We fished from Armitage to Crossroads. I was accompanied by two members of the Men’s Technical Conference, seeking the March Brown hatch. The sun may have been out, but we were a bit surprised at the “cool breeze”!
We did not see a major hatch event, however, by mid afternoon….the fish were looking up! The Western March Brown and Sparkle Dun were the top producers. With some rain over the weekend and sunny days for next week….the fishing/hatches should only get better on most waterways.
Good morning all you OFFB Blog readers. It is early, dawn just breaking, and I thought a few light hearted images might be in order. Times are interesting these days, but as anglers and fly tyers there are new adventures and new flies to look forward to in the future.
So I flung open my photos library and found ….
Caption: now here is an egg fly that I have fished in low fall flows when the summer steelhead are stacked in behind spawning chinook. You could bobber-dog this fly and perhaps add a bead to keep it down. Need I say more? Great Lakes – of course.
2010: Now here is my good buddy Kerry Burkheimer in 2010 waxing all poetic about rod building while sitting in his factory across the mighty Columbia river from Oregon.
Caption: Now here is a sweet little sea run cutthroat fly tied in 2010. Don’t you think this fly or a variation tied as a scud or a bead head Euro Nymph thingy wouldn’t be killer on the Deschutes or McKenzie, or in Montana or So Cal or Georgia? Yes indeed we have friends who chase trout in Georgia.
Caption: now for pure entertainment this is a sketch I drew from a photo of a McKenzie Redside from 2010. The red band across the trout’s flanks were startling and bedazzling. This trout, of course, is a female, a hen, as you can tell from the rounded forehead, the plump shape, and the slightly distended vent.
Ok: it is grey outside so it’s time to upper the curtains, flip on the fly tying lamp, and start winding something or other around a hook. Or maybe I’ll sort flies by the year i tied them or by wet versus dry – salmon versus steelhead, and so forth.
I’m gonna call a friend today too, and promise to hit those Stillwater in Eastern Oregon and central Washington. Yes, I’d better get some of those flies tied too.
Top of the morning to you all.
JN
The event that we have all come to look forward to has sadly been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns.
The 32nd annual Northwest Fly Tier and Fly Fishing Expo scheduled for this weekend at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center has been cancelled due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus, chairwoman Sherry Steele said Monday afternoon.
A link to an article in the Democrat Herald explains more about the decision. Everyone we know who has been looking forward to this event is disappointed but sympathetic.
JN
In this video, Greg ties a Randall Kaufmann variation to the Classic Hare’s Ear with CDC.
Hook:TMC 3761 sizes 10-16
Bead/Lead: Optional
Thread: Uni 6/0 Brown
Tail: Natural Hare’s Ear Mask
Rib: Gold Flat Mylar
Abdomen: Natural Hare’s Ear with Black Haretron
Wingcase: Peacock or Kaufmann’s SLF Dubbing
Thorax: Natural Blended Hare’s Ear
Legs: Natural CDC
In this video, Jay ties his Mexican Flag Dorado Fly a deceiver style pattern for dorado and peacock bass.
Follow step by step instruction for these large flies with Jay’s commentary and years of experience.
Hook: Ahrex PR320 4-6/0
Thread: Veevus GSP 150D White
Cement: Loctite or Hard as Hull
Tail: Strung Saddles (6-8) Forest Green & Red
Flash: Mixture Holographic Flashabou & Magnum Flashabou
4 Hollow Stations: Alternate Green, Yellow, and Red Bucktail
Finishing Bucktail: Green Bucktail
Eyes: Pro Tabbed Eyes or Jungle Cock Sub
Copic Marker
My family and I and five friends had the pleasure of visiting Rio Palena Lodge in Chile this past February. Rio Palena Lodge is one of several properties owned by Eleven Experience. We had a great time fishing the numerous waters near the lodge and enjoying the incredibly well appointed property.
The varied waters of Chilean Patagonia contain rainbow, brown and brook trout amidst stunning scenery. Rio Palena has the resources to get anglers to the best waters. Deluxe NRS Rafts, Hyde Power Drifters, a Helicopter, 9 Toyota Hilux trucks, and 2 Mercedes Sprinters. Our group experienced all of the “travel to options” and all of the “fish to” options. The staff and the efficiencies of getting anglers to the water were fantastic. Anglers were often transported to boats in the water ready to go. When the day was done we went back to the lodge in a van while the boats, shuttles and gear were sorted out behind the scenes. I felt this maximized fishing time and relaxing at the lodge time.
