Staying sane as a steelhead guide is about keeping the faith. Every morning while I eat a jalapeno and cheddar cheese bagel and drink a cup of coffee I believe, no matter how yesterday went, that today is going to epic. Every time I have a client step into a run I smell steelhead, and keep the faith. No fish, no matter, I have faith in the next run and the next.
Likewise, you have to keep the faith to be a good steelhead angler. Have faith in your fly, have faith in your swing and have faith that there is a steelhead in front of that juicy looking rock. No fish, no worries just keep fishing and keep the faith.
Here are some photos from last week to get you juices flowing.There are still a couple weeks left in the 2013 Winter Steelhead Season. Get out there have faith and enjoy yourself. All you can do is fish good water well. Like some help know what that entails? Give us a call at Deschutes Angler Fly Shop (541)395-0995, we still have a couple openings left for the 2013 season.
Great Way To See The River And Meet A New Fishing Buddy
Always wanted to float the 36.5 miles from Trout Creek to Harpham Flats but could not find five people to go with you? Well, that is a problem no more. New this year we are offering TWO fixed dates camp trips on the best trout water on the Deschutes during the hatch of hatches, SALMON FLIES! This trip has six angler openings, making it the perfect option for those of you who can not get a fishing buddy to commit to a trip. Sign up and float the river with five other like minded trout junkies. Who knows a lifelong fishing partnership could be formed. Got a buddy who is down to come? Perfect you can both sign up, this is not speed dating.
You and your new friends will spend three days floating the Deschutes' premier trout water with our knowledgeable guides stopping along the way to throw big dry flies to veracious redsides. Your two evenings will be spent resting sore arms and telling fishing stories while enjoying camp cooking at its finest.
Want In?
This part is easy. First, choose your preferred dates, the first trip will be May 29-31 the second will be June 2-4. These dates are absolute prime time for the salmon fly hatch. Next, give us a call at Deschutes Angler Fly Shop, 541-395-0995, but hurry space is limited to six anglers. Finally, get those BIG dries in order.
PRICE: $1275.
Includes 3 days guided fishing, all camping gear except sleeping bag, meals, non alcoholic beverages.
Not included: Boater's Pass, fishing License, alcoholic beverages, fishing gear and gratuities.
23.9 miles, 16 hours and the BEST steelhead water on the Deschutes River. This trip is not for everyone. However, for hard core anglers itching for snow belly chromers in late July and early August, these 24 miles are the place to be in Oregon. You will fish alot of water. These are not trips with four hour afternoon naps. You might rest for an hour around lunch time, but in no time the Spey rod will be back in your hands and the line will be zinging out over the river. Full sun? No problem! There are dozens of spots on the lower river were fish love to smack wet flies under the hot summer sun.
If you have never seen the Wild and Scenic lower canyon of the Deschutes River, you owe it to yourself to do this trip. The geology of the lower canyon is amazing. The past 65 million years rock formations are unveiled during the float like so many layers of a cake. The wildlife is abundant. It is not uncommon to see Big Horn Sheep, Kingfishers, Mule Deer, Mink, and multiple species of Raptors. Throw in 5 class III and several more class II rapids, and the float alone is worth the price of admission.
Hot Weather Hot Fish
There is nowhere that I rather be at this time of year. The weather is hot and the fish are even hotter. The steelhead in the lower river in August and early September are hot, rip-snorting silver bullets. Need to check your windblown hair? Use the side of one of these fish to check out your reflection. These steelhead are fresh from the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean and are looking to kick your ass. To make it even sweeter the fish are often in pods and finding one often means find more.
Logistics
Your day will start about an hour before first light, meeting your guide either at the fly shop or at your hotel. Together we will enjoy the teeth-jarring drive down the access road to Macks Canyon. You will fish hard taking all day and take off the river at Heritage Landing just before dark. On our way back to Maupin, we will stop by Big Jim's for dinner - it's my favorite burger joint in The Dalles. Or, if you headed back to Portland and you want to save some time, you can pay to have your vehicle shuttled to Heritage Landing. From there you are 95 miles from Portland on I-84.
