Southern Oregon rivers need suction dredge mining protection

An editorial in the Register-Guard today points out a recent ban in California on suction dredge mining will drive even more of the private mine operators onto Southern Oregon Rivers.

According to the RG, suction dredge miners are “destabilizing configurations of rock, gravel and fine sediment that have taken many years to form and that provide a stable, predictable habitat important to the survival of spawning salmon and steelhead.”

Governor Kulongoski, Senators Wyden and Merkley and Rep DeFazio have pleaded to the Obama administration to take the Siskiyou streams out of further mining development, but you can try to put further pressure by contacting the Department of the Interior.
-MS

Posted in Oregon Conservation News, Southern Oregon | 2 Comments

Chewee Skin Green McKenzie Soft Hackle

Swinging wets during the Green McKenzie Caddis emergence can be deadly. We like to combine a larger “emerger” wet below a high floating dry, or use the wet above a Dark Cahill in a tandem wet fly rig. In this video Barrett demonstrates another cool use of Chewee Skin from Hareline Dubbin. Chewee Skin is really easy to work with for wingcases and body wraps as in the case of this wet fly pattern. Try the U.V yellow for a smaller Pale Morning Dun pattern as well.

Chewee Skin Green McKenzie Soft Hackle

Chewee Skin Green McKenzie Soft Hackle

Hook: TMC 3761 or Daiichi 1560 #8-12
Thread: 6/0 Black Uni-Thread
Body UV Caddis Green Chewee Skin
Thorax: UV Black Ice Dub
Hackle: Natural Partridge

Posted in Fly Tying, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River | Leave a comment

Simms/GORE-TEX® Wader Rebate Program!

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The Simms/GORE-TEX® Wader Rebate Program will be offered on a limited basis to a select few authorized Simms Dealers! This means you need to ACT NOW if you want to take advantage of this ground breaking program!

Program Specifics:
•Trade in any brand breathable wader for your $50 instant rebate on G3 Guide,G3 Guide Convertible, G4 Pro and G4Z waders OR $25 instant rebate on Headwaters, Women’s Headwaters, and Headwaters Pant waders.
• Trade-in waders must be breathable
• You can either ship your waders to the shop or bring them to a store to qualify along with your instant rebate coupon from Simms.
• Vouchers must be redeemed by May 31, 2010.

There are 2 ways to qualify for your rebate:
1. In Store Option -Follow the online instructions and print out your voucher. Stop in our store with your old waders and your voucher to receive your $50 or $25 instant rebate on your new Simms Waders!

2.Online Option -Follow the online instructions and print out your voucher. Mail the voucher and your old waders to us at:

The Caddis Fly Angling Shop
Caddisflyshop.com
168 West 6th ave
Eugene OR 97401

Print Voucher

Posted in Shop Sales and Specials | Leave a comment

Remdinder: Trout Unlimited meeting tonight w/ guest speaker Jeff Ziller

Reminder: Trout Unlimited Meeting tonight, guest speaker Jeff Ziller.

ODFW district biologist Jeff Ziller will be speaking at the Trout Unlimited meeting tonight, presenting on rainbow trout in the McKenzie River. The meeting starts at 7pm and is free and open to the public. The meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at the Eagles Aerie, 1375 Irving Rd, Eugene.

We’re also featuring two new activities at tonight’s meeting

FLY SWAP

RULES:

-Tie or purchase 6 flies.
-Bring those 6 flies to the meeting.

Each participant will bring 6 flies to the meeting. These flies can be tied by you, by someone else or purchased. The 6 flies you bring will be presented as a “set”. These flies do not have to be identical or even the same pattern, you simply have to have six flies to participate.

After all the sets are submitted, you will draw a number from the bucket.

The number you draw will determine the order that you get to choose your flies. Example: If you are number one, you get to choose any set of flies. If you are number two, you can choose the set you want from the remaining sets of flies. Etc.

You are then instructed to fish those flies and have fun.

BROWN BAG SPECIAL

Objective:
This is an exercise that will stimulate your imagination. The goal is to make you think “outside the box”.

Overview:
Each bag contains exactly the same materials. Your goal is to tie one fly from the materials in the bag. Imagination is the key here.

Rules:
• You must use at least a small amount of every material provided in the bag.
• You may not add, subtract or substitute any materials from the bag.
• The only thing not provided in the bag is thread. You may use any
color thread you desire.
• You must return the completed fly to the meeting the following month
for it to be placed in the competition.

