FINALLY, SALMON FLIES ARE COMING (OR ALREADY HERE!!!)
We’ve endured one of the wackier springs anyone can remember around here. After the long, wet winter, this weather pattern has made for some frustrating conditions over the last few weeks. We’d all gotten used to the hatch schedule of the last four years. Not this year! At this point, we predict having dry flies around through the end of the month, and possibly beyond. So if you’re looking for some Salmonfly fun, check your schedule and give us a call for a guided trip either on the Day Stretch or better yet down the three-day Camp Stretch, where we’ve already had some amazing trips.
For the DIY angler, there are plenty of opportunities. Never hesitate to swing by the shop for tips and flies. The banks will be literally crawling with the big bug within days and working along the drop-offs and behind Juniper and Alder trees can be really productive. We look forward to seeing you at the shop and hearing all about your adventures!
LOCAL WATERS OPEN MAY 22ND
Monday, May 22nd marks the opening date for a couple of our favorite fisheries. Both the Upper Deschutes above Benham Falls and the Metolius above Allingham Bridge will open to fishing for the first time in months. As for the Upper D, the stretch between Crane Prairie and Little Lava should be accessible and fishing well. This is brook trout country with some rainbows thrown in. This year there could be a lot of very boggy terrain up there, so as you trek around be mindful. If Snow Creek goes over its banks, the stretch around Cow Meadow can be very tricky getting around. The fishing should be fun with a mixture of stripping big buggers and dredging nymphs. There can be some early season stoneflies and caddis as well.
On the beautiful Metolius, the great stretch above Allingham Bridge will open for rainbow and bull trout come Monday. This area is as pretty as any river anywhere. The resident fish haven’t seen a fly in many months. We suggest attractor nymphs and egg patterns fished deep and slow in the drop-off zones. We’ll post reports on these waters in next week’s newsletter