In this video, Jay Nicholas ties a simple leech fly using new Bling Rabbit Strips and Just Add H2O’s Sculpting Flash Brush.
Used for anything that swims this fly could be tied in a variation of colors, sizes, weights, etc. Drift them, swing them, cast them!
Black Egg Sucking Bling Rabbit Leach
Hook: Ahrex NS115 Size #2
Thread: Danville 210D black
Tail: Bling Rabbit Black
Body: Streamer Brush Midnight Blitz
Bead: Pro Sportfisher Pro Flexi Bead Flo Orange
We knew it was coming and here we are. Low water will likely remain for the rest of the summer. While it’s a little scary for water temps and habitat it does give anglers unprecedented access to water. More on tactics in another post. Enjoy the weekend!
Emergency fishing regulations in response to drought begin July 1:
Check the Recreation Report in your zone for info
June 30, 2021
SALEM, Ore.—ODFW is implementing emergency regulations that will begin July 1 in several angling zones as Oregon faces a severe drought this summer, putting the state’s salmon, steelhead, trout and sturgeon at risk.
As always, the latest regulations are listed at the top of the Recreation Report – Fishing Report for each zone. Always check your angling zone before you go fishing.
These emergency regulations are in effect until Sept. 30, 2021 but may be lifted early or extended depending on conditions.
A summary of emergency regulations follows.
Fishing will close for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and trout from 2 p.m. until one hour before sunrise in some rivers and streams in the NW, SW, Willamette, Central, NE zones. (“Hoot owl” regulations to end fishing before water temperatures are at their warmest, which stresses fish.)
Nehalem River (NW Zone) will close to all angling. All other open streams in the NW Zone will be under “hoot owl” regulations.
The Deschutes River from the mouth to Sherars Falls will be under “hoot owl” regulations to protect fish.
Angling closure within 200 feet of mouths of tributaries in portions of the Umpqua and North Umpqua Rivers, to allow fish to gather in these cooler areas without angling pressure.
Other targeted angling closures in portions of the Rogue and Illinois Rivers to allow for salmon and steelhead facing tough conditions to migrate without angling pressure.
Hyatt and Howard Prairie Reservoirs in SW Zone are lifting all bag limits on all species due to extremely low water conditions that are becoming unsuitable for fish.
For full details, see the emergency regulations for your angling zone at https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/
“There is a tough summer and early fall ahead for fish, and we want to take steps to help them survive,” said Shaun Clements, ODFW deputy administrator for inland fisheries. “We appreciate anglers following the regulations and being flexible with their plans to help fish this year.”
This doesn’t mean that all fishing has to stop,” continued Clements. “Except for the Nehalem River, fishing will remain open the morning and early afternoon hours when water temperatures are cooler for fish and people. There are many great fishing opportunities in high lakes, for warmwater fish like, bass, walleye, or crappie, and in lakes and reservoirs stocked with hatchery rainbow trout—though stocking plans may change due to the drought so remember to check the Recreation Report not the online schedule for the latest information.”
Anglers are reminded to use best practices when fishing in areas that may require release of the fish:
Use appropriate gear and land fish quickly. The longer the fight, the less likely the fish will survive.
Avoid removing the fish from the water.
If taking a photo, cradle the fish at water level and quickly take the picture.
Remove hooks quickly and gently while keeping the fish under water.
Use long-nosed pliers or hemostats to back out a hook.
If a fish is hooked deeply, cut the line near the hook.
Revive fish (point them into slow current or move them back and forth until gills are working).
When possible, let the fish swim out of your hands.
From Oregon Wild
Wild rivers and wild fish. Is there anything better?
Join Oregon Wild & the Native Fish Society next Wednesday for a discussion on flyfishing Oregon’s Wild & Scenic Rivers and the role protected rivers play in maintaining healthy native fish populations.
Flyfishing is a sport that naturally lends itself to observation. How cloudy is it today, and where is my shadow being cast? What bugs live here, and what life stage are they in? Where are the fish right now, and what are they doing?
Oregon’s Wild & Scenic waterways are one of the best places on earth to be a student of flyfishing. And whether you’re a rookie angler or a seasoned professional, there’s always something new to learn.
