McKenzie Memories, Friday April 7

Posted on March 19, 2017 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Join the McKenzie River Trust for our 6th annual celebration of the history of the McKenzie with storytelling, rare historic photos, artifacts, and more.

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Come early to listen to the music of Blue McKenzie and see the display of old wooden drift boats, river guide cookery, vintage fly fishing gear and more early McKenzie artifacts. Food carts, Ninkasi and Oakshire beer, and WildCraft Cider will be available.

Then our program begins. Step back in time as we learn about the historic lodges like the Log Cabin Inn and the lodge at Foley Hot Springs, now long gone. Paddle downstream with local storytellers Steve Schaefer, Don Wouda, and Dana Burwell from the McKenzie River Guides Association, founded in 1931. Hear stories about what life was like as a guide in the early 1900s and the guides’ key role in conservation and stewardship of the McKenzie River. Then listen as former river guide and hydrologist Gordon Grant weaves tales of the McKenzie’s unique geology.

And be there as we kick off the McKenzie Homewaters Campaign, a project that builds on recent conservation work near Finn Rock.Don’t miss another unforgettable evening!


Buy your tickets here.

Friday, April 7, 2017
7pm (Doors at 6)
Venue 252 – 252 Lawrence St in Eugene

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

Comparing Three Feathers as Collar Hackles on Intruder Butt Stations

Posted on March 16, 2017 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

I have been tying  lot of Intruders preparing for winter steelhead season, and have had plenty of opportunity to explore a range of options for creating a collar on the butt and shoulder section of my flies. I decided to show three feathers that make good options and show how each looks on the same butt section.

Lady Amherst, Guinea, and Golden Pheasant Tippet: all make for good collars on the butt or head of Intruder flies.

Lady Amherst, Guinea, and Golden Pheasant Tippet: all make for good collars on the butt or head of Intruder flies.

Here are the three feather types:

Lady Amherst Pheasant

Guinea

Dyed Golden Pheasant Tippets

Here are the feathers out of the packages.

Here are the feathers out of the packages.

Here are individual feathers side by side.

Here are individual feathers side by side.

Here are the three feathers prepared to wind on the tube or shank.

Here are the three feathers prepared to wind on the tube or shank.

I started with a simple butt composed of copper Ice Dub and a red saddle hackle. I will now proceed to wrap each of the three different feathers onto this same base.

I started with a simple butt composed of copper Ice Dub and a red saddle hackle. I will now proceed to wrap each of the three different feathers onto this same base.

Here is the butt station completed with the Guinea feather.

Here is the butt station completed with the Guinea feather.

Here is the same butt station completed with the orange dyed Golden Pheasant Tippet feather.

Here is the same butt station completed with the orange dyed Golden Pheasant Tippet feather.

Finally, here is the same butt station finished with the blue Lady Amherst tippet feather.

Finally, here is the same butt station finished with the blue Lady Amherst tippet feather.

Of the three feathers, I find the Guinea the most challenging to wind onto the tube or shank. The stems tend to be thicker and reluctant to behave properly while winding. The Pheasant feathers are generally easy to wind and the fibers are longer if you select the largest tippet feathers.

Hope this article and photos provide ideas and encouragement at the fly bench.

Jay Nicholas – winter season 2016/17

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Polar Shrimp Rabbit Strip Steelhead Tube Fly with Jay Nicholas

Posted on March 14, 2017 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog
Polar Shrimp Rabbit Strip Tube Fly by Nicholas 2017

Polar Shrimp Rabbit Strip Tube Fly by Nicholas 2017

This is a variant of the many rabbit strip tube flies you will see that are deadly when fished for steelhead and many species of salmonids. This version of the fly is one that I see as reminiscent of the old Polar Shrimp fly that I fished back in the 1970s tied on Eagle Claw 1197-b or 1197-g hooks in size 2 or 4.

I will feature other color variations of this same pattern (I hope) in other videos and some folks may find the repetition a bit of a bore. Still, I never know what I’m likely to say when shooting these videos, or which stories I may or may not relay. And I’m a firm believer that repetition builds on everyone’s basic tying skill set. And then there is the fact that sometime it is nice to see different colors of materials combined on a hook or tube in order to appreciate the fly’s potential and develop the desire to tie the darn thing.

Here goes . . . . .

