metalheads

Tug, The Rod Dropped

2012-02-13T17:27:00.000-08:00

Tug, the rod dropped, splash, I fumble to pick up the rod, the reel is spinning, now I'm in control, the rod is bent, the dogs stare on, Nelly's on point.

The reel keeps spinning, the Saracione stops, my chance to reel, it takes off again, I yell yahoo, no one is around to hear, the reel stops, crank fast, takes off again, the tail smack's the surface of the water, giving in, reel, the rod bent, the fish is at my feet.

Are we in a Recession?

2012-02-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

The last week has been a busy one at the Portland Sportsmen Show. Literary a wave of hunters and fishermen entered the expo center every morning and it did not stop. Six dollar beers in hand, bags of goodies, guns and fishing rods exiting the building, so I ask; is there a recession or are people just saying the hell with it and spending dollars on what makes us happy?

Lots of deals at River City Fly Shop.

Dean Finnerty Guide Service for trips on the North Umpqua.

ClackaCraft Boats

Sportsmen Alliance exposing the masses to the implications of Pebble Mine.

Portland Sportsmen Show

2012-02-06T19:21:00.000-08:00

TRCP will be attending the Portland Sportsmen Show, February 8th-12th and we want to see you there!

Joel Webster, the Western Lands Director and I will be tending the booth (booth number 1320), Marty and Tegan will be there too on occasion.

If you don't know about TRCP this is a great opportunity to get to know the organization. We'd love to meet you and talk about our backcountry goals for Oregon, If you sign up at the show as a TRCP Western advocate, you'll have a chance to win a steelhead fly-fishing trip for two, with Little Creek Outfitters.

See you there!

Show dates:

Portland Feb. 8- 12 at the Portland Expo Center

Central Oregon March 8- 11 at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center

Learn more and purchase tickets.http://www.thesportshows.com/pnwss/

A Few Good Reads

2012-02-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

Check out a few great stories, one by Russ Schnitzer on hunting public land and the debt over motorized vs non motorized and Jeff Bright's story on the new way to pursue salmon and trout, in

Contemporary Sportsmen.
Be sure to check out Mia swinging a fly on page 236!

And this story by Kate Taylor in fishmag, on protecting Bristol Bay.

Catch Magazine #21

2012-02-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

Check out the new issue of Catch Magazine.

Catch Magazine Issue #21 Cover
Photo by David Lambroughton

Road to Nowhere

2012-01-28T09:50:00.000-08:00

You know the saying road to nowhere? My road to nowhere is somewhere, out in the middle of nowhere and that's a good place to be. Do you have a road to nowhere?

Road to nowhere.

Searching for Chukar.

Best Companions

A Few Good Reads

2012-01-25T21:51:00.000-08:00

Here's a little teaser of a few good stories in Blood Knot Magazine by Kate Taylor, Hannah Belford, April Vokey, and Mia Sheppard. See the full version here.

Weekend Casting Session with the Carron Team

2012-01-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

Gerard Downey, Carron Team

I know it might sound silly to some of you dye-hard fishermen, practice casting in the rain. When you have the opportunity to practice with some of the best, and your ticket is booked, don't let the weather get in the way. That's what we did this weekend. Sometime's you just gotta do it.

Marcy Stone, ponders her next cast.

Tying Flies at the Golden Gate Casting Club. Great people and good times!

A real beer at Costello's Four Deuces.

Thanks James, Gerard, and Ruairi for all the casting tips, sore arms, and fine food!

Next Free Spey Clinic

2012-01-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

February 25th 2012

1-3pm at Oxbow Park Boat Ramp

Your hosts:

Brian Silvey, Mia, and Marty Sheppard

Two of the attendees from the last class (January 14) shared success stories with us. I asked if they would write a recommendation and this is what they sent:

"I recently took a free casting clinic at Oxbow park on the Sandy river with Marty and Mia Sheppard and Brian Silvey (Sandy River guides). I enjoyed the casual nature of it and how we hit the water and started casting right away. There seemed to be all levels of casters. Young and old, male and female with a range of abilites so don't feel like you won't fit in. They stop by and give you advice on any aspect of your casting that you need help with. For me pretty much everything. I got some good one on one casting coaching and even some fishing and presentation advice that helped me to get into my second steelhead on a swung fly."

Thanks, Guys

Charlie

"Hi guys, I want to thank you for your help at the spey casting and fishing seminar you held at Oxbow Park. The amazing thing is that your advice paid off in less than an hour after I left the seminar. I stopped at a run on the Sandy and in less than ten casts hooked and landed a chrome 32 inch hatchery buck steelhead. This after several trips to the Sandy this season produced no hook-ups at all. I took your advice about not trying to cast all the way across the river. I was able to lay out nice straight controlled casts and with the nice tight line easily felt the take. That is such a good feeling! Thanks again!"

-Phil Senatra

Ode to Big John #67 3pps 38lbs

2012-01-19T11:57:00.000-08:00

A good friend sent us this. Thought we would share. Enjoy!

The Life and Times of a Columbia River Salmon

Johnny hatched out back in '81 far up a tributary, shaded from the sun up in the rugged Bitteroot Mountains where the clear, cold water cascaded in fountains. He could not know the dangers ahead, or to where the flowing waters led. He dodged large fishes and sharp bird's bills as he struggled his way down from the hills. His gills were tortured by chemicals and silt when he reached the first dam where no water was spill't.

