First cast

Yesterday the rain finally started.  The rain is a love hate relationship for me.  Love it for bringing the fish in, hate it for having to work in it.  Got off later than expected from work and on the way home was tossing the idea of stopping to get a new 4wt line for my new fly rod, or stopping to toss for some steelhead.  I stopped at the river, half hour after sunset.  20 min to fish is enough for me so I rigged up quickly.  I had gone coastal the day before and left my pliers at home, so I improvised a drift fishing rig.  Got down the slippery rocks to the river, put some ainse on the drift for good luck, and cast.  Plan was to start close and work across the run.  Not to be...drift started feeling funny and I picked up the rod tip to clear the rock.  Only it wasn't a rock and it pulled back.  Set the hook and it was fish on.  Landed this, what I think is a summer, in the dark, on slippery rocks, in the rain.  I love it and hate it.

Now the river is rising, and might get close to bank full, so I'll tie some gear up and wait for it to crest.  Then I'll go see if I can find another.

Mallards on turkey day

My oldest son got his first two mallards today on Poppy's pond.  There's been 30 or so birds coming in every morning so he took his gun up and spent the night at Poppy's for a crack at some.  More to come for sure.

Swinging for steel

Got these new babies tied up and ready for winter steelhead in the Willamette Valley.  Its November 1st and the first of those chrome beauties may show up at any time!!!

The first one I tried swam very well.  Excellent movement says...here fishy fishy!
Lets get it on!!!

Costal kings

Friday I had the opportunity to ditch work and family for a quick trip to the north Oregon coast.  Unfortunately the only option fell on a day rather far removed from rain so I was hoping that there were still a few fish left from the last river rise. 

Of course the rain started falling halfway thru my precious fishing day but I was able to hook up and land a few before the rain started.  The ones I landed were not as dark as I thought they would be and all fought well for me.  I started up at the deadline and soon ran into a few people hammering a hole loaded with fish.  I left them to find solitude which turned out to be a mere few holes downstream.  This king murdered the drifted eggs I was using.

And here's a small jack that took and fought like a steelhead...

I ended the afternoon hooking and loosing two more kings.  Just before packing it in for the drive home I tangled with a 14" cuttie who decided to flop and drop before I could click a pic.  Beautiful little cuttie.
I ended the day trying to look at the Wilson River, which was hard too see thru the heavy downpour.  A few small cutties attacked my offerings but nothing of size was found.  I'm real anxious to get back over here after the success of today.

November will mark the one yr anniversary of the start of my steelhead fishing journey.  One thing I have learned is the importance of visiting the home river as much as possible in order to get a feel for the changing conditions throughout the year.  This is my first fall on the chosen river and with the water so low, I am able to find boulders, runs, and slots that I want to hit this winter as the river rises.  Also it feels good to walk its banks again, and see fall as it begins to set in.

Chasing Fall

Fall brings about a season of sure changes.  Colors explode from the forests, as fish explode from the sea.  Or at least in theory.  I have not found good schools of coho moving thru on my trips out yet, but they are there. 

At least my fly line matches the season. 

It was also worth while to walk the river after not being on it for the last 3 months.  Its still low so I can really cement the spots in my mind that I want to fish for winter steelhead when they start moving in.  Can't wait to see them again.

Sandy river kings

Not too long ago a friend and I had the pleasure of drifting the Sandy River in pursuit of coho and big fall kings with river guide Ed Fast, of Ed Fast River Adventures.  I highly recommend Ed if you are seeking a true professional guide.  What follows is an exerpt from our trip...

Remember, both my friend and I are mainly fly guys, so the casting of spin rods, and baitcast reels took us some getting used to.  I'll tell you the first 8 hrs of the trip seemed like a comedy of errors on our part.  The first run we get to had rods casting lures every which way.  At one point I somehow managed to wrap the line all around my rod tip.  As Ed began assisting me I looked at him and said, 'watch fish on'.  Wouldn't you know it as luck would have it sure enough, a nice fresh coho grabed the bait and as Ed and I struggle with the gear, which won't let drag out as its wrapped, off comes the fish!

Unfortunately most of the trip was like that, bobber downs, fish on, fish off.  However, the last hole it all came together and we got to very solid hooksets. 

Here's my result...

And Chad's...