Tube: Pro Sportfisher Micro Tube or medium classic tube
Hook guide: Pink large
Hook option: Owner #2 straight eye or OPST Swing hook #2
Rabbit Strip: Cream white (#40)
Hackle: Shrimp Pink Schlappen or marabou
Cone: Hareline large tungsten cone

I hope you see possibilities in this fly style

Jay Nicholas – winter season 2016/17

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Posted in Fly Tying, Fly Tying Materials and Supplies | 6 Comments

Postcards from the 2017 FFF Albany Fly EXPO

Posted on March 12, 2017 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

I had a great two days at the 2017 FFF EXPO in Albany, Oregon on Friday and Saturday.  This was a perfect occasion to meet old and new friends, people who have read some of my  books, watched my fly videos, and attended various presentations and tying demos I’ve made at local fly shops and fly clubs around the state. Many thanks for the kind words that I’ve heard over the weekend. I hope to see you all again in the coming year.

Following, I’ll share some random images from the two day event, in no particular order.

My sincere thanks to Dick Sagara TFO, Cortland, LOOMIS, Tenkara, and others. Dick welcomed me to set up on the end of his corner booth so I could tie flies both days and visit with friends and EXPO visitors. Bruce Berry delivered some last minute Pro Sportfisher supplies, thanks Bruce.

Jay Nicholas – winter 2017 season

 

Jay Nicholas at the 2017 FFF EXPO.

Jay Nicholas at the 2017 FFF EXPO, wearing SIMMS Guide Jacket to keep warm on Saturday.

 

Ostrich anyone?

Ostrich anyone?

Vintage floss.

Vintage floss.

Amazing full dress Atlantic salmon flies.

Amazing full dress Atlantic salmon flies.

Vintage metal tinsel.

Vintage metal tinsel.

Ben Paull represents OPST.

Ben Paull represents OPST.

James Millard assists Ben at the OPST booth.

James Millard assists Ben at the OPST booth.

A few nice Intruders.

A few nice Intruders.

Terry Hails of Albany Oregon.

Terry Hails of Albany Oregon.

Terry's fine sea run cutthroat flies.

Terry’s fine sea run cutthroat flies.

Here are some TFO rods - where is Dick Sagara?

Here are some TFO rods – where is Dick Sagara?

Joe and Tracy Koffler were at the EXPO.

Joe and Tracy Koffler were at the EXPO.

Jeff Coffey and his family were at the EXPO to show off samples of FAIR FLIES.

Jeff Coffey and his family were at the EXPO to show off samples of FAIR FLIES.

My friend Norm Norlander was showing off his NORVISE magic.

My friend Norm Norlander was showing off his NORVISE magic.

Joel LaFolette swooped down from Royal Treatment to show off the Faulk fly.

Joel LaFolette swooped down from Royal Treatment to show off the Faulk fly.

My friend Garren Wood - from a bird's eye view.

My friend Garren Wood – from a bird’s eye view.

Garren Wood and Garret Lesko compare notes at the EXPO.

Garren Wood and Garret Lesko compare notes at the EXPO.

I’m looking forward to the 2018 event already.

Thanks for a great two days.

JWN

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Oregon Fly Fishing Clubs and Events | 2 Comments

Coastal Winter Steelhead Update – mid March 2017

Posted on March 9, 2017 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

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Well. Here is the score from mid March swing fishing the North Coast.

Five anglers fishing two consecutive days under decent (high) water conditions: One steelhead hooked and released. This averages out at one fish per ten days. My personal record to date is one steelhead lost (on the swing) for four days fishing. As a side note I lost one steelhead for two days bobber-dogging.

Here is an authentic chrome winter steelhead that took a swung fly fished by Guy Allen recently.

Here is an authentic chrome winter steelhead that took a swung fly fished by Guy Allen recently.

Still, I’ve been regaled by my Instagram feed showing chrome steelhead that have answered the call issued by other anglers while my friends and I have been struggling to find an occasional steelhead.

Oh well, so it goes.

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I fished one of the new Echo OHS (one hand spey) rods, found it very pleasing, and will provide a review of these rods shortly.

RIO Tippet Ring

RIO Tippet Ring

BTW, if you have not tried using tippet rings to add tippet to your leaders you should. I really appreciate the ease with which I can switch from one fly to another when using these gizmos.

Coastal cutthroat ready for release.

Coastal cutthroat ready for release.

There have been a few cutthroat to grab our flies and these fish really appreciate it when we fish barbless flies.

Guy is fishing the far bank slot.

Guy is fishing the far bank slot.

Jay is fishing close under the brush.

Jay is fishing close under the brush.