General Information:
You may purchase a “brown bag special” before the meeting or during the break. Funds go toward TU room rental costs. When you return the tied fly to the meeting the following month, the flies from all participants will be displayed and the members will vote on the best fly tied.

The winner will receive a fly tying related prize. This prize will change monthly. The flies that are tied and submitted for judging will be collected throughout the year and will be used as a donation, auction item or fund raiser for the chapter.

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

CDC McKenzie Green Caddis Pattern V2

Every year we look forward to the Green McKenzie Caddis emergence on the McKenzie and Middle Fork of the Willamette Rivers. The bugs usually start showing themselves during the later half of April and remain an important fly pattern for your box through June. Barrett’s foam bodied CDC pattern in this video is a killer. The fly floats high, has excellent movement,  coloration and durability.

CDC Green McKenzie

CDC Green Caddis V2

Hook: TMC 100 or Daiichi 1180 #8-12
Thread: 6/0 Black Uni-Thread
Body: 2mm Chartreuse Foam
Hackle: Marc Petitjean CDC Lt. Mallow or Dun CDC
Wing: Dyed Dun Comparadun Deer Hair
Tool: Marc Petitjean Magic Tool and Petitjean Bobbin to form Dubbing Loop

Posted in Fly Tying, Lower Willamette, McKenzie River | 2 Comments

Lower McKenzie River Report for mid-April

I woke up Sunday morning with the intention of having a lazy day at home watching The Masters. But about ten minutes in I couldn’t handle it, I had to get onto the river. After a quick call to a friend, we were on the river. Expecting to be fishing behind a bunch of boats, I was surprised to see a lack of fishermen on a beautiful, overcast day. Not seeing much bug activity we decided that it was best to start off nymphing. “What the hell is going on?” my friend said. “We always get a few nymphing.” Disgruntled by the lack of a hook-up on the nymphs, I threw out my Royal Coachman/March Brown Soft Hackle combo and proceeded to slowly boat swing it down one of my favorite flats while my friend nymphed the outside. Less than 10 seconds into this WHAM!, my rod was doubled over and the first fish of the day was hooked.

McKenzie River Rainbow Trout

Then another, and another. Finally noticing a few march browns flying around and a rise downstream, I had my buddy put on a Royal Wulff (inspired by the Lee Wulff video I had just seen) and after a nice cast, a big redside nailed it and proceeded to rip him downstream into the backing. The fish eventually released himself, but the sound of the click and pawl Hardy Lightweight screaming is something neither of us will forget. After this, the day became an average day with a few small to medium sized fish hooked. But just above the boat ramp, when I was more than ready to go home and eat; indicator dunk, rod heavily bent, and good fish on.

McKenzie River Rainbow Trout

“Let’s row back up and see if there is another one.”

McKenzie River Rainbow Trout

It was a good way to end a day that I wasn’t even expecting to fish. With mild temps and showers in the forecast for the next few days, it should be a great time to get a few more days of the 2010 march brown hatch.–JC

Posted in Fishing Reports, McKenzie River | Leave a comment

Quigley’s Green Drake Emerger fly tying video

In this fly tying video Barrett demonstrates how to tie one of our favorite Green Drake Emerger patterns. This “Quigley” style fly fishes in the surface film and works great during a Green Drake hatch. You can vary the size depending upon the size of your water’s Green Drakes. The Ostrich fibers in the pattern hanging and “breathing” as this fly dead drifts over picky fish seem to make the difference.–CD

Green Drake Emerger

Green Drake Emerger

Hook: TMC 200R #10,12 or Daiichi 1270
Thread: Uni 6/0 Black or Olive
Shuck: Olive Antron
Body: Olive Ostrich
Rib: Yellow Ultra Wire
Wing: Deer Hair
Hackle: Olive Grizzly Dry Fly Hackle

If you don’t have the dyed grizzly use a Chart Pack Pen Pale Olive Color

Posted in Fly Tying | Leave a comment

Spey Casting Classes on the Willamette

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The Caddis Fly is pleased to announce a unique new Spey casting school designed for individuals and small groups with busy schedules. Starting April 12th, we will offer evening classes of two hours each, from 6pm to 8pm Monday through Thursday. Individual students are welcome, and each class will be limited to three students. That means each student will receive plenty of one-on-one instruction during their two-hour session. Morning classes will begin in May, starting at 5:45am. Anyone wanting to improve their stroke, from beginners to advanced casters, will gain from one or more of these on-the-river sessions.