For three days he searched, and no exit was found, so on the fourth day, he decided to sound. He was blasted through, to the terrace below, little did he know he had 8 more dams to go. With half his scales gone, and a rip in one fin, he fought bravely onward determined to win! After passing three dams, which was awful scary, 30 days later he arrived at McNary. Up a long screen then down a lnog slide, then a nitrogen brand was burned in his side, and not being lucky, he once more was chose to have a fin clipped, and a coded wire placed in his nose.

He was dumped on a barge, with 1000's of his kind, and caught a disease which nearly left him blind. Below Bonneville... he was pumped from the hull, and narrowly missed by a diving sea-gull.

One hundred fifty more miles he flowed with the tide, I suppose you could say, he had quite a ride. After many months he'd reached the Pacific, and it was there that his appetite became quite prolific. He gorged on small fish, it felt good to be free, as he ate his way up to the Bering Sea. He had a great time, but he must not forget there are seals, sea-lions, sharks, or a Japanese net. One day while feeding near the Canadian shore he ate many small fish, but wanted one more. He struck the herring and felt the cold steel after a furious fight, the line broke at the reel.

Four years had passed and he'd increased much in girth, and he felt an urge to return to his place of birth. Heading South, he passed countless bays, and many a beach towards that famous old river he might never reach. How he found it, who knows? His keen sense of smell? He has many secrets, he may never tell. Since he last passed this place it had been many moons passed the lower Willamette and the call of the loons. A long way to go, he'd have quite a fight, with a festering wound, from an old seal bite. Using powerful thrusts he surged up the stream, How many more perils, he could never dream.

On the fifth day, in a setting sun, he once more reached Bonneville, he'd made quite a run. He passed the window, where people would watch, cheer, and clap, but before leaving the dam he was caught in a trap. He didn't the anesthetic, but what really got his goat, was when a radio-transmitter was rammed down his throat. Tossed back in the river, with the rest of his pals, he was drugged and tired, as he swam for the Dalles. As he passed the Dalles, and streaked for John Day he found a cool trib and decided to stay. He wouldn't have stayed with is chances and bets of getting through that maze of Indian nets. He got all tangled up in the nylon mesh, and barely escaped with torn up flesh. He beeped past McNary and through the last dam, then found a trick had been played, by old Uncle Sam. While he was gone a new dam was made, far below where his mothers egg's were laid. “For Flood Control” the Corp had said, but in a few short weeks, old John would be dead. He had instinctively dreamed of returning, and then making advances to a pretty old hen. But in the great barrier, no latter was built, so with a ragged body, and wasted milt he died on the shore. As people came to look at the last of a breed of spring chinook. What could have happened? They said, who could have failed? Then men responsible ought to be Jailed!

-Ole Mossback

Fly Fishing Film Tour

2012-01-18T19:36:00.001-08:00

Dates set for Oregon/Washington

February 1st, Bend

February 5th, Portland

February 6th, Seattle

February 8th, Spokane

Buy your tickets early!

The free clinic

2012-01-16T23:29:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it we had a free clinic on Saturday (as advertised here, here, and here)

We want to thank everyone who made it, even with the hard rain. It was awesome! We are looking forward to setting up another one for February. Stay tuned for dates. On a side note: there were the same amount of men and women at the class. Epic.

1989

2012-01-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

Antarctica, A Trip of a Lifetime!

2012-01-11T16:38:00.000-08:00

Photos by Tom Franklin

A recent trip to Antarctica was a trip of a lifetime for Tom Franklin ,Senior Director of Science and Policy at TRCP . They sailed through a breathtaking stretch of the Antarctic Peninsula covered with countless glaciers and icebergs. They encountered thousands of penguins (Gentoo, Adelie, and Chinstrap) and many other birds including Kelp gull, Antarctic Shag, Southern Great Petrel, Skua, Antarctic Tern, Cape Petrel, Wilson's Storm Petrel. Humpback whales, seals (Weddell, Leopard, Crabeater) also were in abundance. All species were in some way connected to krill, the Antarctic staff of life! Abundant and well distributed krill is critical to maintaining the Antarctic ecosystem. Unfortunately, climate change may be contributing to a serious decline in krill populations due to their dependence on declining ice cover.

Tom

Winter steelhead kick off.

2012-01-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

Starting to spend more time on our local winter steelhead river, the Sandy, guiding. My bookings are looking solid through March. I have some limited space left. The time is now if you would like to get out a day or two with me this winter during prime time.

Get tuned up for FREE!
{Click her to find out how}

Tips to help you have the best opportunity at success on a guided trip with us:

Watch the water levels for the best fishing. I have the best success when I am able to be flexible with my calendar as it relates to the changing conditions.

When the river has been stable and running below 2000 c.f.s. for more than a week the fish are stale and not too aggressive to the fly. They tend to hunker down in the deepest pools and these conditions are by far the hardest to find success in.

When the rains come, and the freezing level goes up above 4000 feet in elevation, the river swells with warmer and turbid waters. This not only brings fresh Steelhead it also moves those stale fish into the runs and perfect fly swinging water. This is the time to get ready, give me a call, and book a date with the best forecasting we have to hit the prime conditions. When the water starts to drop into shape we have an outstanding history of good results with catching Winter Steelhead on the swung fly!

It is always a good idea to book a date based on the prime run timing. February through May fits this schedule. We will always stay in communication in the weeks before our trip takes place. If conditions look to be unfavorable we will revise and come up with a plan to reschedule at a better date with no penalty to you.

My goal is to give you the best opportunity to learn, have success, and enjoy a prime date on this magnificent river!

littlecreekjd@earthlink.net

503-819-4035 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 503-819-4035 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Toast

2012-01-02T09:39:00.000-08:00

Support a local artist:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2101651398/toast-functional-bling-for-your-iphone?

