Caddis Fly Shop: Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Opening Day Update

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

With opening day of trout season this Saturday April 28, anglers who have been dealing with cabin fever should be ready to hit the lakes and streams of our beloved Oregon. We all should remember we got “bombed with snow” the last weeks of March and early April. Please, stay safe out there!

Crane Prarie: Crane Prairie Resort is open and the lake is ice free! Last check with the resort they did not know if the road to Quinn or Rock Creek launches had been plowed. The resort launch is open and you can get into Crane from Highway 58.

For those of you thinking of Davis, and Wickiup , they are open and should be ice free.

Gold Lake: Gold lake is closed for fishing until May 26 per the 2012 regs. The Middle Fork Ranger station says the road still remains closed and no one would say if the lake was ice free. Got snow shoes?

Hosmer, and Little Lava Lakes; Snow bound and the roads are not plowed into these lakes. Got snow shoes?

Metolius; fishing well but water is high due to run off.
Crooked River; fishing well, but high water due to run off

Diamond Lake:
Resort is open with the ice getting softer each day? From the Diamond Lake Resort web site picture, it almost a sure bet the North Ramp is the only ramp open.

We will be posting more updates as opening day approaches.

Posted in Fishing Reports | 4 Comments

Chromie and Chromer Chironomids Fly Tying Videos

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Barrett demonstrates how to tie a simple and effective B.C inspired Chironomid pattern. We like this one early in the Cascade Lakes in Oregon as well.

Clear Cure Goo Chromie Chironomid

Hook: TMC 2457 #10-14
Thread: Uni 6/0 Black
Bead: Black Nickel to match
Gills: White Sparkle Emerger yarn
Rib: Red Brassie Wire
Body: Magnum Flashabou Silver
Finish: Clear Cure Goo Hydro

And with a black rib instead of red… The “Chromer” is great Chironomid pattern for lakes all around the Northwest. As opening day approaches Oregon’s Cascade Lakes it’s time to get prepared.

Clear Cure Goo Chromer Chironomid

Hook: TMC 2457 #10-14
Thread: Uni 6/0 Black
Bead: Black Nickel to match
Gills: White Sparkle Emerger yarn
Rib: Black Brassie Ultra Wire
Body: Magnum Flashabou Silver
Finish: Clear Cure Goo Hydro

Eugene Spring Fly Fishing Festival

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Paul had a blast this year at the Eugene Spring Fly Fishing Festival, hosted by the McKenzie Fly Fishers and Cascade Family Fly Fishers. We spent some time with Arlen of Bugwater fame, checking out an aquarium full of McKenzie River denizens — including big stonefly nymphs, clinger drakes and a bunch of caddis larvae. Arlen had even hatched a few of the McKenzie’s salmon fly adults. Paul held one of the huge Pteronarcys californica and it was probably the highlight of his day.

We also tied up a good lucking wooly worm, learned how to tie knots, and then spent some time on the trout pond with Stevie B. It was a great use of hatchery fish, and if we’re really trying to build fishing opportunity for young people, then ODFW should start planting the Campbell Senior Center every weekend instead of putting them in the river.
-MS

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

Fish and Bug Porn

Posted on April 22, 2012 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Mike Pomerane sent us this shot of a ridiculous Cutbow he caught on the Frying Pan River in Colorado. Yes that is real, no photo shop involved. An no Cichlids are not breeding with Trout.

Our other shot comes from Tim Becker’s deck in Madras, on the Deschutes, where he has spotted his first Salmon Fly Adult. Not saying there all over the place and fish are rising to them but there are a few bugs around, and the nymphs are migrating to the bank.

Posted in Fly Tying, Fly Tying Materials and Supplies | 3 Comments

Trout Fishing Local Waters With Mom

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Whether it is swinging for winters on the North Umpqua or local trout fishing, my Mom always has a good time and our most recent trip on the MFW was no different . We knew that the conditions would not be optimal as the water levels were rising fast and a tributary was putting in some serious color. The expertise of the angler made up for the clarity with precise drifts and swift hook sets. Way to go Mom!

The McKenzie and Willamette Rivers are very high today, be careful out there. Nymph with large Stonefly Nymphs coupled with a Mega Prince, Beadhead Hare’s Ears and Pheasant Tails.

Posted in Fishing Reports | 2 Comments

Montana Trip in the Works

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

“Many go fishing all their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after.”
– H.D. Thoreau

We have space remaining for you to experience some of the finest fly fishing in the Lower 48 on two of Montana’s most famous, blue ribbon trout streams. The Madison and Yellowstone rivers are populated by 1200 – 1500 wild trout per mile; ‘Bows, Browns, and ‘Cutts.