We caught some of our best fish in Lago Yelcho. Rio Palena Lodge has unique access to the lower Futaleufu River and then into the lake.
The Lodge is on the Palena River which offers several “floatable” beats all season.
Utilizing a helicopter anglers can visit lakes with boats and smaller waters in the area. We had a fantastic combo day were we visited Palena Lake and a small stream loaded with Brook Trout.
The lodge facility is absolutely stunning and is no expense has been spared in making the rooms, fireplaces, bars, hot tubs, sauna, steam showers, music system, outdoor dinning areas and more, very enjoyable.
One of the coolest design features of the lodge (and there are many) was the “fishing locker room”. Anglers are assigned a wooden “locker” in a beautiful open room in the basement of the lodge. In the locker are your boots, waders, life jacket, rain jacket, water bottle, sun screen etc.. You are able to keep all your fishing gear in your locker so it’s ready each day. No need to deal with wet gear in your room. A boot drier is in each locker, the room is dry enough that by morning all of your gear was dry for the next day. In addition to all your gear the locker room has a coffee maker, mini fridge, music system, snacks and restroom.
On our final night at the lodge the staff and local gauchos put on an Asado ( South American BBQ). A short walk from the main lodge is a delightful outdoor dining area that has a stand alone bar, picnic tables, performance stage, BBQ pit, earthen empanada oven, grilling area, and dining enclosure. The food was excellent and the evening finished with karaoke, good times were had by all.
For information on booking Rio Palena Lodge call 541 342 7005 or email me at caddiseug@yahoo.com
CD
In this video, Rob Hrabik of Yosemite Outfitters ties a variation of Tom Loe’s Parallel Punk Perch.
A highly efficient fly anywhere trout live, Rob fishes this fly under an indicator, on the strip, as a streamer, and as a Euro nymph point fly. With a “balanced” fly you are less likely to snag bottom, but increase hook sets. Tom Loe once said balanced patterns were, “the most significant improvement in fly design in over a decade.”
Follow along as Rob shows you how to rig the bead and create amazing dubbing loops with simple materials such as Ice Dub and Simi Seal.
Parallel Perch
Hook: Daiichi 4640 Size 14
Pin: Sewing/Upholstery Pin Size 17
Bead: Tungsten Black Nickel 3/32″
Thread: Uni 6/0 Tan
Tail: Ginger Maribou
Pearl Krystal Flash
Body: UV Pearl Ice Dubbing
Grey/Olive Simi Seal Dubbing
Wax
Collar: Red UTC 70D
Glue: Zap A Gap
In this video, Chris discusses the new Drifter Gear Transport Bag by Yakoda Supply.
In this video, Chris Daughters reviews Yakoda Supplies new Utility Pouch. Made in the USA.
In this video, Chris introduces Yakoda Supply Fly Tins.
Two different styles with or without tweezers. Made in the USA.
My girlfriend and I decided to play hooky from work on Thursday (thanks, Greg) on the first over 60° day of the year. We fished the upper Mckenzie from Blue River to Silver Creek.
Most of the fish we caught were on nymphs, fishing the dark green water; drop-offs, shelves, and deep pools. I fished a mega prince and possie bugger combination in the #6-10 range, 7-8’ under the bobber most of the day, which is a sure fire way to hook some fish.
A minor blue wing olive and small caddis hatch started to materialize around 2 o’clock with sporadic march browns coming off as well. There were a few fish coming to the surface, falling prey to our smaller BWO offerings. We caught plenty of beautiful redsides with whiteys also being abundant…
Essential flies to have in your box for the next few weeks will include:
The river is lower than usual for this time of year, which creates great early season fishing. Weather this upcoming week will improve insect activity with slightly warmer nights and overcast days. Time to get out there!
Justin Helm
Each Spring we are reminded of how fortunate we are to have the Lower McKenzie and Willamette rivers within such close proximity to the Eugene area. When conditions align, there is potential for exceptional trout fishing.
Current water conditions and weather are ideal to get out for an early look at the lower McKenzie and Willamette rivers. Let’s hope this continues through the spring. Our spring guide special will continue through the end of March.
If you would like to experience what the Lower River has to offer in Spring, take advantage of our half day special. The special includes 5-6 hours of fishing, and all tackle is provided. Anglers need only to bring lunch and beverages. The price for this “best part of the day half day” is $375 for one or two anglers.