Our favorite posts from 2011

2011-12-30T23:42:00.000-08:00

The year is all but done and it's on to 2012 on Sunday. Mia and I went bird hunting and steelhead fishing today.

With all our local rivers blown out we headed east. It was rainy and windy.

Mia shot at a few chukars.

I was able to land one last steelhead for the year:

It was a great time to reflect on the last 365 days. It was a fun! We would like to thank everyone that joined us on our trips, and checks in on blog. We look forward to another great year in 2012, fishing with you again, and having the pleasure to meet new friends.

When we say it, we mean it:

Happy New Year!

And now we would like to present to you our favorite posts from 2011:

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Because March is such a great month to catch Winter Steelhead and this one was epic!

http://oregonsteelhead.blogspot.com/2011/03/march-madness.html

Monday, May 30, 2011

Because this trip was unreal! Join us in 2012. You will thank us!

http://oregonsteelhead.blogspot.com/2011/05/baja-video.html

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Because we love Tegan!

http://oregonsteelhead.blogspot.com/2011/07/time-on-river-with-kids.html

Monday, August 8, 2011

Because the first steelhead on the Deschutes every year means fall is coming soon.

http://oregonsteelhead.blogspot.com/2011/08/small-classic-steelhead-flies.html

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Because we are still eating well.

http://oregonsteelhead.blogspot.com/2011/10/buck-hunt-opening-day.html

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Because the John Day River rocks!

http://oregonsteelhead.blogspot.com/2011/11/november-pleasures.html

Three Essentials for the New Year

2011-12-29T17:53:00.000-08:00

Three essentials to start off the new year for a winter Steelhead angler.

Free Winter Steelhead Class January 14th at Oxbow Park 1-3pm with

Marty and Mia Sheppard, Brian Silvey

G4 Simms boots for warmth and durability.

Airblaster Ninja suit for warmth and comfort.

Dock Casting

2011-12-28T09:21:00.000-08:00

Start with a tight line on the water.

Let it roll

Tegan and cousin Sonja

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

Tegan asked Santa for a banana for christmas! Not sure I would have set expectations so low...

We wish you a happy holiday and cheer to you and your family!

Living the lucky life

2011-12-22T15:53:00.000-08:00

I told you these guys had talent:

Living the lucky life from duneis on Vimeo.

Watch it in HD if you have the speed.

Darcy Bacha

2011-12-20T21:19:00.000-08:00

Local good guy and friend Darcy Bacha is doing quite well with his Snowboard/Ski Photography. You can find his work in all kinds of snow sports publications.

Hitting the big time in this field, he recently grabbed the current cover of Powder Magazine!

This issue is a bigger deal than normal, since it is the photo annual and the first fold out cover that Powder has ever done with the Photo Annual. This is really the ultimate complement in his profession!

Its only a matter of time before his talent starts to find its way into the fly fishing arena. Not quite 24 years old, his "other" passion is fly fishing. We had a chance to spend a day on the Deschutes with Darcy and his buddy Dane Tudor this fall, these guys have skills beyond just being behind a lens and ski's. They can flat out cast and fish too! Rumor has it they are editing some very solid video of their Alaskan adventure from this fall. Hope to share it with you here soon.

Enjoy some Darcy Bacha images below:

Mia on the Deschutes

Darcy self portrait

Crooked River

November Steelhead

Alaskan Bow

Alaska Char

Klickitat Crossing

Watch for this guys epic images to show up in the fly fishing world soon.

He's just getting started!

Tis' the flask

2011-12-19T23:59:00.000-08:00

We had a great time at Steelie Mike's Christmas Bash!

Mike and Joe.Photo by Chou

Nick, Chou chugging, and Ben

Another Chou pic.

Keith is at least dignified with a nice glass of wine.

This is one huge flask! Sponsor plug: Rajeff. Check out their new website!

Whoaaa. Things are getting kind of blurry!

Kerry getting in on the action too!

Backcountry

2011-12-16T08:39:00.000-08:00

Looking over the Malheur River.
Mitch let's go this way!
Backcountry
Chukar in the bag.

Twitter

2011-12-12T14:47:00.000-08:00

Joining twitter!

Follow so you can keep up to date with fishing reports, open seats, events, and our free clinics!

Click Here.

Any one else......

2011-12-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

....getting excited for winter steelhead?

I am!

They are pure power!

Just hooking one is worth the journey.

Feeling the surging energy of the soul.

Bring it on!

Party!

2011-12-09T22:36:00.000-08:00

http://www.flyfishusa.com/christmas/fly-fishing-christmas-party.htm

December 10, Saturday, 9:00am-4:00pm
Metal Head Christmas Party &
Annual Winter Steelhead ClinicA new winter steelhead season is here for celebration!
Free Food, Prizes, Programs, & Demonstrations!
Factory reps and fly fishing experts will share their knowledge.

Come meet the Company Reps:
George Cook: Sage, Rio, Tibor, Solitude
Garry Sandstrom: Hardy, Scientific Anglers, Royal Wulff
Randy Stetzer: Echo, Airflo
Dick Sagara: TFO, Teeny
Jon Covich: R. L. Winston, Outcast

Come meet the Guides & Instructors:
Mark Bachmann
Josh Linn
Travis Johnson
Hawkeye Hawkins
Brian Silvey
Marty Sheppard
Mia Sheppard
Ted Neely

Slide Shows - Demonstrations
Mark Bachmann - Winter Steelhead Fly Fishing 101 - 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Travis Johnson - Defining Modern Spey Lines - 11:00-11:30 a.m.
Josh Linn - Winter Steelhead Secrets To Success - 11:30-Noon

Barbeque lunch will be served: Noon-1:30.