If you are new to Spey casting, come spend a day with us learning the basics of the cast the day before the float. You want to have your A game for this trip. Afternoon wind is common and being able to cast in the wind is going to allow you to maximize your fishing time and chances at fish. If you are interested in booking a day trip Macks to the Mouth give us a call at Deschutes Angler Fly Shop. These trips are limited to late July and August and they fill up quickly.
The weather has been beautiful for the last 5 days which is awesome! I went fishing the last 3 days and had some good luck. The first day I had plenty of shots at Permit and executed every cast for a change but couldn't get one to take. The next day the guide took me south to a lagoon north of Punta Gorda. The lagoon was sweet. I caught a couple baby tarpon right away in the morning in the first couple casts. Nothing to brag about, they were 12 and 14 pounds approximately. We then headed to the flats and I caught a permit on my first cast, within the first 30 seconds pulling up on the flat. I then had 3 other opportunities through the middle of the day at some BIG, and I mean BIG Permit but we just couldn't get them to eat. I finished the day off with one last Permit when we had both thrown in the towel. It was amazing to get two in one day (see below photos).
Today I had the strangest experience - we were on one flat and without moving more then 50 feet, I cast to over twenty separate Permit as they moved onto the flat but was not able to get one to eat! It was still an awesome experience. In the end, I did jump two 50 to 65 lb. Tarpon right out the gate. It was an awesome day. We have two more days of fishing and then we will reluctantly make the journey home. Hope all is well.
Deschutes Angler Guide Evan Unti with his first Permit
Deschutes Angler Guide Evan Unti with his second Permit of the day
The majority of our customers are not from where we call home - Maupin, Oregon - here on the banks of the Beautiful Deschutes River. We would like to present those individuals whom follow the blog, and whom may not get a chance to visit us, some photos of our home.
We invite you, our readers and followers to enjoy the below photos and know that there is a solid foundation filled with enthusiastic Fly Fishermen whom are providing top-quality Fly Fishing Gear, Reels, Rods, Accessories and Apparel.
* iPad / iPhone users will not be able to view these photos as iPad/iPhone Safari Browsers do not support Flash *
DESCHUTES ANGLER GUIDES ALEX GONSIEWSKI & HARLEY FARIA GO COASTAL
Written By Deschutes Angler Guide Alex Gonsiewski
A New Season Is Upon Us
As we usher in a New Year here at Deschutes Angler Fly Shop we look forward to the year's first opportunities for serious Winter Steelhead. Its time for Chrome on The Oregon coast! Even though the Wild Steelhead aren't in full swing for a couple more weeks, that didn't stop fellow Deschutes Angler Guide Harley and I from heading to the Oregon Coast earlier this week for some Coastal Recon. Since I haven't fished the coast since April 2012, I wanted to check and see if the high water of December created new runs or completely altered any of my favorites.
As we made the drive from Portland to the Coast on icy winding roads, we talked winter steelhead, rivers, rods and the NFL Playoffs - all the while dreaming off nickel-bright steelhead, flowing green rivers and the well-known ferocious take of a coastal winter steelhead. We rolled into the community of Netarts late, eyes blurry and bodies ready for sleep. We set up camp at Cape Lookout State Park and talked game plan for the next day. Up early, fish hard and celebrate or lament over beer and great food at The Schooner.
Fishing Off The Beaten Path
Harley and I were lucky enough to float the upper reaches of one of the north coasts rivers which included a couple Class III Rapids. This float has great Steelhead water and doesn't see the pressure that the rest of the river does because of its technical water. On my guide trips I always strive to choose a float that not only gives my anglers the best chance at fish, but also to gets them away from the crowds.
