redfish “Super Dri” line has been solid as well. It floats considerably better than the Airflo Ridge Bonefish/Redfish.

Posted in Fly Fishing Gear Review, Fly Fishing Travel | 1 Comment

Two Fly Tournament Wrap Up for 2015

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

This years Two Fly Tournament continued the tradition of a friendly fundraising competition. Net dollars raised for the McKenzie River Trust pushed over $6000. Total dollars raised by the annual event are close to $50,000!

Thanks so much to all those who participated!

Guides who gave their time and really made the event possible this October 2nd included:

Ty Holloway
Matt Oneil
Lou Verdugo
Chris Daughters
Andrew Shipman
Tim Clancy
Bryson Fairlamb
Andrew Sidelinger

Thanks to fly fishing industry partners at Hatch Reels, Costa Sunglasses and Rajeff Sports who donated prizes to the event.

First Place: Joe Palanuk and Tony Reser with Ty Holloway – Tony and Joe walked away with a Hatch Reel each!

Second Place: Noah Schoenholtz and Matt Bowman with Matt O’Neil – Noah and Matt got their pick of a pair of Costa Sunglasses.

Third Place: Joan McCreery and Katherine Paiva with Andrew Shipman – Joan and Katherine got their pick of an Echo Glass Rod from Rajeff Sports.

Posted in Fly Fishing Contests | Leave a comment

Line Leader and Tippet Sale Going on Now at The Caddis Fly

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Scientific Anglers has revamped it’s selection of fly lines and leader materials. New packaging, new names and and expanded array of species specific fly lines are coming to market. You can view all most of the new offerings here: SA LINES NEW FOR 2015/16 SEASON.

With all the new offerings it’s time to blow out lines and leaders with old packaging. Take a look below for some great deals while they last. Buy online at links provided or stop by the shop.

Trout Leader Two Packs normally $7.99 now $3.99

Bonefish and Permit Leaders 16 and 20lbs normally $7.99 now $3.99

Fluorocarban Tippet Material with Built in Cutter Spool regularly $17.50 now $9.50

Mastery Wet Tip Clear Tip Fly Line regularly $69.95 now just $29.00

Mastery Tarpon Taper 10wt Line regularly $69.95 now $39.95

Posted in Shop Sales and Specials | Leave a comment

Lou’s Montana Fly Fishing Trip 2016

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Lou Verdugo

Finally gathered enough members of the Technical Men’s Conference (old dawgs who have fished together decades) to head back to Montana. After last year, the fall, proved to be the best time for fauna and fishing. This year we centered our activity around West Yellowstone. The Madison lived up to its reputation as we fished both inside and outside the park.

We also paid a visit to the Harrington Ranch and were welcomed with the usual frustration of casting tiny flies (#20’s) to Mondo sized brown trout. It was also a time for old to meet new at the mailbox section of the Henry’s. Kirk brought out his Granger Deluxe and Lou brought his Sage Circa, most bamboo like, but it ain’t no Granger!

We managed to figure out how to fish the Madison outside the park: Get a freaking guide! Arrangements were made with Blue Ribbon Flies and we were rewarded with a great day on the Madison. Casting streamers proved to be very successful, as were indicators.

Guide Curtis Brown was an avid streamer believer. Needless to say, he brought a few streamers along, in case we needed extra?

Finally, Yellowstone National Park. Angling or not, its a very special place and should be seen by as many as possible. It also provides the background for a deeper conversation. The preservation of our precious environment.

Posted in Fishing Reports, Fly Fishing Travel | Leave a comment

Fish and wildlife scientists under the thumb of politics?

Posted on October 19, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

New report from High Country News: According to a new survey and report compiled by the Union of Concerned Scientists, 73 percent of Fish and Wildlife scientists say political influence is too high at the agency and a relative majority believes their office is less effective than it was five years ago. Those alarming figures stand out at Fish and Wildlife, compared with other surveyed federal science agencies where staff generally feels scientific integrity is holding firm or on the rise.