With that in mind, we hope you’ll join Oregon Wild and the Native Fish Society for a presentation on flyfishing Oregon’s Wild & Scenic Rivers. Kirk Blaine, an avid fly angler and the Southern Oregon Regional Coordinator for the Native Fish Society, will be discussing some of his favorite Wild & Scenic fishing spots and the role protected rivers play in maintaining healthy native fish populations. We’ll also get a brief update on the progress of Senator Wyden’s River Democracy Act and how it will affect the future of rivers and Oregon anglers.
You can RSVP for “Flyfishing Oregon’s Wild & Scenic Rivers” here. See you on Wednesday!
For the wild,
Jamie Dawson
Public Lands Campaigner
Oregon Wild
From Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
It’s going to be a scorcher out there, and fish are feeling the heat, too—on top of facing a severe to extreme drought in most of Oregon. Thus, ODFW is asking you to fish with care during heat wave.
To help protect fish over the summer, ODFW will be announcing emergency regulations for some fisheries next week. These regulations will go into effect July 1. Remember any in-season regulation changes are always posted in the angling zone of the Recreation Report – Fishing Report so don’t forget to check it before you go fishing.
What to expect beginning July 1:
“Hoot owl” regulations may close fishing in some areas in early afternoon to protect salmon, steelhead and trout during the hottest part of the day.
Bag limits may be removed in some reservoirs before water gets too low for fish.
Fish with care:
Starting now, we are asking you to take extra steps to help fish during the heat wave and until conditions improve:
Fish early in day when water temperatures are cooler.
Look for trout in deep, high elevation lakes or shaded streams near headwaters. These places are often cooler.
More tips on high lakes fishing
Warmwater fishing is also a good choice right now, see ODFW’s guide https://myodfw.com/articles/warmwater-fishing-oregon-introduction
Use your judgement. If conditions where you want to fish seem especially severe (low, warm water), consider fishing somewhere else where water conditions are better.
Catch-and-release: When fishing in areas that may require you to release the fish, be sure to:
Use appropriate gear and land fish quickly. The longer the fight, the more stressful it will be on the fish.
Avoid removing the fish from the water.
If taking a photo, cradle the fish at water level and quickly take the picture.
Remove hooks quickly and gently while keeping the fish under water.
Use long-nosed pliers or hemostats to back out a hook.
If a fish is hooked deeply, cut the line near the hook.
Revive fish (point them into slow current or move them back and forth until gills are working).
When possible, let the fish swim out of your hands.
Trout stocking changes:
The stocking schedule may change at short notice due to water conditions that don’t allow for stocking. Some hatcheries are also releasing fish early due to low flows/high temps at hatcheries.
Changes may not show up in the stocking schedule so check the Recreation Report for the latest information.
ODFW thanks you for taking steps to help fish during this severe drought and heat wave.
This past Monday I did a quick lower river float, (Hendricks to Hayden) with Liz Perkin of Native Fish Society and Dave Thomas (NFS McKenzie River Fish Steward ) of Eugene. Our discussions were wide ranging but largely focussed on wild fish in the Willamette Basin. I was reminded of how impressive the Lower McKenzie Wild Trout Population Study was in every way. If you haven’t checked out the study please have a look. The data is fantastic and as many of you know the lower river has some of the best fishing on the entire McKenzie. It is my hope that we can see this section of wild fish expand further in the future. Stay Tuned!
Click HERE to view the website.
Frontier Steelhead Experience for Two
Is there anything better than fishing the epic waters of British Columbia’s Bulkley and Morice rivers with your very best fishing buddy? How about winning a week-long trip for two for only $250? You heard us right…Native Fish Society is raffling off not one but TWO spots – to one lucky winner – for a week of wild fish, COVID-free, primetime fishing joy to Frontier Steelhead Experience lodge in beautiful British Columbia.
With the border set to open in late July – fingers crossed! – now is the time to start planning for FUN! Trip dates are set for October 15-22, 2021 and you better believe that your hosts are ready to spoil you rotten.