“Lou” from the Caddis Shop, is heading up a group of anglers from September 24-27 to Bozeman Montana. We will hook up with our friend Ed Lawrence of Ed Lawrence’s Fishing Outfit. The trip is geared for both the inexperienced and experienced fly anglers who will be in the company of licensed, experienced guides who have been plying these waters for decades.

This four day all inclusive package has been created especially for the Caddis Shop, and will allow us to fully experience Montana fly fishing at its best.

What’s included?
4 Days of guided fly fishing, 5 nights lodging, most meals
It is affordably priced at only $1587* per person.
Why did we choose Ed Lawrence’s fishing outfit?

In one word: competence. He and his guides know the territory.
As Ed says, “We’re not crotchety old-timers, but we’ve been successfully guiding clients for decades, and we’re proud that a high percentage of our clients are returnees.”

HERE ARE THE details: We will have 4 days of guided fishing in drift boats, and will not fish the same place twice. We will stay at The Wyndham Wingate, the finest hotel in Bozeman. Cooked breakfast will be provided at the motel, lunch will be provided on the river, and we will have dinner at our choice of restaurants in the evening.

QUESTIONS? Call the shop (541-342-7005) to sign up or ask questions.

*Includes lodging, meals, transportation to the rivers and the services of a full-time, professional fishing guide. Rate does not include gratuities or travel to Montana. Package is based on two anglers per boat; lodging is based on double occupancy; Single occupancy rates.

This trip is going to be a lot of fun!
Space is still available!
Call today!

Posted in Fly Fishing Travel, Oregon fly fishing links | Leave a comment

Logging operation on the Upper McKenzie: Goose Island

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

The residents of McKenzie Bridge are up in arms over a proposed logging operation on the Upper McKenzie.

I don’t want to see new roads, heavy machinery, increased logging on the Upper McKenzie River watershed. But the angling community isn’t going to rally around a disjointed argument between disenfranchised NIMBY land owners and the Forest Service.

This issue will definitely require more scrutiny by McKenzie River advocates, and we’ll need to find more information about the specific impacts on our watersheds and fisheries. Stay tuned, and help us find out what’s really at stake.

The goal of the opposition is to drive the USFS to implement an independent Environmental Impact Statement on the project. You should sign on to their petition to halt the Goose Island project here to buy some time.
-MS

Posted in McKenzie River, Oregon Conservation News | 4 Comments

Is the Hair Feather Craze Over?

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Feather inventories across the country are returning to more normal levels. This is great news for the fly tier. If you been holding out for a really cool Barred Ginger or Natural Dun this is the time to come to The Caddis Fly and have a look at our large selection.

Yesterday we received a large shipment of Whiting Saddle Feathers. Highlights include the Full Saddles, 1/2 Saddles and 1/4 Saddles in a nice array of natural colors. In addition we are blowing out some of our wet fly hackles including Magnum Saddles, Chickabou, American Saddles, American Capes and much more.

We welcome you to stop by the shop and have a look at our inventory of feathers or visit the online store Caddisflyshop.com. For Rooster Saddles in specific check out: our Rooster Feathers Page and for many of our great sale feathers check out our Soft hackle Feathers page.

As always, we have Ninkasi on tap in the shop and free shipping and no sales tax for online orders over $25.

Posted in Fly Tying, Fly Tying Materials and Supplies, Shop Sales and Specials | 2 Comments

Fifth Annual Eugene Spring Fly Fishing Festival

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Fifth Annual Eugene Spring Fly Fishing Festival
Saturday April 21st 2012 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Campbell Community Center, 155 High Street (by the river at Skinners Butte)

Bring the whole family down to the river and enjoy a FREE day of fly fishing, fly tying, and fly casting designed to introduce people of all ages to the sport of fly fishing. Again this year the McKenzie Flyfishers, the Cascade Family Flyfishers, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and the City of Eugene are offering this special day to learn about fly fishing, casting and tying with hands-on activities and informative presentations.. Including a catch and release pond in which you can try out your fly fishing skills on live rainbow trout. Continue reading →

Posted in Oregon Conservation News | Leave a comment

Native Fish Society Banquet

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Native Fish Society’s 16th Annual Benefit Banquet and Auction was held last night at Montgomery Park up in Portland. While your friendly neighborhood river stewards were busy entertaining Captain Nate while he’s in town, I managed to escape certain doom in the streets of Eugene and drove north to hobnob with some of the most dedicated conservationists in the Pacific Northwest. The food was good, the auction items were incredible, and a boatload of money was raised to support wild, native fish.

