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Local guys win!
Steelhead Runs
Waking Flies
Fly Fishing Etiquette
Steelhead School
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Summer Steelhead/Salmon Run Predictions and Up-dates, by River!

The Fly Fishing Shop has one of the most divers and extensive collections 
of steelhead flies to be found anywhere!

Surface fishing for steelhead is exciting and can be very productive during certain water conditions. These conditions happen on most rivers during the summer months when water temperatures and flows are moderate. Rivers, which contain a high percentage of wild steelhead from June through October, are the best bet. Wild steelheads seem more prone to rise to the surface than do hatchery fish.

In steelhead vernacular "Dry Flies" are fished up-stream and dead drifted, much like fishing for trout. Some steelheads have been taken by this method. However, flies, which are fished down-stream (under tension from the line and current), have proven more productive under most conditions. All of the flies reached by the links above can be fished "dry".  However, bushy flies such as the Royal Wulff, Greased Liners, Bombers and Wally Wakers fish best.

A "Damp Fly" rides in the surface film. It is often cast slightly upstream and then led across the current under light tension, down-stream from the angler. This method is called "Greased Line Fishing". Flies that are best suited for this approach incorporate semi-buoyant materials in their dressing. Muddlers, Bombers, Greased Liners and Caddis lend themselves well to this presentation.

A "Waking Fly" is usually presented down stream so that it will make a V-shaped disturbance in the surface film. Waking flies are often attached to the leader with a "Riffling Hitch" or are "Riffle Hitched". A riffling hitch is a series of knots, which changes the attitude of the fly/leader connection so that the fly pulls at an angle to the current. In this way the fly will always seek the path of least resistance which is the surface. The most commonly used riffling hitch is made when the fly is tied on in the conventional manner and then two half hitches are added behind the eye of the hook. These half hitches can also be placed behind the head of the fly or even behind the wing to change the angle. In this manner even very slender flies can be riffled…if you have fast smooth water and can cast a very straight line. Flies, which are constructed from buoyant materials and shaped to resist the flow of the water, are easiest to use where the surface is textured. These flies tend to ride high. Often the entire fly is visible above the surface. All of the flies listed in this section are commonly riffle hitched. The shape of the fly will determine which is best suited for a particular water type. You should carry a complete selection of waking flies.
Pay close attention to the new "Top Stop Skaters" as they can be fished with or without a riffle hitch and will wake on many different current speeds.  They are flies that fish a wide variety of conditions very well.

Steelhead Fly Fishing Etiquette
This is written at the request of several readers of the "Insider".  With another summer steelhead season getting under way on the Deschutes River it seems an appropriate subject.  The waters where large fish can be caught are our most cherished places.  These places naturally attract numerous anglers.  It is a physical law, the more moving bodies in an area the more friction they create.  Some anglers seem to forget that fishing is supposed to be a recreation and that the other guy is entitled to have a good time too.  

16-Hour On the Water Steelhead Fly fishing School
Take a drift boat ride down the Deschutes River with: 
Mark Bachmann and Brian Silvey 
This is a school that will cover a lot of water and fishing knowledge in one day.
Summer Steelhead will bite any time of day on the Deschutes River, 
however odds go way up during the low light hours of morning and evening.  
That is why we are starting very early and are staying late.  
We want to give you maximum advantage 
by having as many fish hooked during this class as possible.  
Nothing teaches you more about fishing than being where 
fish are being hooked and landed.
Emphasis will be on floating line fishing, 
but will also cover sinking tip fishing during mid-day periods. 
Both single-hand and two-hand rods will be demonstrated.
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 five years of experimenting on your own. 
Bring your own waders & rain gear.  Rods, reels, flies & tackle are supplied.
A barbequed lunch will be served on the river.  
There will be a long rest period after lunch.  
Cots will be supplied and we urge that you consider napping along the river for a couple of hours to re-charge your batteries for the evening fishing and the long ride home. 
Price includes Deschutes Boaters Pass.
Meet at The Fly Fishing Shop at 4:30am arrive back at 11:30pm.
Because of the demand we are going to do a second summer steelhead class!
Date: August 16, 2002 - 6 students only!
First come, first served.

Be sure to check our our ALL NEW Fishing Reports Section !!!