Marcy Stone Picking the Perfect Spey Rod - 1:30-2:00 p.m.
Jon Covich - Warm Water Winter Break - 2:00-2:30 p.m.

Fly Tying Demonstrations (all day):
Featuring: the region's most experienced steelhead guides tying
their favorite winter steelhead flies.
Hawkeye Hawkins - The Hawkeye Special - 9:00-9:15
Josh Linn - Stinger Flies - 9:15-9:30
Charles St. Pierre - Hoh Bo Spey - 9:30-9:45
Bruce Berry - Pro Tube Killer - 2:30-2:45
Brian Silvey - Tube Snake - 2:45-3:00
Marty Sheppard - Metal Detector - 3:00-3:15
Ted Neely - Tiger Leech - 3:15-3:30

Party At: The Fly Fishing Shop - Welches, OR
This will be the best party in Welches, Oregon: December 10, 2011 !!!

Join and Receive a Buck Knife

2011-12-08T12:18:00.000-08:00

Started my new job with Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership a few weeks ago. I'm engrossed in BLM Land Use Planning, FLPMA laws and heading to the Vale District located in Southeast Oregon to explore new territory. I'm really excited to work with a group dedicated to conserving the tradition of hunting and fishing and safeguarding public land for fish and wildlife.

Join me and become a member.

Summer Steelhead in December?

2011-12-05T09:31:00.000-08:00

Most people stop fishing in the east side of Oregon for summer steelhead once winter starts. It is often thought that these fish get dark and do not fight as hard. The fish below was landed two days ago!

Thatcher with one of 4 hooked this day!

Flies For Fin

2011-12-02T17:41:00.000-08:00

Support restoration projects on the Thompson River, donate or purchase products on a site launched by April Vokey called Flies for Fin .
photos courtesy of Flies for Fin

Conversations with Water

2011-11-30T08:52:00.000-08:00

Conversations with Water is a blog written by a Hannah Sohl. She is a recipient of a 2011 Watson Fellowship and will be spending 12 months traveling around the world studying migratory fish and the communities that depend on them. Her travels are taking her to British Columbia, Brazil, Boliva, Bangladesh, India, Mongolia and Laos, and who knows where else in-between. Follow her amazing journey to these countries, you'll wish you where there.

Photos by Hannah Sohl

Bird Dogs and Gun Fire

2011-11-28T18:20:00.000-08:00

Sprinting through the wide open space I feel free.

I hear a voice in the distance call, "come around"
my nose is on the ground, I smell something grand, can't turn around;
I'm so close to a bird.

My tail starts to wiggle, my human sees my excitement, she comes near.
My body becomes stiff, front leg is bent, I'm on point. The birds are so close, the pungent smell fills my nostrils, I want to explode.
Hold tight, have to wait for the fire and the cue that tells me to go.
I see her from my peripheral, now she's in front.
Birds explode, the CZ fires, bird is down,
I'm in for the retrieve. Never tasted anything so grand,
bird in my mouth, so proud, satisfied,
I bring it back, she praises me and says, "lets go find another one!" Photos by Paul Clark Black and Red Photography

When I have the opportunity to hunt with Mellisa, we have a blast! Mellisa Hertz is a guide at Highland Hills Ranch, she breeds Small Munsterlanders and trains bird hunting dogs.

November Pleasures

2011-11-26T06:54:00.000-08:00

Little hen big buck

2011-11-22T21:23:00.000-08:00

Any captions for this?

One for the ages

2011-11-21T07:47:00.000-08:00

Most of the fish we land every fall average 4-7 pounds and are considered "a" run Columbia basin Steelhead. Each season we land some in the larger class. This one of Bob Alstons is about as large as we see here. This one has a great story behind it with more photos. I would share them here but this fish was landed with Brian Silvey as the guide on one of our guided camp trips! Every fall I head to guide with Brian for a month and later he comes over to guide with me for a month. Check out the rest of the story over at Brians blog:

http://silveysflyfishing.blogspot.com/2011/11/when-you-think-all-hope-is-lost.html

Kiss the Fish and Let it Go

2011-11-15T20:08:00.000-08:00

I asked Marty's mom to write a "short" story about her experience at a Casting for Recovery Retreat, well the story was to good to edit down, enjoy the read!

With our construction business reeling in the economic downturn, health insurance was one of those financial causalities that fell by the way side. Looming over me was the knowledge that I needed medical care for diabetes and lupus. I’ve never concerned myself about cancer because in my mind, I already had my share of illnesses. When the Wallace Concern and Project Access Now, picked me up as one of their clients, I was assigned to a wonderful caring doctor who not only got the existing disorders managed, but began some of those routine tests that had been put off. Of course one was the dreaded mammogram.

When the technician and a doctor returned to the little room where I sat uncomfortably in a paper thin gown, they began to utter words in the Charlie Brown teacher-speak. “Wawawawawa” As soon as I heard the words “we won’t call it cancer until we’ve done the biopsy” I was truly alone even though they were still in the room. Had they not given me a note as to where and when to go the next day for the biopsy, I don’t think I could have snapped out of that robotic daze..

The biopsy day was a blur, but the next few days seemed like time stood still. The waiting for “the phone call” was un-distractable. I think for those three days, I measured time with each beat of my heart. I prayed, pondered and prepared myself. It came, and once again the reality of being alone hit.
Then the appointments, the surgeon and ultimately surgery with the end result being, “We got it all.” Good. With a five year plan for treatment, the numb shock of what I was battling was not going to define me. However, the reality of loss (our business, our finances, my health) caused adjustments, but as long as I’m going to have these things in my life, it might as well be fun. It was up to me to define that!