Rob Russell, our resident journeyman Spey instructor, will conduct these new classes at Alton Baker Park. Rob has been teaching two-handed casting for 10 years, and has developed a comfortable, down-to-earth style. “I think it is important to simplify Spey casting, especially for beginners,” he says. “It’s a back-cast and a forward-cast, just like overhand casting. The main difference is that our fly doesn’t leave the water during the back-cast.” Rob recognizes that different people learn in different ways, and he adapts his teaching style accordingly. “At some point during the first session with a new student, I begin to get a feel for their learning style. It’s a lot of fun to see the light go on in their eyes when I find the right approach.” Rob credits his favorite instructors for giving him the tools he uses. “I consider Simon Gawesworth to be the most brilliant and effective casting instructor I’ve ever met,” Rob says, “but I come back to Dec Hogan all the time. Dec’s is the voice in my head, reminding me to relax and have fun. I credit Scott O’Donnell and Way Yin for helping me minimize tailing loops, which has undoubtedly saved me from many trips to the emergency room.”

Alton Baker Park is an amazing setting for these classes. It is conveniently located in the center of Eugene, and offers several classic steelhead runs between the boat ramp and the Ferry Street Bridge. Wading is relatively easy, though cleated soles are highly recommended. Tackle can be provided or bring your own. If you would like to demo a particular rod let us know and we will try to bring that rod and line combo. Using the boat ramp area as the center for these classes allows Rob to row students to the South bank for “river-left” training as needed. Last year, Rob taught a few classes in the same location, and more than one summer steelhead was hooked.

The cost is $50 per person, per session. Anyone interested in taking advantage of these convenient, personalized new Spey classes can call the shop to schedule: 541-342-7005.

Posted in Classes and Instruction | 2 Comments

Good times at Native Fish Society Homewaters fundraiser

Last night, your friendly neighborhood River Stewards drove up to PDX to experience the Native Fish Society’s annual banquet and auction. Rob Russell and I rubbed elbows with the Portland fly fishing crowd and made lots of jokes about the bidding war over Jeff Hickman’s package. There were some amazing flies available on the silent auction, including some killer flies from NFS founder Bill Bakke, and a gorgeous set of traditional steelhead flies from Necanicum River Steward Peter Donahower. We also had a chance to check out the 101 Green Butt Skunks project. You can follow the North Umpqua’s Dan Callaghan memorial project on Facebook as well.

Native Fish Society Auction 2010

Native Fish Society Auction 2010

Native Fish Society Auction 2010

Historically a Portland-centric organization, the NFS has done a lot lately to bridge the distance with its supporters in the Eugene area. The NFS has offered moral and financial support to the McKenzie River Native Trout Coalition. And the shop reciprocated with donated trips in the auction to the McKenzie River and a saltwater fly fishing adventure with Captain Nate. If you haven’t supported this organization in the past, now is a great time to get on board and learn more about the Native Fish Society. Bill Bakke, NFS founder will be speaking to our local Trout Unlimited Chapter in May.

-MS

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

Tying The Tube Moal Leech with Jay Nicholas

In this video Jay Nicholas demonstrates how to tie a Tube Moal Leech. We love the Moal Leech for steelhead fishing year round. The Mother of all Leeches as it is know was originated by Derek Fergus.

 The rabbit strip body of the original pattern is wound down a strand of gel spun backing. When using a tube or in the case of this video multiple tubes, the tier can control length, color, weight and hook.  Jay even throws in  Hareline Super Eggs between his tubes.

tube moal

Jay’s Tube Moal Leech

Tubes: HMH Small Tubes
Body 1: Two Toned Hareline Crosscutt Rabbit Strip Hot Orange/Fl. Orange
Body 2: Two Toned Hareline Crosscutt Rabbit Strip Violet/Purple
Body 3: Hareline Crosscutt Rabbit Strip Black
Beads Between Tubes: Hareline Super Eggs
Cone: Hareline Black Tungsten Cone Large
Flash: Mirage Flashabou
Head: STS dubbing blend black+purple with Silver Holographic Ice Dub
Recomended Hook: Gamakatsu C14S or Gamakatsu SC15 or Alec Jackson’s Tube Fly Hook

Posted in Fly Tying | 4 Comments

Yeager’s Big Eye Hare’s Ear Fly Tying Video

In this short video Barrett demonstrates how to tie a heavily weighted Hare’s Ear pattern that has worked for us on local waters and beyond. The pattern can be tied in a variety of sizes, adjusting the eye size with your hook size will keep your proportions correct and get the fly down in a hurry.