I’ll be out there soon enough, hoping for a grab that sticks. Wouldn’t be fun to go a full winter season without catching a steelhead – but it sure could happen!

Best to you all, and hope your fish per day average is better than I’ve experienced so far this season.

Jay Nicholas – winter season 2017

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Posted in Fishing Reports | 2 Comments

Who We Are Series Post 2: Peter Cadigan

Posted on March 7, 2017 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

This series of posts is meant to introduce all of you terrific tiers and cool customers to our small, but fantastic team of anglers here at The Caddis Fly Angling Shop. Each employee answered a number of questions about their fishing expertise, their favorite style of fishing and fishing products. Each week we will publish another employee’s answers to these questions to let you know Who We Are. This series will hopefully give you a peak into who we are, how we fish, and who you are chatting with when you next call or email Caddis.

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Who: Peter Cadigan, Customer Service

Years at Caddis: 17

Are you a Eugene local, or are you a transplant? 

Career Army retiree. Moved here from Ft. Lewis, WA some 35 years ago.

How many years have you been fly fishing?

Off and on since I was about 10.

What is your favorite rod and reel combo?

Whatever I’m using at the time.

Wet wade or float, and why?

Wade, because I don’t have a boat, and I enjoy being in the water.

Dry fly, streamer or nymph–and do you tie them?

Whatever gets the job done, and no.

Where do you fish?

States/Waters: Alaska, British Columbia – Douglas Lake Ranch, Kispiox River, and unnamed lakes in western BC; Belize; Cuba; Maine, and the Northwest Territories.

Spey or single hand cast? 

Primarily single hand, but have ventured in the land of Spey on occasion.

Salt or Freshwater?

Primarily fresh, but have enjoyed the few saltwater trips I have been part of.

PeterFishPic

What is your favorite part about working at Caddis?

The customers

When a fellow angler asks, “What is the biggest fish you have ever caught?” what is your answer? 

I don’t usually get caught up in stats, but the answer would probably be an Umpqua steelhead, or an Alaskan rainbow – about a 30 incher.

Peter can be found in shop and at the front desk, helping customers plan their next fishing trip on local Oregon rivers, or purchasing that next awesome angling outfit. If you call Caddis from a remote location on Mondays and Tuesdays, you’ll likely get Peter on the phone.

Want to know more about the Caddis Fly? Visit our website’s About page at this link and feel free to call or email us any time at our contacts below:

(541)505-8061

caddiseug@yahoo.com

Tight lines until next time!

The Caddis Fly Crew
Posted in Fly Fishing Profiles | 1 Comment

Lance Egan’s Red Dart Fly Tying Video

Posted on March 6, 2017 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

In this instructional fly tying video Tony Torrence demonstrates how to tie Lance Egan’s Red Dart. This attractor pattern is a local favorite for fishing as the point fly in a Hopper-Dropper configuration. As a jigged pattern it also makes a great point fly for a two fly nymphing set-up. Tie a few in various sizes and weights to meet the river conditions and you will be very pleased in how well the Red Dart produces fish.

Red Dart

Lance Egan’s Red Dart

Thread: Veevus 10/0, Red
Hook: TMC C400BL Sizes 12-16: Size 12 in Video
Bead: Gold Slotted Tungsten Bead: size 1/8 in Video
Weight: Lead Wire 3-4 wraps; 0.015 in Video
Tail: Red Hackle Fibers: Hareline Chinese Strung Saddle Hackle
Rib: Pearl Sulky tinsel or Micro Pearl Flashabou
Counter-rib: 6X Mono Tippet
Abdomen: Peacock Hareline Ice Dub
Hackle: Furnace Hen Hackle
Thorax/Hotspot: UV Pink Hareline Ice Dub

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Redsides Meeting: Fishing and Restoring the Smith

Posted on March 2, 2017 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Monday, March 6th, 6:30 PM – Roaring Rapids Pizza
4006 Franklin Blvd, Eugene

Join us for an evening with Dean Finnerty as he shares a presentation about the Smith River.
Dean will talk about conservation and restoration work to include:
– Redd Counts,
– Tree Planting,
– DIDSON/ARIS deployment etc.

Smith River

And will also share a fishing report along with tips for fishing winter steelhead on the Smith.
The member meeting is open to the public. Invite your friends!

The meeting will be followed by a short board meeting. TU Members are welcome to attend.

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

Fly Fishing Collaborative banquet

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Fly Fishing Collaborative is having its annual fundraising banquet on March 3rd, 5pm-9pm at the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland, OR.