One of those fun spots – without any adjustment at all was to thoroughly enjoy my family. My hero husband, Glenn, our son, Marty, his wife, Mia, our granddaughter, Tegan, our daughter, Melissa, her husband, Lance, and grandkids, Dillon and Megan, were essential in my new focus of fun!

Simultaneously with the diagnosis of breast cancer, Mia was participating in her annual casting “thingie” in San Francisco. She had planned a fundraiser for an organization called “Casting for Recovery” where folks would donate dollars based upon the distance of her cast. “Nice,” I thought in myself in a pity party style. I’m not able to participate in the donation realm, can’t go to San Francisco to watch, and Tegan was going with her so I wasn’t even going to grandma sit. As far as their lifestyle of spey rod fly fishing and their business, Little Creek Outfitters, I enjoy their stories, pictures, and occasionally ate fish or two, but as for really understanding their experience on the river or the precious people she networks with I was clueless.

Mia suggested I toss my name into the Casting for Recovery lottery, I qualified, so why not? Other than holding a rod for loading into a rig, I’d never thought of fly fishing. It might just be fun! That fits my criteria for my personal cancer recovery, so, on a whim, I applied.
The time just flew and I continued with adventures in fun by increasing my ministry as Chaplain at Cascadia Village Retirement and Assisted Living Center in Sandy. An e-mail came that informed me I wasn’t selected, however, I was selected for a wait list in case someone selected was unable to attend. That was ok. I kind of wrote off the experience until one day, Lisa from Casting for Recovery called to say I was going fishing!

Out of my box, into what my kids do, off I went to an unknown location, with unknown people, doing activities unknown to me, I was facing another experience of walking the unknown alone. Once I walked into the lodge, all of that unknown and aloneness vanished into welcoming, encouraging and adventuresome relationships. Overwhelmed with smiles and warmth the reception of kindness was embracing.

The focus was on fishing – not on cancer.

The goal was the ultimate high of “fish-on”. However, the goal wasn’t the focus – fishing was! Nobody said it was catching! It was the distraction of all the encumbrances of fishing: The rod, the reel, the line, the knots, the flies, the fashion (waders, boots and vests), the accessories like special juice to make your fly float, the pinchers that clip on a vest pocket, the box of flies, the retractable snipers, all attached to this body that fully dressed could only waddle!

It was learning and laughing with hands on practice. The fishing technique of the roll cast had me hooked. Over and over again without a fly, we practiced in the pond anticipating the graduation to a fly and the real deal. Sunday morning was the culmination of all our anticipation. The fashion and its accessories were now just normal, it was the read of the pond, the movement of the fish, the right fly, the touch of the line, the feel of a tug – and the silence that accompanies alone.

And there it was, full circle! I was alone, yes. Just like I was alone with the diagnosis of breast cancer in spite of skilled professionals tending to me, I was alone fly fishing with skilled professionals tending to me. I was out of the element of my world and truly enjoying the element of my family. I was freely casting my cares into the pond of unfamiliar and gently pulling in the desired result – fun. Over and over again, I was doing the dance of the cast of line laying it down upon the top of the water in the beauty of presentation. Gentle and determined with swift, short pulls of the line with each I imagined the investigation of a curious fish, hoping for a nibble. This is very fun!

Then there it was, the tug. Fish on! There was coaching all around, shouts of “give it line”, and “hold up the rod” and “reel”. Yes the coaches were there, but it really was just the fish and me. I wanted to see this elusive underwater being. Holding the rod, feeling the movement, I was in sync with the ebb and flow of the movement. It was me and the fish – it was me and cancer. I was going to land this – I’m going to beat this! Reality once again flashed back and my coach was scooping into the net the reality of the result and there it was – face to face with my conquest! I did it! I caught a fish! I’m a fly fisherwoman! I can do this! I can beat cancer! I’m victorious – equipped for whatever comes my way. Thank you! You have made this journey fun! Face to facing the imagined. Kiss the fish and let it go, knowing I’ve faced cancer – looked it in the eye and with an appreciative respect for the lessons learned, kiss it good bye and let it go. Brings new meaning to Catch and Release!

Photos by Judith O'Keefe

Read Judith's experience at the Filson Blog

Support CFR!

Thank you to all the volunteers, your dedication makes a difference!

What Pointers Do on Their Day Off

2011-11-12T05:44:00.000-08:00

Practising her kisses

photo by Judith O'Keefe

Nelly finds a comfortable seat.

Resting for the next big day.

A few random clips...

2011-11-11T05:30:00.000-08:00

Angler Gets Daily Limit

2011-11-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

Kallimmaaari, gear-slacker, The III, extraordinary, hooks up!

Bunny leaches are working well!

Day Trips

2011-10-30T05:40:00.000-07:00

We would like to welcome back our day trip guide Corey Koff!

Email today for Corey's availability!

littlecreekjd@earthlink . net

Surface Skating

2011-10-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Still loving the POM Skater!

Space Invader

2011-10-24T20:53:00.000-07:00

Not just for trout:

We have been doing well with Steelhead lately but found this one fun because it crushed a trout streamer! Sometimes you have to break tradition.

http://www.idylwilde.com/html/hotness_inline.php?fly_id=4317

Are Wild Chinook becoming Extinct on the Sandy River

2011-10-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

Hatchery Chinook on Still Creek

The last two weeks of September I spent my time on a few Sandy River tributaries such as Still Creek, Zig Zag, and the Salmon River conducting spawning surveys for Chinook. What I saw was a sad state of afare for wild Chinook.