Chad fighting one that got away...

Overall I loved the Sandy, never fished or floated it before even though its less than an hour from me.  Of course, it lives up to its name, it is very, very sandy.  I can only imagine the wear that can occur to gear if this river is fished regularly. 

Dog Dayz

I suppose we, here in the PNW, have entered what could be the lazy dog dayz of summer.  I don't get to enjoy the lazy part of that as my work schedule usually intensifies with the onset of hot weather.  Nevertheless, I still chase the fishes, in the cooler hours of the day of course.  There is nothing like wet wading, the refreshing flow of cool water after a slugging hike to the runs or holes.  I partook yesterday of said wet wading and was only rewarded with the 'tug'.  Managed two chinook, one was an old nasty which I broke off as he wasn't worth chasing, while the other was just a pull in deep water.  The hook came out as it barreled upriver into the head of the pool.  I like those, as this late in the run I can imagine the fish any way I want. 

I'll hold my breath till the next week or so of hotter weather is past, then perhaps a few rain showers will push some fall silvers up where I can swing a fly for them.

My new camera man

As I mentioned before, I have a new buddy with me on some of my trips.  Riley, my oldest son, has taken up photography as part of our homeschooling.  Soon, you will see some of his posts on here also, but as a primer here are some photos of another hobby, hotrodding.  None of these are our cars, but we did enjoy the cruise-in.

Upper Clackamas

This last week I had the chance to go out on the upper Clackamas River to try out some new flies I have tied up.  The only one that I was really happy with was my interpretation of a Barr's Vis-A-Dun that I tied up.  If I had a fly that I would change out to make fishing a challenge it would have to be this one on the Clack.  It didn't matter where or when I put it on the water, a fish would hit it.  Many times in the past I have worked hard for the diminutive trout in this river and this fly just outperformed itself for sure.

This is a section of the area I chose that is harder to get to due to the brushy bank, on my side at least.  I have found here, that there are larger and more fish in areas that get less pressure.  That results in some interesting and long hikes.  However, I usually find really neat water.

The trip last night resulted in more fish, but they were smaller than what I was looking for.  I also had a new camera man in training, my son Riley, has taken up a new hobby.  I'm excited since photographing fish solo has proven much more difficult than I would like to admit.

I was able to find one 12-13" the day before, but as I said, the capture on fly was easier than on film so it will remain a pleasant memory that I search for another day.

Quill Gordon

I decided to do a tribute to Catskill style dries.  What I would like to do is to get contributed flies (Quill Gordon is the pattern) from anyone and everyone who cares to participate.  Then I'll frame them up, with the tiers name and make a very attractive tribute to this cool fly.  Send me your email for directions.  merriott68@msn.com.
David

Hunting Kings

Ventured out this last Saturday in search of small creek Kings.  After hooking one last weekend and nearly loosing life and limb its about all I can think of to fish for right now.  This last fish I hooked took off upriver and performed two aireal combat moves before heading like a rocket downstream.  At that point I was able to fight him for a bit before a disappointing long distance release due to a poor hookset I imagine.  Wow, that was too much fun.  However, today I did not spot one fish, and only saw one come to hand on the strech of water I was fishing.  The weather was outstanding, and the water was clear. 

After that long day of hiking I took the kids to the park and put the float tube in the Tualatin River that runs by it.  Remember, keep your mouth closed and throw the fish back.  I feel it may be a bit of a dirty river!!!  Here is the little bugger I was able to find. 

Couldn't pass a day like today up!

Today I woke up to the best day so far this year.  Sunny, no wind, no clouds, and warm.  Everyone disappeared and my wife said...go fishing!!!!!  Started on a section of a nearby river that I haven't tried before.  For me the water couldn't have been better.  Just a bit of color and the magic level. The first pool I came to rewarded me with 3 beaver doing beaver things.  Was not able to get any good pictures of them but was able to watch them in the water.  That was a real treat.  Then I noticed two steelhead rise, out of the water with very nice splashes.  Not sure what they were doing but it made me curious enough to sit and watch them.  Not fishing, just observing, and I was able to learn a lot from that exercise.  I was able to enjoy them in their habitat, not being bothered, much like watching Elk, or bear, or deer.  Such a treat given the crowds that usually enhabit the banks and surface of the water.