Yeagers Big Eye Hare's Ear

Yeagers Big Eye Hare’s Ear

Hook: TMC 2457 or Daiichi 1120 size 8-16
Thread: Uni 6/0 Black
Tail: Australian Possum or Dyed Brown Pheasant Tail fibers
Bib: Copper Wire
Body: Hare’s Ear Dub
Legs: Grizzly Barred Fine White
Wing Case: Turkey Feather fibers
Thorax: Hare’s Ear Dub

Posted in Fly Tying | 1 Comment

Tell Obama: Spill baby spill on Columbia Dams

Northwest jobs and fishing opportunities are on the line.

Regional newspapers, blogs and online fishing boards are ablaze with news of (hopefully) big Columbia and Snake River salmon and steelhead returns this season. It begs the question: what if every season was this promising?

Jeff Hickman, steelhead guide and hunter-angler liaison for the Sierra Club, encourages folks to keep up the pressure. “Since Judge Redden ordered spill flows, we’ve seen our salmon and steelhead respond with improved returns. What this year’s bonus returns are telling us should be brutally obvious: when rivers run just a bit more like rivers, rather than a series of warm, slack-water reservoirs, salmon and steelhead are resilient enough to rebound in force.”

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Spill baby spill

True enough. Judge Redden’s spill orders have been the key to improved salmon survival, salmon returns and fishing opportunities in recent years. Yet the Obama administration has proposed to eliminate key portions of spring and summer spill program for young salmon in the Columbia and Snake Rivers – the very measures that are working – instead preferring to transport out-migrating young salmon by barge and truck.

ACT NOW: Contact the Obama administration and Senators in the Northwest

Until our region develops a legal, long-term salmon and steelhead recovery plan, we need the Obama Administration to commit to full spill at the federal dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Take action and forward on to your network.

For more information, contact Bobby Hayden, National Representative for Save Our Wild Salmon – bobby@wildsalmon.org

Posted in Oregon Conservation News | 4 Comments

Reminder: McKenzie River Watershed Council discusses hatchery program

Tonight, McKenzie River Native Trout advocates should plan on attending the McKenzie River Watershed Council meeting at the Campbell Senior Center 155 High St. in Eugene. Dinner at 5:00, meeting at 5:30pm.

MRWC is hosting a panel discussion on the various options for trout management on the McKenzie River. The five panelists include Trout Unlimited, the McKenzie Fly Fishers, Dave Vazquez, the McKenzie River Guides Association and the Vida Store. Each panelist will get 5 minutes to express their perspective; after each initial presentation, other panelists, council members and the audience will ask questions of that panelist. After all initial presentations, members of the audience will get an opportunity to express opinions that they felt were not presented by a panelist; panelists will get 2 minutes to make final comments.

Posted in McKenzie River, Oregon Conservation News | Leave a comment

Insane Caddis Hatch on the Lower McKenzie

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Today’s warmth brought out the bugs on the McKenzie. Specifically the Grannom Caddis emergence. The numbers of bugs between Belinger and Hayden Bridge in the 12-2pm time frame was simply shocking. Watching your fly or indicator on the surface amidst this madness was “dizzying”. Looking below the surface one could see millions of pupating caddis in the water column. Before the hatch we caught some decent fish nymphing with Golden Stone Nymphs and Possie Buggers. During the maddening hatch fishing was tough for us. Nymphing deep yielded a few grabs but we were unable to target consistent rising fish that were not recently released steelhead smolts. Swinging wets proved fruitless during the hatch but worked later in the day after the hatched seemed to diminish.

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For more information on the Grannom Caddisfly emergence there is an excellent chapter the the wonderful book Bugwater by Arlen Thomason. Arlen goes into great detail about the life cycle of Caddisflies and discusses in-depth the Grannom.
Today’s hatch was very intense and this year we have seen more than a few of these immense Grannom emergences. The first warm (65+degrees) sunny day mid-March or April after a colder period of weather tends to spurn this hatch. Trout can really get going on Grannom Caddis along banks and current edges where they get funnelled to feeding fish.

The river is going to be in great shape and we are looking at a very nice weather forecast for the later half of the week and weekend. Caddis, March Browns and Golden Stone nymphs continue to be the best producers. Enjoy–CD

Posted in Fishing Reports, McKenzie River | 1 Comment

Roots: Midwest Crappie bite on the fly

Easter in Ohio 2010

Easter in Ohio 2010

Easter in Ohio 2010

Nate's Brim Shots

Easter in Ohio 2010

Easter in Ohio 2010

Easter in Ohio 2010

To the BRIM!
-MS and NS

Posted in Fishing Porn, Fly Fishing Travel | 9 Comments