As I walk down the river, eyeing a fish carcass to process in the distance, my hope it is that it is not another hatchery fish, as my distance closes in on the carcass, it is another hatchery, my heart would drop. I estimate about a 70 to 80% hatchery stray rate during these surveys. One of the many questions I would ask myself during this time is; if ODFW intends to allow the strays in the upper basin, why take brood stock? (ODFW take 10% of the wild fish for brood stock).

In April the Native Fish Society and Pacific Rivers Council filed a 60-Day Notice Pursuant with the intent to file suit against ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife) and NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) for the violations of the Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act in funding and operation of the Sandy River Hatchery in Sandy Oregon..

Historically, runs of native fish to the Sandy River Basin ranged as high as 15,000 Coho, 20,000 winter steelhead, 10,000 fall Chinook and 8,000 to 10,000 spring chinook. However, despite the fact that two 100 year-old dams have been removed, opening up 30 miles of the watershed, and nearly $100 million is being invested in habitat improvements by many parties, and the other protections afforded the areaChinook, Coho and steelhead populations continue to decline. Many streams in the Sandy River Basin (including the Sandy River, Salmon River, Zigzag River, and Still Creek) have been designated as critical habitat for Lower Columbia River Chinook and Steelhead. http://nativefishsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/Sandy-River-60-Day-Notice.pdf

The survey conducted on the Zig Zag River from the weir downstream to the the confluence of the Sandy River, approximately 81 redds where counted and above the weir 48 redds counted (ODFW put weirs in the upper basin to capture hatchery fish. The weir on the Zig Zag was placed about 2 miles up river from the confluence of the Sandy River the other weir was placed on the Salmon River about one mile above the confluence of the Sandy River.) Why are the weirs placed so high up in the system, I can only guess, easier access to brood stock?

Number of Chinook carcasses processed on the Zig Zag River wild vs hatchery.

Reach 1 wild 0 hatchery 5

Reach 2 wild 8 hatchery 2

Reach 3 wild 12 hatchery 25

Total wild 20 hatchery 32

Having the opportunity to observe Chinook spawning, it became obvious to me that hatchery fish are competing with the wild fish for spawning ground. Spawning gravel is limited and in some places there were multiple redds on top of one another.

Another question I would ask is; what is the success rate of hatchery fish spawning in the wild? If hatchery fish are going to continue spawning in the upper basin and hatchery fish are successful, then why continue running the hatchery?

Since Marmont Dam has come out the stray rate has been about 80-90 percent. It’s hard to imagine the wild Chinook population rebounding from what I have witnessed. Is Sandy River Chinook population on its way to becoming extinct or is there a chance?

From what I can tell, production levels and management practices at the Sandy Hatchery continue to adversely impact the natural populations in a manner that constitutes an unlawful taking under the ESA. What do we do about this?

Recently I spoke with Mark Sherwood at the Native Fish Society and he said the 60 day notice was successful. The agencies have agreed to review the Sandy River hatchery to see if it complies with the ESA under a process called "Hatchery Genetic Management Plans." (HGMP) Plus they made some very moderate changes to the hatchery operations itself, for example ending the wild broodstock harvest.

NFS will be watching the outcome of the HGMP process very closely and will determine whether to pursue future legal action if the process results in the continued decline of wild salmon and steelhead at the hands of the hatchery. NFS will be calling on our supporters and volunteers to help provide feedback to the agencies on the HGMPs when they are open for public comment.

Bristol Bay Road Show

2011-10-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight in Portland

Follow Kate Taylor's blog to learn more about Bristol Bay and the threat of Pebble Mine.

We're just getting started over here

2011-10-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

Ben Wins!

2011-10-17T00:27:00.000-07:00

Our favorite PGA player does it again!

Ben and his dad Doug, brother Tim, cousin Paul, and uncle Dick, are all really great guys and darn good fly fishers!

Ben and his family fish with us:

http://oregonsteelhead.blogspot.com/2011/07/black-and-white.html

http://oregonsteelhead.blogspot.com/2011/02/golf-or-fly-fish.html

Morrish's Pom Skater

2011-10-15T22:44:00.000-07:00

Has been rocking lately.....

http://www.idylwilde.com

Even landed a fine one on my birthday with this fly!

New Echo 3!

2011-10-10T12:39:00.001-07:00

The Rack

2011-10-10T08:52:00.001-07:00

Desert Mulie 2 from barton mills on Vimeo.

Buck Hunt Opening Day

2011-10-08T21:31:00.000-07:00

DIY Public Land

We have had a really busy fall. In September Mia was working full time doing habitat restoration and spawning surveys in the upper Sandy River Basin full time. I was doing my annual Deschutes camp trips with Brian Silvey pretty much back, to back, to back for the whole month. We had planned our mule deer hunting trip for over a year now and we needed to find time to sight in our guns. We finally had a free day to get together with Bart, who would be our hunting partner on this year’s trip, and head to the range. Mia had her gun sited in first by putting three shots in a row right through heart of the target at 100 yards. Bart had his rifle dialed in soon after and mine took some time but at least I started finding the target!

We all had hunted the same unit last year and we decided to find a much more remote location to get away from people and try to find some nice river bucks. We love rivers and water and it is hard for us to imagine not being situated along a running river while glassing the hills in search of a twitching ear bedded down behind a sagebrush. We planned our trip, which would be a long float, and scouted enough Mule deer bucks to sit down and study maps that would tell us which areas where public land or private. We planned on our almost 4 year old daughter Tegan joining us too! We even planned one hunt sitting at the dining table just after siting in the guns that day in September that would be the defining moments of our trip.