And here is what note my day ended on.  If the season ended now, I would leave completely happy, for I have found where my steelhead passion is leading.  Sight fishing for natives is much more satisfying to me, than just put and take fisheries.  Yes, they have their place, but to put the fish back in the river after a battle of wills and emotions somewhat completes the experience for me. 

One of THOSE days

Today started the first day of my week long spring vacation.  My son and I chose to spend the day on the Columbia River chasing spring chinooks.  Maybe that was not a good idea, as it rained, steadily, alllll day long.  At least our boat host had a covered cabin, with supplemental heat.  We only saw two nooks boated out of about 15-20 boats so we weren't the only ones who came home empty handed.  Well, if the river levels don't drop for a few weeks, at least we were out experiencing it and not home bored. 

Finally made it to my first trout fishing outing this past weekend.  Drove the not so long drive over the mountains to the famed Metolius River.  Saturday cooperated very nicely and the sun actually came out to say 'hi'.  It seems like its been so long since I've seen it that it was 3x's as bright, even on a cloudy day. 

Upstream view of the river, from below Pine Rest campground.

Bends of the river just before the canyon run.

And....the results.  If nymphs fail, try a dry!  Caught this fatty with a October Caddis imitation.  I'm officially ready for the trout season.

Water

I think one of the reasons that I love to fish is that I love water.  You can never stand in the same water twice, at least I don't think so.  It reflects the surroundings so well, it can be calm and violent.  It cleanses and refreshes.  To feel it swirl about the legs as I stand fishing in a stream makes it hard to believe it can move beaches.

Enjoy the power of it.

Go find your favorite spot to stand in the water and just enjoy this fascinating creation of God's. 

Planning my spring trip

Well, now its a hurry up and wait for the snow to melt.  I have spring black bear to hunt next month, so most likely I'll have lots of country pictures and not much bear.  However, here are some photos of a small creek that is maybe my most favorite place for spring fishing and hiking.  It shall remain nameless to protect the innocent.

Yes, that fish is in water, its really clear water.

Here is said fish, sight fishing for spooky trout.  Small but fiesty!

And, lastly their food of choice.  Little yellow sally if I am correct.  Makes spring seem like its not quite arriving quick enough.

First Winter Steelhead

I finally took the plunge and started pursuing the Grey Ghost of Winter.  I do believe it is fast becoming one of my favorite fish to target during these long dreary winter months.  Of course, lately they have been pursued with means other than my normal fly gear, but I'll take what's most successful for the time being.  This little beauty was hunted out of the Clackamas River, near Oregon City, Oregon.  Basically out my backdoor.  I found her hiding at the tailout of a beautiful run.  The take was subtle, but the battle was memorable. 

Perhaps my smile gives away a bit of how excited I was with the catch.  And yes, this hatchery brat tasted GOOD!

Last year's pictures

I was clicking through some photos from last year and was reminded of the side of this state of Oregon that I really love.  The side on the east of the mountains, or eastern Oregon as we on the west say.  Its really listed as Central Oregon in all the literature so that's what I'll go with. 

Here is one of the White River canyon.

This is becoming one of may favorite areas to hunt.  It's ultra rugged in spots, yet simply beautiful.  Wild game abounds any my son and I really look forward to each visit here.

Can't take me away from my beloved Mt Hood though.  The few mountains we have in this state compared to some of our neighbors still hold their own wonderfully.  Remember, get out and explore the land around, whether it is for hiking, hunting, or fishing.

What sun?

I was just flipping thru old photos, from last year so not that old, and came across this.  Can't wait till these crazy storms pass and that yellow ball hangs bright in the horizen again.  Calm seas, warm breeze, and hungry fish.  Getting all geared up to start hitting the winter chrome again.  Maybe they will be kind enough to take a hook for me and get first page news on this post.  We'll see!!!

A new season

So I officially kicked of a new season, that of the winter steelhead.  Started out slow this year for me.  Spent the day on a local 'creek' and was finally able to hook up with a very nice sized steel.  He took me for a quick ride, before mercilessly breaking my leader with a loud 'POP'!  That kindof pull reinforces why I search so diligently for these king of river fish.  I have a few guided days set aside this month so hopefully the mighty steelhead won't be so elusive for me.  Here's to a stellar year in the quest for fish.