If you haven’t heard of FFC, their vision is quite inspiring. The founder and Executive Director, Bucky Buchstaber along with his wife, started Fly Fishing Collaborative as an opportunity for the fly fishing community to pool their resources in order to help children fight the social injustice of human trafficking and sex-slavery.

How does this work? Through many contributing avenues of collaboration. As examples: Notable outfitters and guides have donated guided trips to FFC in which the public can reserve a trip on FFC’s website; Flytyers worldwide have donated their patterns that are also available for purchase through FFC; Custom leather fly wallets are available and can be customized for standard flies or maybe even vintage patterns (this just in: new leather goods are coming soon, including leather reel cases, rod cases, etc. – keep your eyes peeled for a March “reveal”).

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All these donated items from passionate fly fishers help raise funds so that FFC can “bring sustainable livelihood to innocent children who are either at risk, or have been rescued from, the horrible injustice of sex trafficking. They do this by building (and providing on–going support of) sustainable aquaponics farms for safe houses and orphanages around the world, offering education and sustainable job opportunities for women from local safe-homes, and through a number of other justice based initiatives.”

It might be worth your time to check out the following link to find out more about FFC’s Vision as well as their use of aquaponic farming. A few videos in the link also explain the passion that is behind the organization.

FFC’s banquet goal is to raise $100,000 in order to fully fund new sustainable farms in Africa and Southeast Asia as well as develop a new anti-trafficking initiative in Portland, Oregon. Join fellow fly anglers​​ in making a difference.

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

Who We Are Series, Post 1: Bryson Fairlamb

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Welcome to the “Who We Are” Series. 

This series of posts is meant to introduce all of you terrific tiers and cool customers to our small, but fantastic team of anglers here at The Caddis Fly Angling Shop. Each employee answered a number of questions about their fishing expertise, their favorite style of fishing and fishing products. Each week we will publish another employee’s answers to these questions to let you know Who We Are. This series will hopefully give you a peak into who we are, how we fish, and who you are chatting with when you next call or email Caddis.

So, to start us off, we figured who better to introduce you to than our wonderful Manager, Bryson.

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Who: Bryson Fairlamb, Manager

Years at Caddis: 5

Are you a Eugene local, or are you a transplant? 

I’m an Oregon Native, born in Elgin OR, raised in Coast Range then Eugene through high school. Then I lived in Bend OR for 15 years, and now I’m back in Eugene.

How many years have you been fly fishing?

20+

What is your favorite rod and reel combo?

Sage X 6120 an Lamson Speedster 3.5

Wet wade or float, and why?

I love floating rivers for fishing or adventure and 90% of my fishing utilizes my drift boat or raft. I do love walking into places when traveling but day in and day out I’m in my drifter.

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Dry fly, streamer or nymph–and do you tie them?

All of the above, and yes I tie. I tie a lot of my own flies for steelhead fishing but purchase most of my trout patterns; I just go through so many trout flies in the summer.

Spey or single hand cast? 

Yep

Salt or Freshwater?

Freshwater mainly but last years trip to Mexico has me thinking of baby tarpon quite often.

Where do you fish/have you fished?

States: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico,  New Zealand

Waters: Deschutes,  Mckenzie, and Willamette Rivers. The Cascade lakes.

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What is your favorite part about working at Caddis?

Interacting with fisherman from all over the world, and the knowledge gained from my coworkers and fellow anglers.

When a fellow angler asks, “What is the biggest fish you have ever caught?” what is your answer? 

30 ish pound chinook

And there you have it. Bryson is one of our most knowledgable anglers with an awesome breadth of experience fishing near Eugene and beyond.  He is always abreast to the latest product information and updates from our brands, and you can count on him to tell you his honest opinion about that rod and reel pairing for your next fly fishing setup. He can be found either working the Customer Service and shipping desk in the back of the shop, or helping someone out on the shop floor.

Want to know more about the Caddis Fly? Visit our website’s About page at this link and feel free to call or email us any time at our contacts below:

(541)505-8061

caddiseug@yahoo.com

Tight lines until next time!

The Caddis Fly Crew

 

Posted in Fly Fishing Profiles | 1 Comment

Korkers Darkhorse Wading Boot Review

Posted on February 21, 2017 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Korkers Darkhorse Boot

It’s been a struggle to find a lightweight comfortable wading boot with enough durability to make it through the season here at Cedar Lodge. Our favorite boots have been the 2015/16 Patagonia Ultra light and the Simms Intruder boot. Both of these boots were/are great in terms of fit, comfort, weight but lack in terms of durability for the heavy user. We put our boots to the test during our season at Cedar Lodge. Depending upon the guide 60-90 days in a row of use is an excellent barometer to how a boot is going to handle a variety of conditions and use.