You could likely argue the same for many state and local fisheries agencies. Check out the Union of Concerned Scientists’ report here.

The main barrier to addressing problems? Lack of staff and resources.

Posted in Oregon Conservation News | Leave a comment

Body Quill Mayfly Nymph Fly Tying Video Instructional Video

Posted on October 16, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Veevus fly tying threads are not the only fine tying material the Denmark based company produces. Body Quill is a thinly woven body material that is perfect for small nymphs and dry flies. In this video Chris Scott demonstrates how to use the Body Quill material when tying sparse and fast sinking mayfly nymph.

Body Quill Mayfly Nymph

Hook: TMC 2457 #12
Bead: Tungsten 1/8”
Thread White GSP 150
Tail: Pheasant Tail Fibers or Brown Hackle
Body: Veevus Body Quill Brown
Wing Case: Pheasant Tail fibers
Thorax: UV Tan Ice Dub
Legs Pheasant Tail Fibers

Posted in Fly Tying, Fly Tying Materials and Supplies | Leave a comment

Catch Magazine Finds the McKenzie River

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Todd Moen from Catch Magazine was on his way over to the Neil Young concert the other day and took a few super cool photos. I thought I would share this unique perspective on one of my favorite stretches of river anywhere!

Posted in Fishing Porn | 1 Comment

“Christmas Islandish” Bonefish Fly Tying Video

Posted on October 13, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

This is the time of year when new fly tying materials hit the shelf and we get to create new and interesting twists to old proven patterns. The video above uses the super cool Hareline Double Pupil Eyes for the eyes on the fly. I can remember when Randall Kaufman had Umpqua Feather Merchants hand painting lead eyes for the Christmas Island Special, you couldn’t buy these eyes then but could buy the finished fly. Double Pupil Eyes fix this availability issue and add a tremendous selection of sizes and colors. The other really cool material this fly utilizes is a Coyote Mask. Each mask has a great variety of color, ties in beautifully and breathes when wet. The natural variance of the Coyote Mask makes it perfect for numerous streamers and bonefish patterns. Finally the Veevus Iris or Iridescent Thread, which has so many applications, is used for the body on the very sparse Christmas Island Special. Veevus Iridescent thread is going to be great for slender nymphs and streamer bodies.

Chartreuse X-Mas Island Special

Hook: TMC 811S #4
Thread Veevus 6/0 Chartreuse
Tail Krystal Flash Limegreen/Chartreuse
Body Veevus Iridescent Thread/Braid Chartruese
Eyes Double Pupil Eyes Chartruese White Pupil
Legs: Micro Silicon Legs Clear W/Fl. Orange Tips
Wing: Coyote Mask/Krystal Flash

Posted in Fly Tying | Leave a comment

Williamson River Fly Fishing Report

Posted on October 12, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

John Bauer of Bauer Fly Reels invited me down to the Williamson River with he and guide Marlon Rampy this past week. It was a phenomenal day! One of those classic Oregon fall days where you get a little bit of everything. Freezing cold hands in the morning but by afternoon all the layers had been shed.

We fished swung flies, nymphed deep and shallow and we even had some dry fly fishing late in the afternoon, as I said earlier it was a great day! Marlon Rampy of flyfishoregon.com is a superb guide and knows every slot and ledge in the Williamson. Marlon was extremely helpful, making sure our drifts were in the correct zone throughout the day.

I hadn’t been to the Williamson in quite a few years and I greatly underestimated it’s water quality and character. It has such a unique variety of water. In one run you are swinging a tailout that looks like the North Umpqua. In the next you are fishing a fast run that has a “freestone” feel about it, another a weed bed bottom that resembles the Henry’s Fork. It was the waters variety and varied tactical approach that were so interesting and enjoyable for me.

