Oregon Fly Fishing Report – Small Stream Outfitters & Guides

Earlier this week the Small Stream Outfitters guide staff set out to do a little exploring on the upper Sandy River Basin. An ODFW rule change this year allows for the angling of Summer Steelhead in Sandy River tributaries above the confluence with the Salmon River (July 1-August 31). We knew the steelhead run in the area was small and that chances were slim, but with solid populations of native rainbows, some cutthroat and a few brookies in the area, we could always trout fish.

So three intrepid anglers set out to fish an evening and a morning on some amazingly beautiful water. Soft trails underneath the old-growth forest canopy kept the constant summer drizzle off our backs while we fished along the rivers edge. We worked the deep pools and runs for steelhead and dry fly fished the pockets, pools, riffles and runs for trout. While narrow, the river is quite deep and provides ample opportunity for big fish to hide.

Fishing was spot on to what we imagined. We stuck one fish in the 18-20″ that was either a very large trout or more than likely a small steelhead and had a couple other grabs from big fish on steelhead gear, but no hookups. Trout action was great, especially in the evening. Hatches of Yellow Sallies and size 14-16 brown caddis brought small rainbows and cutthroats to the surface. The average fish is small, perhaps 6″, but you wouldn’t expect much more from a high gradient mountain stream. We hooked a few larger fish in the 10-13″ range and saw a few bigger than that.

It was a great trip and it’s always fun to explore new water. If you are interested in more details on a guided walk-in Summer adventure, give us a call at 503.515.3533

Sean works dries in a beautiful run with one of his signature cane rods.

Hooked up to a nice trout in the head of a riffle

This short poem was written by a long time angling friend and captures the essence of Fall of the Oregon Coast. Enjoy.

in Fall
a poem by R. Christopher Anderson

After a summer waiting for rain
it came and left us in the night
and with all but the coldest fog burned away
By October sun’s faded light
Our thoughts balance on summer’s rays,
and approaching winter nights
a rising tide and fall freshet brings them through
fish running toward their journey’s end
A season of dust is washed from cedar boughs
That shade autumn’s fading frost
Blowing leaves stir memories not yet lost
A single curve of river or changing sky can bring them back
Of all the gravel paths that my soul knows
Amongst wood stove smoke and golden tamarack,
rusty machines, and the Coast Ranges ghostly posts,
Drift Creek road still haunts me most

• Scouting some Sandy River tribs for steelhead and trout Sunday/Monday. Looking forward to seeing new water. #

Greetings Anglers,

Lately there have been a few requests from single anglers to split the cost of a boat with others single anglers. We welcome the idea, so I thought we would post it more formally and compose a list of singles in order to match them up with angling partners for the day. It’s a great way to meet other friendly fly fishermen and save nearly half off the cost of a guided trip! If you’re interested simply send us an email with the species and/or river you would like to target, along with the dates you are available. The more flexible you are on dates, the better the chance we can match you up with another angler.

Cost per angler is $225.00 and includes all the regular services: Lunch, Beverages, Flies, Instruction, and Rod/Reels if necessary. This offer is good through the rest of the Summer and the 2009 Fall angling season. Offer applies to trout, steelhead and salmon trips on both the Oregon Coast and the Willamette Valley.

Tight lines and we hope to see you on the water!
Small Stream Outfitters Guide Staff

• The rubber raft hatch was in full force yesterday. Man, it was hot! Chinook bite was off, steelhead bite was fair. #
• Just set my alarm for 2:45 am thurs. Egads, first light is early in summer. Lack of sleep will be forgotten with a springer in the boat. #
• Thursday might be the last day for the hard boat on the Clack. Water now at 11.5. Hello, rock garden. #