I am about 30 days in on the Korkers Darkhorse and other than a bit of sole wear and tear, which you would expect, these boots have enough going for them to get a positive review from me.

Korkers dark horse wading boots

Pros:

-Quick on and off. The boa lacing system is awesome in terms of getting in and out of the Darkhorse boot. It’s quick and painless; the boot opens up enough to get into easily.
-New “hydrophobic” fabric that dries really really quickly, like in between pools quick.
-Durability has been great. The quick drying fabric seems to be bomber no issues on mine to date, same with our pilot/guide Dion who does twice the miles in them as I do.
-Drainage has been excellent, there is way more water in my wet wading socks when I take these boots off than in the boot itself which has almost none.
-Roomy toe box allow for good circulation
-Interchangeable soles allow anglers to use these in non felt areas and swap into felt or studded felt as needed. I have been using the Idrogrip Vibram soles this year and they are way better than the standard Korkers Kling on sole, night and day in terms of grip and durability.
-Lightweight. The Darkhorse is not the lightest but it’s very light compared to most wading boots and for walking out of water more than in I have found it be excellent.
-Fit is superb, particularly around the ankle these fit like a glove.

Cons:

-I can’t seem to tighten the toe box quite as much as I think I need when I put them on. This is a pro in terms of movement of your toes in cold water but I seem to want them just a bit tighter at times.
-The standard “kling-on” rubber soles can wear out prematurely on the edge of the sole causing a small rubber flap. I have found the Sticky Studded Idrogrip Vibram sole to be the very best rubber sole when you have to go with rubber.

CD

Posted in Fly Fishing Gear Review | Leave a comment

2017 NW Fly Tyer Expo March 10 & 11

Posted on February 16, 2017 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

bass-bugs-shawn-west

The 29th annual Northwest Fly Tyer & Fly Fishing Expo will be held March 10th and 11th at the Linn County Expo Center in Albany, Oregon. There are many activities for anyone interested in fly fishing or fly tying.

There are 200 demonstration fly tyers that are scheduled in three daily shifts over Friday and Saturday. There are a wide range of tyers tying everything from dry flies, nymphs, steelhead, classic salmon flies, and even ultra-realistic flies. It is a great way to learn new techniques and improve your tying. There are also fly tying classes where you can follow along with an instructor learning to tie flies.

 

Frank Moore casting in 2016

Frank Moore casting in 2016

If you want to improve your fly casting check out the classes that are available. The casting classes including 1:1 Casting Doctor classes where you get personal attention to answer your casting questions. Throughout the day there are casting demonstrations at the indoor casting pool.

There are 50 exhibitors where you can find a new fly rod or new and interesting materials. Some vendors offer Expo specials. You can also try out the fly rod at the indoor casting pool to test out a rod.

Jay Nicholas tying in 2016

Jay Nicholas tying in 2016

For the younger fly fishers, there is a youth program that includes: fly tying, casting, knot tying, boat safety, fish anatomy, and more. It is a great way to get kids interested in fly fishing. Check out the website (http://nwexpo.com) when it gets closer to the Expo for a coupon that will get one free adult admission if you bring a child.

Got tinsel?

Got tinsel?

The Expo is sponsored by the Oregon Council of the International Federation of Fly Fishers. It is the main fund raiser for the Oregon Council and is used for conservation and education activities. Funds also allow for two scholarships for Oregon State University students pursuing fishing related degrees.

For more information, please visits http://nwexpo.com

My thanks to friend and fly tyer extraordinaire Garren Wood for providing the material for this blog post. Hope to see many of you at the Expo this year. I’ll be there both days, roaming around and visiting (if not tying).

Jay Nicholas – winter season 2017

Posted in Classes and Instruction, Fly Tying, Oregon Fly Fishing Clubs and Events | 2 Comments

State Land Board votes to privatize Elliott State Forest

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Yesterday, via the Register-Guard:

Oregon’s new state treasurer and new secretary of state teamed up Tuesday to vote for the potential sale of the Elliott State Forest, rejecting Gov. Kate Brown’s recently revealed plan to keep public the 82,500-acre forest near Coos Bay.

Brown expressed frustration about the Tuesday vote.

