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.