The main lodge in Smithers is the starting off point for this huge week of adventure. Although there are 12 guests a week, the group splits into two and you are never fishing with more than 6 people all week long. A group of 6 will head to the Morice Lodge and the other 6 will stay at the main lodge fishing the Bulkley Canyons. Mid-week guests will flip flop. This means you will only be sharing the lodge and the river (either Bulkley or Morice) with six people during the week. Needless to say, with some of the largest returns of wild steelhead in the world, an exceptional program, and top-notch guides and staff that are there just for you – how can you pass up this incredible opportunity?!
Raffle tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 22nd for $250 each, and will close on August 9th. Winner drawing will be held Tuesday, August 10th at 3pm at our Oregon City headquarters. With only 250 tickets available, and the pent up excitement to get out of the country, this is the perfect opportunity to spend those stockpiled COVID vacation bucks and buy a raffle ticket or three. Chances are your best fishing pal will split the cost with you!
All proceeds from this raffle will support the Native Fish Society’s work to restore abundant wild, native fish, free-flowing rivers, and thriving local communities across the Pacific Northwest.
*Does not include travel to Smithers, British Columbia,
licensing, or gratuity.
**COVID restrictions may apply to enter Canada
Despite what looks like a super hot, super low water year in the making the lower McKenzie is full of water. The Walterville Canal is currently empty and the lack of water diversion is giving stretches of water like Hendricks to Hayden and Hayden to Armitage excellent flows and water temps. Euro Nymphing was very effective yesterday using Sens Improved Jigged Twenty Incher and Berry’s PCP (Pink Copper Peacock) in a tandem rig.
Get out there and enjoy while we still have water! Evening hatches of Pale Evening Duns, Caddis, little yellow stones and even a few Green Drakes.
We have our largest selection of trout flies ever at The Caddis Fly. We are happy to help select patterns for specific trips or locations for dad. We are stacked with fly boxes as well. A selection of flies in a box is always a solid gift for Father’s Day!
If you don’t have time to stop by the shop we have online Gift Certificate available at this page: Gifts and Gift Certificates.
Kellogg Creek Dam, in Milwaukie, Oregon, prevents migrating Willamette River salmon from taking advantage of the creek’s cold water during warm summer months. Sign the latest NFS Action Alert telling Oregon lawmakers that Kellogg Creek Dam has got to go!
Each summer, Kellogg Creek—a tributary of the lower Willamette River near Milwaukie, Oregon—is an important thermal refuge for coldwater fish. But the Kellogg Creek Dam prevents Willamette salmon from taking refuge there as they migrate through the lower river. Sign the NFS Action Alert urging Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, as well as Representative Kurt Schrader to prioritize public safety and the wellbeing of the Willamette’s wild salmon by tearing down Kellogg Creek Dam!
Sign HERE.
In this video, fly fisher and fly tyer Bruce Berry stopped by the shop to tie up one of his favorites for salt water fishing, Johny King’s Hoo Fly.
Using a hand-full of materials, Bruce explains in detail the steps and techniques tying in each material such as Laser Dub, Bruiser Blend Dub, Pro Sportfisher Tab Eyes, etc., and the purpose for his madness.
Follow along as Bruce explains how to fish these salt water flies and the many applications for their use at destinations world wide.
Hoo Fly
Hook: Gamakatsu SL12S Sizes 1-6/0
Thread: Monofilament 4m
Tail: Craft Fur
Body: Senyo’s Laser Dub
Fly Fish Food Bruiser Blend
Eyes: Pro Sportfisher Tabbed Eyes
Liquid Fusion
Pro Sportfisher UV Thin/Flex
Had a great weekend fishing the upper McKenzie!
Last Fall our friends Todd and Kelly Moen of Catch Magazine captured one of my favorite places, the upper McKenzie. I love all of Todd’s work and Catch Magazine is well worth the subscription.
Catch Magazine is running some pretty cool promotions at the moment.
1. Subscribe to Catch Magazine’s Youtube Channel and you will be entered to win a Winston Air 2 rod.
2. Purchase a Gift Subscription to Catch Magazine for someone and you will be entered to win a Bauer RVR Reel. Purchase at this link: https://catchmagazine.net/gift-subscriptions/
Our friend Matt Callies from Loon Outdoors gives an overview on Euro Nymphing tactics, rigs and accessories needed.