The weather was beautiful, in fact it had been sunny but cool for the better part of a week. Although this is great for Winter beach combing, the rivers were all on the drop and some where just plain low. This is were it pays to know multiple rivers and floats so that you can find good water levels and hopefully fresh grabby fish. Even though the water we fished was in great shape, we struck out. Although Harley and I came away with zero Steelhead, we definitely did not come away empty handed. It was great to be on the water with a friend (dogs included), eat fantastic food and make that yearly re-connection with a place that has so greatly shaped me as a Steelhead Fly Fisherman. I know that the fish are coming in and I will be back out there as soon as possible, searching for the next secret spot and some Coastal Brights.
If swinging flies on rugged rivers for Nickel Bright Steelhead hours from the Sea Salt is your cup of tea, give us a call at Deschutes Angler Fly Shop. The heart of the Wild Fish run is still ahead of us in February and March, and we have a few guide dates still available!
Weather conditions are a popular topic these days with global warming and all. Now that Summer is long behind us, board shorts and flip flops are for the Caribbean now. But, for those of you who ”stay-cation” and pry your home waters for its bounty, definitely understand the virtues of staying warm and dry. The Fly Fishing industry, now, finally realizes the popularity of fishing-specific winter gear as a substitute for the offerings at the local Ski Shop.
The Fly Fishing In Cold Weather Scenario As Presented
Sure your Helly/Hansen works great for keeping out the cold whilst schussing about on the corduroy. However, wading into the Deschutes River in February in anticipation of a hatch of BWO’s can be a bit soggy on the Helly, especially after three hours of drizzle and chest high wading. And if you wore your down filled parka, outside of your waders, it’s now like a “Bounty” (aka … the quicker picker upper) paper towel soaking up the river. You did, however, notice it in time to stuff it in your waders. Whew! But now, you feel a dampness, no… a stream flowing inside your waders. Now a side channel has formed in your waders because the drizzle never stopped and you gave it permission to fill up your waders via Helly run-off. The best part of it all is that your long undies and socks are made of high thread count “Egyptian Cotton”, again ... Bounty. You dash to your truck to avoid Hypothermia but, with the additional water retention, progress slows to a congressional crawl. You almost succumb to the chafing, but push through the pain. Not a day that you wish to repeat. “Top to bottom warm and dry”. This is your new mantra for Winter Fly Fishing. For those of you who are first timers at this, layering, layering, and more layering? Fickle winter conditions can often dictate your ensemble of warm and dry. So having the ability to skinny it down or fatten it up a bit is paramount to your comfort. And when you are in your comfort zone you are more likely to participate rather than wait for “nicer” weather tomorrow. Believe me, it’s always tomorrow. Let’s fish today.
Your Fly Fishing Comfort Outline Your poorly covered head with a well worn PBR trucker hat is cool in town but freezing ass cold on the river. In case you didn’t know this 7-10% of your body heat escapes through your uncovered head. We have a few suggestions on how to keep it in. Our two favorites are from Simms Gore-Tex Extreme Hat and the Patagonia Duckbill Hat. Slap the Simms Gore-Tex Extreme Hat on when it’s gonna rain like hell and you need serious protection. The lighter weight alternative is the Patagonia Duckbill hat. Although not waterproof, it’s very windproof and light weight. Turtle necks were cool in the Eighties along with mullets and gold chains. Not so much anymore, except in remote parts of Canada, eh? Sorry Canadians, but it’s true. It’s not as though your neck doesn't get cold it’s just that “zip neck” is all you get and it’s not enough. Enter … Buff. Not just for sun protection alone. Buffs come in warm Merino Wool. And it can be worn in 150 different ways. Might I suggest around your neck.