The big news at this year’s benefit was the announcement of Native Fish Society’s new Executive Director, Michael Moody, who previously served as the President of the Molalla River Alliance. It’s an exciting time for NFS and we’ll be enthusiastically watching their progress with Mike at the helm. Other highlights included silent bidders going bonkers over Rob Russell’s Kingtruders, Jeff Hickman’s insane donation of EIGHT guided trips during the live auction, and a well-deserved standing ovation for NFS founder Bill Bakke. It was great seeing so many familiar faces in the same room and encouraging to know there’s so many passionate people involved with the good fight. Consider making a contribution to NFS and know that your donation will support their efforts to protect and restore native, wild fish and their habitats.

Posted in Oregon Conservation News | 2 Comments

Tarantula Leg Rattle Crab Fly Tying Video

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

This pattern was killer this year in the Bahamas. The lead eyed version was great for fish cruising in knee high and deeper water. The fly was really durable and matched up well to a variety of smaller crabs inhabiting grass and sand flats.

Tarantula Rattle Crab

Hook: Gamakatsu SC15 # 1
Thread: Lagartun 150 Beige
Mono Weed Guard/Rattle: 25lbs Maxima + 1/8 Gold beads
Egg Sack: McFly Foam Orange
Tail: Tan Grizzly or Cree Hackle
Body: EP Hairy Legged Brush Tan
Eyes: Heavy Lead Eyes Med or Large Plated

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

Fishing Food for Thought

Posted on April 14, 2012 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

We here at the Caddis Fly Shop are big fans of biscuits and gravy. Some might even call us biscuit connoisseurs. When leaving town for an early fishing trip, not much compares in terms of calories per dollar or stick-to-your ribs value. A good plate of B&G keeps the stomach gurgles at bay and allows the angler to focus on catching fish.

Given our love for a cheap, hearty, and satisfying breakfast, you can imagine our gastronomic excitement when a new food cart opened its doors across the street from our shop a few months ago. Streets Food Cart, at West Sixth Avenue and Lincoln Street, serves up some of the best biscuits and gravy that our widely traveled palettes have come across. For six bucks, you get a heaping pile of buttery homemade biscuits and your choice of sausage or spicy cheesy gravy. Definitely enough food to feed two hungry fishermen. The next time you’re heading out of town or swinging by the shop for some supplies, stop by and get yourself set up with some grub. Tell the manager, Justin, that the guys from the Caddis Fly sent you.

-KS

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Middle Fork of the Willamette Drops into Shape

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

The water coming out of Hills Creek is still a bit off color but a fine level for fishing. Clarity improves as tributaries merge and mix on down the river. Although a decent March Brown Hatch developed around 2pm fishing double nymphs proved to be most productive. Our two best flies were the Mega Prince and the Double Bead Peacock Epoxy Backed Nymph. Mega Prince in size 6 and 8 and the Double Bead Peacock Nymph in size 4 and 6. Learn to tie the Mega Prince here.

Posted in Fishing Reports, Middle Fork Willamette River fishing | Leave a comment

Bass Bunny Baitfish Fly Tying Video

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Barrett’s Bunny Baitfish has taken a wide variety of fish from Snook to Wahoo. The version in this video is aimed at Largemouth Bass. Using new Clear Cure Goo resin and eyes the pattern is easily finished with a durable hard head.

Clear Cure Goo Bass Bunny Baitfish

Hook: Gamakatsu S12S # 2
Thread: Beige Lagartun 150
Tail Yellow Xtra Select Marabou
Body: Cross Cut Yellow Rabbit
Dorsal: Med Olive X-Select Craft Fur
Eyes: Clear Cure Goo Adhesive Eyes 8mm
Finish: Clear Cure Cure Thick

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

Grannom Blizzards and Big Nymphs

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Great fly fishing on the McKenzie River yesterday, despite blizzard grannom caddis hatches. Be on the look out the next few days for ridiculous numbers of tan, charcoal, and black caddisflies sizes #14-18 in huge swarms. This hatch can be frustrating. The fish aren’t hungry and you’re eating bugs all day too. But it tapers off in the next few weeks.

We convinced some native rainbow trout with big meals — golden stonefly and megaprince nymph imitations ruled the day.

FYI: For a great Mothers Day Caddis Grannom imitation, check out Barrett’s P90X Caddis.

Posted in Fishing Reports, McKenzie River | 3 Comments