Sept 30^th we launched. We floated for 3 or 4 hours and came around a corner when Mia said, “there’s one!” It was a nice spike with two long curved single antlers. Being, we are not trophy hunters and really interested in the hunt itself and the table fare it could provide, if we were to get so lucky, we decided to watch this buck. We pulled off the river and watched as two other does played hide and seek along with the buck. They became quite comfortable with us at about 500 yards away and resumed feeding and bedding down. We decided to stay put for the night and see if they would be around, come first light, opening day. As dark settled in they came right down to the river, across from camp and lapped water. We could only hear it happen in the pitch black of night. We went to bed with great anticipation!

Bart scouting the spike the day before the opener

In the morning we could not find the buck. After glassing the hillside for over an hour, we decided he couldn’t have gone far and a better vantage point from higher terrain would be best. Just as we looked up, the buck was in plain site, right behind us, we couldn’t hunt him. Our issue was, in the hunt we drew tags for, the boundary line was the river itself and we could only hunt a deer from the west side of the river. We packed camp and headed downstream.

We took our routine of notching our heads to the left side of the river and completely ignoring the east side of the river. Our heads would be stuck in this position for six days.

A few miles down river we came around a corner and three does were feeding 50 yards from the river. We stopped the boats to keep a watch and see if they had a boyfriend. They seemed fine with us being there until our boat hit a rock and made a hollow deep sound. Then a bunch of other does jumped up out of a line of thick willows. With them was a nice forked horn buck, and they headed straight up the hill well out of dangers way.

The last deer to get up and run was a big 4x4 buck, our jaws dropped. He probable would have stayed bedded down if we had continued to float on, without a sound. We watched this magnificent buck run up the hill, with his chest pumped out and proudly displaying his perfect symmetrical rack. When he arrived at the top of the hill we watched as he put his nose in the air and took a huge sniff of air. Then, he disappeared over the ridge. The other side of the ridge went back down to the river 2 miles below where our location was and precisely where we planned to pitch camp that night.

I looked at Mia and Bart and told them “they went exactly where we wanted them to go!” This is the hunt we had planned out a month earlier while sitting at the dinning table. After taking out our maps and checking for private land vs. public lands we had our plan set. Bart would hike the ridge a ways upstream and Mia, Tegan, and I would float down to camp. We had 4 hours of light left.

Tegan gets out of the rain.

An hour later we got a call from Bart, he had located the group of does but had not seen anything with antlers. We started to unload the boat for our night’s camp. Within 5 minutes Bart radioed in “I have the forked horn in my sites. “ We knew the bigger buck was bedded somewhere near his herum . With three hours of light left, I headed up a steep shale rock shoot, like a waterfall between 100-foot basalt cliffs. I had followed a Bighorn Sheep Ram that was down at the river leading the way. I hoped he wouldn’t spook the deer. Deer use all of their senses and with the herd having all of those eyes, huge ears, and keen noses that made us deliberant on every move I made.

As I pushed uphill Bart radioed in “ I see the big boy now!” I knew at the top it would level out into a small bench. If I were far enough downstream below them, Bart and I would have the herd pinched because they could not go uphill or downhill due to the steep terrain. There only escape would upstream or downstream.

When I reached the platform above the river, Bart could see me. He radioed in where I should go to and to let me know if they got wind of me. Bart was holed up in a very good vantage point of the whole area and a great place to get a solid and safe shot if they retreated from me. This gave me comfort, as I was sure they would catch my scent with the wind blowing at my back as he guided me in. What seemed like five minutes later, Bart called saying that I should be able to see them. I saw a group of does and Bart let me know the bucks were together 200 yards above them.

I came over a little hump in the landscape and I was in plain view of the big buck. I dropped to the ground in an instance. I was hidden and gave him a peek. He was looking right at me from around 175 yards. To my surprise he scanned in my direction and calmly went back to feeding while slowing coming in my direction. I put the rifle to my shoulder and looked through the scope. The deer was frozen and in my cross hairs, but my beating heart was making the view through my scope shaky. I needed to calm down and find a place to stabilize the gun. I took a drink of water, found a rock that I could get to, and checked my watch, two hours of light left.

It took 10 minutes, but felt like 45 minutes to move five feet to the rock that would make a perfect place to rest the rifle. I radioed Bart to tell him I had a clean shot and I was going to take it. With better stabilization, the view through the scope was perfect. I only needed to wait for the doe behind the buck to clear out. When it did, I realized it was the forked buck shadowing his bigger comrade. A few seconds later everything was finally set. I pulled the trigger.

My first Mule Deer Buck up on the bench

By dark we were in camp eating a wonderful meal Mia had made, had a nice buck hanging in a tree, and reliving stories of this opening day and my first deer.

Tegan and i after getting him to the river.

We had four more days and saw many deer and three more bucks. Mia was able to get a shot on a nice 2 point, with a frantic split second decision as Bart once again set the stage, with a quick plan that pushed the buck right to Mia. We had a moral decision too as we floated up to another buck on the “wrong” side of the river. Mia decided she would hunt it, without a rifle and take Tegan to see if she could get into a good position and learn a bit more about the behavior of these nervous critters. She was able to get within 50 yards, when it ran off and stopped to look back at an easy 75 yards.

Bart has a nickname, “the Jeweler” from his profession. After this trip I have my own nickname for him because of his fine teaching and doing of the dirty work once the buck was down. I now call him, “the Butcher” because he is that good!

It was great to spend time in the wilderness with friends and family.

Did I mention I have an Elk tag too for next month?