Base Layers And Then Some When Out Chasing Winter Steelhead
This is your foundation to build upon. Wool is a time tested classic. There just is no substitute for the warmth to weight or the feel of it on your skin (like Egyptian Cotton). There is a price to pay, however. The alternative, although relatively new, has been around long enough to take the pole position among its competitors…synthetics. Both wool and synthetic garments are hydrophobic. That’s Latin for scared of water. Cotton is hydrophilic (likes water a lot). In order for you to stay dry your gear must move water away from you. Pretty simple. The biggest advantage of synthetic is its “wash and wear” properties. Most can go several outings without getting “the funk”. And I’m not referring to George Clinton. Wool requires a bit more upkeep and is few dollars more, but the comfort factor may outweigh the cost. Simms and Patagonia provide both types of layers. Simms offers “Down Under” Merino Wool tops and bottoms. Very clean, simple and functional. As well as a less expensive synthetic version called Wader Wick. Patagonia’s Midweight Merino Wool tops and bottoms have been a staple for Patagonia for several decades. They offer a huge selection of sizes and styles for both boys and girls! And when it gets really extreme you can supersize it up to Simms’ Guide Fleece top and bottom. No bulk and lots of warmth.
Socks And Gloves For The Winter Fly Fisherman
No doubt the body’s extremities take a beating while fly fishing in freezing temps. Finding the right gloves and socks for this type of outing can be as perplexing as choosing the right fly. While not everyone has issues wearing gloves while fishing, some do. You don’t need a glove with surgical dexterity, but you need to feel the cork in your hands and not feel like you have boxing gloves on. Here are a couple of solutions to this age old problem, Patagonia’s R Series Glove and Simms Windstopper Flex Glove. Both gloves are extremely windproof and designed for a snug fit, but only the Patagonia R glove is truly waterproof due to its closed cell neoprene shell. Either choice is a homerun. Your digits are warm and toasty now...but how 'bout your toes? Obviously you have figured out that cotton kills. Gym socks are for the gym. Like the aforementioned, wool or synthetic are your best socks. The Simms Merino Wool Wading Sock or the Patagonia Expedition Weight Merino Wool Sock come highly recommended from DAFS. However, your choice of sock may depend upon how much room you have in your boots. If you were thinking ahead, and you bought boots one size larger than your street shoe size, then you have plenty of room to go fat and luxurious. If not…then you must be smart about this. The fastest way to cold feet may not be cold water, but a lack of room in your boot for blood circulation. Be careful about this. Too fat of a sock can cause restriction and numbness.
Fly Fishing In A Cloak Or Cape?
There’s no such jacket that does it all in all situations. Agreed? Ideally you should have a light spring/summer foul weather jacket as well as a heavy one for fall/winter extreme weather. If you can only have one jacket, you can smartly layer underneath the Simms Guide Jacket. Up until recently, it was pretty much unheard of to find a technical fishing jacket that was warm AND waterproof BUT did not scream, “I’m a bright red ski parka!” That is, until the introduction of the Simms Bulkley Jacket. This might be the best fly fishing winter weather jacket available today. It’s hooded, insulated with Primaloft for warmth without weight and cloaked in Gore-Tex to keep it all dry. It’s a little longer than a traditional wading jacket making it awesome for sitting in a boat not freezing your ass off.
Goin’ To Town Before Or After The River
It's probably acceptable to stroll into the Maupin Market to pick up a breakfast burrito in your base layers or what appears to be “skivvies”, though it's probably not ideal for a beer and gizzards at the “Rainbow Tavern”. Tights might be a bit suggestive and could attract unwanted attention from the locals. Since there are few changing rooms on the river you are relegated to what you have on under your waders. A practical solution would be to wear garments that are socially acceptable. Assuming you care. Simms and Patagonia have a couple of cool offerings for just such an occasion. It’s not just après fish wear. Simms’ Cold Weather Shirt and Cold Weather Pant are a great solution. Not only do you look like a fly fisher, but you are functioning like one as well. They are at home in your waders or out. We’re seeing this gear popping up all over the place. Raves, barn risings and bum fights. The Patagonia offering looks a bit more technical and is produced from more performance fabrics. It has a more tapered fit than the Simms so it slides in and out of the waders easily. All of these pieces are lightly lined and pure synthetic further adding to their function.