One of the great things about this early season excursion is the varied tactics you will experience with one of our guides. Indicator nymphing, euro nymphing, swinging and dry fly fishing can all be done in the span of a few hours. It’s a really cool time of year.
Call the shop for a reservation. 541 342 7005
When: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 7 PM – 9 PM
Where: WildCraft Cider Works 232 Lincoln St, Eugene, Oregon 97401
Come and be inspired to get out on the water: The Orvis “50/50 on the Water” Film Tour features 12 fly-fishing films by and about female anglers! You’ll leave the event inspired and energized by the 90+ minutes of storytelling, which highlights anglers and fisheries from around the world. The 50/50 on the Water campaign aims to inspire more women to get out on the water and discover the joys of fly-fishing. By breaking down some of the barriers that keep women from enjoying time on the stream, we can add new perspectives and bring new voices into the sport. And if we are going to protect what we love through conservation efforts, the more voices the better.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, this event is sponsored by The Caddis Fly Angling Shop in partnership with McKenzie River Trust, REI, and Wildcraft Cider Works.
Register for this free event here: “50/50 on the water”
You can also register here: 50/50 Facebook
Sliding scale donations accepted at the door.
When: March 13th & 14th | 9:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Linn County Expo Center, Albany Oregon
Admission: $10 | FFI Members and Youth 18 & Under: FREE|
Veteran admission is $5.00 This year. Parking is free
Website: http://nwexpo.com
WE are looking forward to a very nice show here in 2020, with an opportunity to re-connect with old friends, make new friends, learn from the collective knowledge of hundreds of fly tyers, and get some great deals on gear and materials.
Friday Evening Banquet prices and details (get on ’em soon!)
Fly Tying exhibitions
Fly tying classes
Youth Fly Fishing Workshop
Fishing classes
Casting Games
New Casting classes events
raffles and Auctions
Vendor Booths
Author Signing Booth
The Northwest Fly Tyer & Fly Fishing Expo is the largest show devoted entirely to fly-fishing. Come to the Expo and be part of the crowd of fly tyers and fly fishers building their knowledge and seeing old friends.
The tyer schedule has been posted. The schedule allows you to search for your favorite tyer to see when they are tying. Tyers can also be sorted by named and table that they are tying at – https://nwexpo.com/wp/tyers/. This year includes 4 Buz Buszek Fly Tying Award Winners, 15 Stan Walters Memorial “Tyer of the Year” award winners and many other great tyers. Check out the featured tyers here – https://nwexpo.com/wp/featured-tyers/.
There will be 72 tyers tying at anytime across three time slots each day. Attendees will be able to watch tyers tie a variety of styles including trout, steelhead, realistic, and Atlantic salmon flies. Some of the best fly tyers in the world attend the show and volunteer to demonstrate their skills. For a schedule of tyers visit – http://nwexpo.com/tyers.php.
There are range of exhibitors each year the Expo. These include book publishers, fly tying shops, rod and reel manufactures, and artists. There is a casting pond where you can try out different rods while you are at the show. Many of the exhibitors have show deals that are only available during the show.
Learn from some of the best fly casters demonstrating their skills. A schedule will be posted during the expo and everyone is welcome to watch the demonstrations.
If you want a more hands-on approach to learning check out the classes being offered. The fly tying classes let you follow along with the instructor as you tie a fly(s). You can explore different styles and materials. The fly fishing classes will introduce you to new techniques and locations. The casting classes are a great opportunity to get 1 on 1 instruction.
Friday March 13 Class Schedule
SaturdayMarch 14 Class Schedule
You can click on the class and reserve your spot. Sign-up quickly because classes have limited admission.
To Donate Auction/Raffle Items or learn more about this event, visit our web site https://nwexpo.com/wp/ or contact 2020 Expo Chair: Sherry Steele Email: steelefly@msn.com ; 541-549-2072
Volunteer to help out for a short shift and get in the expo free plus receive a packet of “stuff”,Badge, 2 Beverage Tickets for the food court, Expo Pin, and 4 Raffle Tickets. Visit our web site to sign up https://nwexpo.com/wp/volunteer-sign-up/ This is a 30.00 value.
This is going to be a very fine gathering in 2020, and everyone involved in organizing these event has made a commitment of their time and energy to support our craft, hoping to pass the collective knowledge and skills of thousands of years experience on to those who follow. YouTube is a wonderful new toy and a legitimate means of learning. But there is something magic that happens at theEXPO and similar events were people gather and exchange ideas face to face.
Thank you for considering attending tis event in 2020 – we hope to see you at the EXPO.
