Central Oregon Sun

I located a really fun alpine type lake this fall in Central Oregon.  Late in the season enables me to miss the crowds and enjoy the environment more. 

Three Creeks Lake is a local Sisters stocked lake.  Its not large, but packs healthy trout.  Its was super windy the day I fished and so I didn't bother clicking pics of the fish.  Cold fingers made it just possible to get the fish in and off.  The small stream that leaves the area contains many small fish, fun to spot but didn't bother targeting them.  Way too many better fish in the lake anyway. 

New Season

It's upland game bird season around here, the PNW to be exact, and Betty and I are chomping at the bit to be out and finding them.  Betty is my new English Pointer.  This will be our first season together and it will kick off tomorrow in the mountains around Estacada, OR. as we try our skills on the Forest Grouse.  In the meantime, here are a few pics of another hobby of mine.  Good for winter months when the fly tying slows down.

And here's one of Betty on point...

Remote Mountain River

Here are some pictures from a beautiful mountain river that I discovered for the first time this summer.  I was blown away by the pristine water, some of the pools were 10+ feet and were crystal clear to the rocks.  All the fish I managed to find were small and native.  Fun and feisty.  The hike in was an added bonus.  Of all the many hikers I passed, I was the only one fishing.  Hard not to get lost in the beauty when each step streamside seems like a new discovery. 

Crystal clear green water was the name of the game.  Stealth was so important.

Here are some local trailside fauna.

A little bit of Paradise.

Upper Clackamas River

Went fishing on the upper Clackamas River this afternoon and evening.  All I will say is we had a blast.  I haven't caught that many fish in a long time.  Not big fish, but eager eaters, and good fighters.  The weather was perfect with just a light breeze.  That light breeze probably helped the dry fly fishing as it blew numerous insects into the water for us.  My brother caught the lunker of the day at the bottom of a small pool.  He was floating one of his Adams dry when it was annihilated by the underwater behemoth.  It seemed big at the time, but was really just a healthy rainbow.  Overall it was a very nice time out with my son and brother.  Good end to August fishing.  Bring on September!!!

Yellowstone Pro Series Vest

Picked up a new vest today as a local shop was having a sidewalk sale.  Its the Yellowstone Pro Series vest.  Lots of handy pockets, though I'm not sure that I like them all yet.  I'll get it all loaded up and see how it wears.  It does have a vented back which should be nice for the warmer days.  Also looks like it will dry better as its not as clothy (not sure if that's a word) as my older vest.  Padded shoulder straps to relieve pressure after a long day around the water.  Fully adjustable front and side straps.  I'm sure its will be fine, I just hate switching to new equipment when the old is already worn in.

Caddis

I tried a new pattern the other night.  Sat down at the desk with my new English Pointer at my feet for a little tying time.  This is my first attempt at a spun hair type fly.  Not satisfied with it yet, but I bet it will catch something.  Fall is coming fast, faster than I like, and soon it will be yet another season and another fish.  I am hoping to get out a few last times for some smallmouth bass fishing before the water is too cold to float in enjoyably.  This is my favorite time of year though, cool nights, brisk morinings and warm lazy afternoons.  Well, maybe not lazy, but very pleasant. 

Hook:  Dry fly 18
Thread: Uni 6/0 tan
Body: Spun deer hair, razored
Hackle: Furnace
Antenae:  Moose hair