“Having heard from hundreds of Oregonians and after long deliberation, it is clear to me that it is in the best interest of Oregonians to ensure public ownership of the Elliott State Forest for future generations,” she said. “Retaining the Elliott as a state asset is the proper exercise of the fiduciary responsibility of the state.”

The forest includes habitat for northern spotted owl and marbled murrellet, a pair of federally protected birds, as well as coho salmon, a federally protected fish.

Save The Elliott State Forest from Cascadia Wildlands on Vimeo.

Sean Stevens, Executive Director of Oregon Wild made the following statement:


Oregon has long prided itself on its environmental pedigree, touting its conservation leadership. This perception, some might say mythology, that is loudly proclaimed by our politicians at every available moment was dealt a heavy blow today when Democratic Treasurer Tobias Read joined with Republican Secretary of State Dennis Richardson to sell off the Elliott State Forest. The final decision was kept open by Governor Kate Brown, who has reversed course in the last week and come out strongly for a public option for the Elliott.

But a greater problem remains.

Oregon Democrats like Tobias Read have for years run campaigns around their environmental bona fides, only to continue to allow the state to fall further and further behind when it comes to environmental protections. Today’s vote underscores that when it comes to timber interests and public lands, Oregon Democrats are willing to look the other way. Like coal is to West Virginia, clearcut logging is to Oregon.

Combined, Read and Richardson received $13,000 from the logging interests trying to purchase the Elliott State Forest, not to mentioned tens of thousands more from the industry at large.

The deal is supposed to be finalized by the end of the year. Get involved with local conservation organizations to try to help #SaveTheElliot.

Posted in Oregon Conservation News | 1 Comment

2017 Flyfishing Film Tour (F3T) in Corvallis on Sat. Feb 18

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Join the rascally Bluebacks for the annual film festival to raise funds for the chapter steelhead surveys in the Siletz River Basin, SOLV River cleanups, and the Linn-Benton Salmon Watch for children. These activities depend on your support.

F3T

As in the past, they will have some great silent auction items and will welcome Two Towns Ciderhouse and Block 15. They will also be serving pizza and wraps if you get a bit hungry.

So please join The Bluebacks Saturday (Feb 18th)! Doors open at 6:30 and the films will start at 7:30.

Parking is across from LaSells Stewart Center in Reser stadium parking lot.

Buy tickets at Watershed Fly Shop with cash or check and online here.

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

Letter from Cedar Lodge, “Summer” Update 2017

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

NZ summer 2017

Dear Dale and Charles,

I know it was a tough decision not to come to New Zealand this year. Life throws curveballs and we have to adjust. But… if it makes you feel any better this year has been a “once in every 40 years – cold ass summer”.

Our “summer” season has been plagued with constant cold fronts bringing more wind and rain than anyone can remember. Rivers have been high, cold and “unfishable” much of the season. Cicadas have been chirping for a month now but only during the occasional periods of heat.

We’ve had a few magical days, as you well know the South Island will give you that. West Coast Rivers on the drop with reasonable weather can be fantastic. But these have been minuscule gaps in an overall nasty onslaught of wet, cold and windy weather.

NZ summer 2017

NZ summer 2017

I have been hesitant to report (complain) on the season here at Cedar Lodge as I know the Pacific Northwest has been smashed with snow and ice. Hopefully you are able to catch some Winter Steelhead behind the fronts on the Oregon Coast.

What does a lodge owner do when the weather is constantly limiting your options for fishing and flying you ask?

Drive to fishing, yes we certainly do this, but again when it’s blowing 45-knots and pelting down rain on a swollen river are we having much fun?

Fortunately we are about one hour from Central Otago wine region. The 45th parallel south is right up there with the Willamette Valley and Burgundy France in terms of noted Pinot Noir. I have been a wine tour guide more than I would like this season. On a positive note we have found some real gems to serve at the lodge. We stop at a couple of wineries, lunch, fruit stand, real fruit ice cream and home. Not fishing, but a New Zealand day out for sure. Additionally I have done a day of Horse Trekking, a day at the track (Highlands Motorsport Park is pretty cool) a day in town, and even a day at the movies. Yep not ideal but not sitting at the lodge playing cards either.

NZ summer 2017

NZ summer 2017

I haven’t give up on the season but I have to admit the conditions do wear on you. The long term forecast is for things to get better late February and March, one can hope!

Your Friend

Chris Daughters

Posted in Fishing Reports, Fly Fishing Travel | 1 Comment