Friday, June 6, 2014

Big Bugs

Hello all! Sorry that it's been so long since my last blog post. Life with kids in Oregon has been busy! I've been able to go on a number of local fishing adventures lately, including a long weekend out to the John Day River, and a couple of day trips to the Deschutes River. I had barely heard of the John Day River before moving to Oregon, and I have now finally realized how special it is. It's the third longest free-flowing river (no dams) in the lower 48...flowing 284 miles from its headwaters, to the Columbia River. Depending on the time of year, and where you are on the river, an angler can target Steelhead, Chinook Salmon, Smallmouth Bass and Trout. What other rivers can you say that about? Much of the river also flows through incredible fossil country (read: John Day Fossil Beds). We spent a few days near the Painted Hills district camping and searching for Smallies. Closer to Portland, the Deschutes River is on fire right now...Salmonflies and Goldenstones are working well for native, Rainbow Trout. It's a gorgeous river, cutting through high-desert canyon and sagebrush country. It reminds me of the Wind River Canyon back in Wyoming. Rachael and I are headed to the annual Oregon Wildlife Foundation benefit auction this Saturday in Portland. Grand Teton Fly Fishing will proudly be donating a two-day fishing trip package at their live auction...should be fun! Also...make sure to check out this video trailer of the critically acclaimed Damnation, a documentary about the history and controversy surrounding dam removal...important stuff here people! So what's new in Wyoming? Runoff! The Snake River at Moose is hanging at over 8,000 cfs, and should be spiking higher soon. As usual for June, your best bet for local fishing will be the Henry's Fork, South Fork and Yellowstone. Stoneflies and Caddisflies on the Henry's Fork should produce, while good reports of Stonefly Nymphs on the South Fork have been coming my way. People are always asking me what I miss most about Wyoming...it's a hard question to answer. One thing I do miss is the chance to be in Yellowstone this time of year. There is abundant wildlife and fantastic fishing on the Firehole River...try not to miss it!

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