Posted in Fishing Reports | 1 Comment

October Caddis Time on the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

The fish are definitely looking up for October Caddis patterns on the McKenzie and Willamette rivers. Fishing has been really good of late using Morrish’s Foam October Caddis and Kingrey’s Better Foam Caddis. Twitching and skating this pattern from fast flows to a bit softer edges of currents has been deadly.

The Willamette River near Oakridge is really low and very “wadable” in many areas. A couple of really productive spots are Black Canyon Campground and Greenwaters Park — walk down stream to the Salmon Creek confluence. Best fishing between 11am and 5pm.

It’s been a pretty tough year for steelhead on the Willamette this year but if you were going to give it a shot the next week is pretty ideal. Water conditions are great, around 800 fish came over Willamette Falls in the month of September and the fishing pressure has been all but zero.

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather!

Posted in Fishing Reports | Leave a comment

Natural Selections Art Exhibit Begins October 9th

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Our friend Analee Fuentes will have her Northwest fish paintings on display at Jacob’s Gallery starting October 9th, 2015. The reception starts at 5:30pm and all are welcome to come enjoy some beautiful fish inspired art. You can see more of Analee’s work here: http://analeefuentes.com/series-natural.htm

Posted in Oregon Fly Fishing Clubs and Events | Leave a comment

New Partridge Attitude and Attitude Extra Fly Hooks

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

New Partridge
Attitude and Attitude Extra Fly Hooks

Anyone who was addicted to the TMC 700 fly hooks and lamented the passing of that fine fly hook should pay particular note to these new fly hooks from Partridge, the Attitude Streamer Hook and the Attitude Extra Hook.

These hooks are of particular interest to tiers who prefer a straight Ring Eye Hook over a Turned-up or down eye. This means us Clouser and Comet tiers as well as anyone tying streamers, and various baitfish patterns.

Jay Nicholas Partridge Attitude Fly Hooks

Partridge Attitude & Extra Fly Hooks

The Attitude is a fine wire hook with micro-barb that is easy to flatten. the shank is called a long shank but it looks like a standard shank to me. I have tied and fished Comets and Clousers on this hook as well as the Attitude Extra and find that I prefer the Attitude for my Comet flies and the Attitude Extra for my Clousers.

The photo above shows the sizes I use most (2s and 4s) and illustrates the shorter and stouter wire on the Attitude Extra Hook.

Overall, I’m impressed with these hooks, realizing that I am positively biased in favor of straight ring-eye hooks so I liked these from the first time I put them in my vise.

Partridge Attitude Hook

Partridge Attitude Extra Hook

These hooks penetrate well and hold up to serious pressure with Chinook tugging on the end of my line. Consider giving these a whip finish or so and see what you think.

Jay Nicholas, October 2015

Posted in Fly Tying, Fly Tying Materials and Supplies | 1 Comment

Eugene Springfield Healing Waters Chapter Meets this Tuesday October 6th 2015

Posted on October 4, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

WHEN: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. every 1st Tuesday of the month starting Oct. 2015

WHERE: Moose Lodge, 2011 Laura St. Springfield. OR 97477

All experience levels of fishing desired, weather you have never touched or seen anything about fly fishing and want to know more, or are a seasoned angler and capable of passing your knowledge on the those that can use it. Some of the activities to be expected are fly tying, rod building, guest professional speakers, casting instruction, and on water sponsored fishing trips. So if you are interested and would like to participate or volunteer please contact Chris or Moon listed below and we will ensure you are taken care of.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, receives no government funding and is dependent on tax-deductible, charitable donations and the help of numerous volunteers to meet the educational, equipment, transportation, and related needs of its participants.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. strives to effectively serve the deserving past and present members of our armed forces who have made great sacrifices in the service of our nation.

Contact Info:
Program Lead: Chris Matthews
Email: chris.matthews.phwff@gmail.com

Assistant Program Lead: Moon Mullen
Email: moon@centurylink.net

Posted in Oregon Conservation News, Oregon Fly Fishing Clubs and Events | 1 Comment