Deschutes Report

Deschutes Report

As predicted the flow in the lower 100-miles of the Deschutes River is slightly lower than normal because of a a very small accumulated snow pack last winter. Unexpectedly however, the weather this summer has been much cooler and wetter than normal, so water temperatures in the Deschutes are cool.  The result is that trout can feed for longer periods which results in some very fast growing, fat, energetic Redsides.  Caddis has been the main fare with Yellow Sallys and PMDs for desert.  The cool water should also draw upper Columbia River stray steelhead into the Deschutes.  Cool weather should lessen the influence of White River and steelhead bite better in cooler, clearer water.

Some Days Are More Fun Than Others !!!

Breakfast was relaxing as Ron, Leroy and I planned our day on the Clackamas River.  The launch of Ron's 20' wooden "wonder boat" was uneventful. Our on-the-water video shoot was an enjoyable adventure. But, when we got to the Barton boat ramp there was a 4' cotton wood tree blocking our exit from the river.  Soon we discovered it wasn't a wind fall, but had been felled by a chain saw.  The Parks Department is renovating the boat ramp.  Only problem was, they

didn't tell anybody.  Even our shuttle driver didn't know.  Thanks to several friendly, helpful guys who were relaxing in the park, we were able to lift the 450-pound boat over the log.  The ramp will be closed until September.  Now ain't that sweet?

We will camp on prime water and we will have walking and boat access to miles 
of steelhead runs that will present a divers array of angling problems to be solved.
Classes will be held mid-day.  You will fish with a guide each morning and evening.
Brunch and dinner will be served at times to give you the best fishing periods.
This will give you the best advantage for hooking as many steelhead 
as possible during your stay with us.
Nothing teaches you more about fishing than being where 
fish are being hooked and landed.

You will learn all aspects of spey rod fishing with both floating and sinking-tip lines. 
Learn how to locate steelhead water and how to approach it. 
Watch an expert guide as he fishes and discloses the secrets
 and proven methods that put fish on the beach.  
Get a lot of hands on help so that you too can be productive.
Save yourself years of experimenting on your own.
 
You will be pampered!
You will stay in a very comfortable tent camp on the water.
A Camp Person will be available at all times to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
All cooking and eating will be done in a spacious screen-house.
Comfortable sleeping cots and pads are supplied in double occupancy tents. 
All food & non-alcoholic beverages are included.

Bring your own sleeping bag, clothing, toiletries,
waders, rain gear, rods, reels, flies & tackle.

Price does not include Deschutes Boaters Pass or Oregon Fishing License.
Meet at The Fly Fishing Shop at 5:30am arrive back at 6:30pm.
Dates: August 29, 30, 31 and September 1, 2005 
6 students only !
First come, first served. 
     

What PHD Classes Are About.  (What happened last year).
"Games don't always get better when they get easier.  
Hard games make us stronger ....especially when we're laughing about it!"

Fly fishing for steelhead is not a casual sport any time of year, even when runs are at peak. 
Here is a school that will give you the advantage.

Nets are elementary tools for landing fish.  In the sport of fly fishing nets are a secondary method for landing fish.  The rod/reel/line are the primary tools.  In this sport many fish are landed without nets.  However, in the sport of trout fishing, nets are often helpful, practical tools for landing fish that are hooked with tiny flies and played on light leaders.  Often the anglers is in a position that the fish may not be beached or grabbed.  The preferred method is to lead the fish over the net and then the net is lifted and the fish sinks into the bag which is supported by a bow.  The more the

fish struggles the deeper it sinks into the net. Nets are essential for landing fish when the angler is in a boat or float tube.  The intended use will influence your choice in size and shape of your net.  Size-range of fish will dictate the size of the net.  Nets used from floating devices usually have longer handles than nets that are used while wading. Nets with rubber bags even though heavier are gaining popularity over nets with mesh bags.  They injure fish less and are easier to clean.  The nets listed here are most useful for landing fish that are under six pounds.

Cortland Precision XC fly rods are a celebration of Cortland’s ninety years of providing anglers around the world with fine fishing tackle. Precision XC rods are light, crisp and handsomely finished in a deep brown mahogany color with matching wood tipped grips. The Precision XC Series are constructed of high modulas graphite with coordinating lightweight hardware in a new cutaway design. Available in here in "Travel Easy" 8-piece models.  These rods come with a rod sack and embroidered Cordura case (17.5" long).  15" sections

By any stretch of the imagination, these rods are beautifully appointed with great attention to detail. They deliver exceptional line speed and throw very nice loops.  The action is toward the fast side, but easy to control.  This is all the more surprising in this 8-peice configuration.