The road home

Fall Fever

2011-10-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite time of year. Crisp air fills my lungs, water temperatures are still warm enough to swing hair-wing flies, and upland game bird season starts tomorrow. The dogs and I were to anxious to wait for the opener and I wanted to see Nelly work, so I set out on a hike along the river to swing a fly and let the dogs run (without a gun). Nelly held a point on a rooster and Cedar found a hen and I found a Steelhead. What a good day!

Just got in...

2011-10-05T16:15:00.000-07:00

From 5 days of Deer Hunting.

Story to follow....

Forget the Ipod and Go Fishing

2011-09-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

Photo by Bruce Kruk

Who needs iPods, Smartphones, and mp3 players when you have Bad Company, AC/DC, Queen, and Merle Hagger blaring from the radio so loud, you can’t hear yourself sing or your comrades. These devices come in handy on a daily base but sometimes it’s funnier, just to forget’em once in a while, and go Steelheading .

Clearwater Steelhead

photo by Bruce Kruk

Marcy Stone making a sweet cast

It was a quick road trip to the Clearwater with Travis and Marcy for the Redshed Clave, some fishing, and a whole lot a fun! It’s been a longtime since I’ve on road trip without Tegan, dogs, and Marty. I missed the family but must say, we had a blast!

Heading to another run with Bruce Kruk, Marcy, and Travis

Up at sunrise every morning, feeling grungy from lack of sleep, no shower, and a cold but a cup of Paul's coffee got me going every morning. It's good to be surrounded by other diehard fisherman that smell as stinky as I was and live for nothing else but to stand in a river, cast a double handed rod, and swing flies for Steelhead.

Tracy Allen

Alexander Grant

photo by: Mike Kinney

Thank you Poppy and Linda for your warm hospitality!

Mia is on the Clearwater

2011-09-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

Wish I was there too.

Reminds me of one of my favorite flies and favorite books.

Read some Trey Combs here:

{Click it}

published in 1990 this book is an epic!

This is how I learned about the fly called a Green Ant. One of the best!

flyfishusa

Mia is at the Red Shed event but has been doing plenty of fishing. Her road trip partners are Marcy and Travis. Word has it they have all landed some nice Steelhead. Maybe they will bring home some stories and photos to share!

Behind the scenes of The Drake cover

2011-09-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

In Photos:

Photo by http://www.shaunastephenson.com/

Mia takes this photo of Shuana and the three guides tailing the steelhead.

Shauna with one of her own.
Photo: Mia

Scout is having quite a publicity month as this shot Mia took made a full page shot in the new 2012 Idylwilde catalog.

Cole hanging with super star dog Scout.Not onlt did Scout make the cover of The Drake and an Idylwilde catalog full page shot, but also starred in a feature of the current Catch magazine this month!
Photo:Mia

Shauna gets the coffee on.
Photo: Mia

Cole and Shauna hike in the promised land.
Photo: Mia

Echo DH 5122 in review.

2011-09-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

The Echo DH 7130 has been my winter steelhead go to rod for 4 straight winters.

Loving the fuller flex of the DH series my summer steelhead rod has been the DH 6126 but more and more I have been pulling out the DH 5122 as my choice rod.

I have been experimenting with different lines for this 5 weight an have found going lighter and lighter with the Airflo Scandi Compacts has produced a tremendous amount of line speed with the little steelhead patterns I like to swing in the low light and low wind scenarios of the Deschutes. It seemed once I went below 330 grains the rod lost load and the casting would be limited by not enough weight behind the casts to achieve a decent amount of authority over my loops. What I needed was line speed with a 300 grain line to achieve more load but with too much speed my anchors would "pull". Overhang solved this issue with dreamy results!

Overhang is the amount of running line left outside the rod tip when setting up and performing your cast. I am able to leave about 5 to 6 feet outside the rod tip with the lighter lines with awesome results. Zippy, tight, fast loops that cover steelhead runs with precision!

This little rod has the ability to land hot big fish when utilized properly. You can not be scared to bend this rod to the CORK! fight the fish with a low rod with heavy side pressure and this makes the fly line an extension of the pressure the rod brings to the battle.

Find some other good reads:

From the Caddis

2 Handed Trout

2 Handed Part 2

Or some Echo 5122 real estate in:

North Carolina

Las Vegas

New Job

2011-09-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I received a job offer with a non profit Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP). I learned of the opening as a Oregon Field Representative in July, did some research on TRCP and thought, this is a group of passionate hunters and anglers I would enjoy working with. Being an avid fisherman and hunter, I believe we need to protect the special places we love to hunt and fish for future generations and TRCP is doing that.

I'm thrilled to start working for TRCP in November, after the John Day Steelhead season. I will continue to guide Steelhead trips when time permits, and yes, Marty will keep guiding too!

TRCP's mission: To guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish, we strengthen laws, policies and practices affecting fish and wildlife conservation by leading partnerships that influence decision makers.

Small Town Flare

2011-09-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

Marcy Stones version of the Ho-Bo Spey

I grew up in rural communities, tried living in the big cities and it only got me in trouble. I love the small town flare, the comrodary of knowing your neighbors business, the friendly wave’s you receive when driving your car past another and knowing, when you walk into the local market you usually know a person or two.

The other day I walked out to my car and found a fly on the door handle. Only in a small town would something of this nature happen. Marcy Stone, who is an amazing fisherwoman, and fly tyer left me this surprise. She was inspired by Charles St Pierre’s fly the Ho-Bo.

Here is Charles story on how the Ho-Bo was created.

I found a fly years ago on the banks of the Thompson River in BC that provided some of the inspiration for the Ho Bo; I wanted to create a fly that would fish year round for both salmon and steelhead with a balance of size, colors, profile, movement, cast ability, and a natural appeal. I've found this design with the materials used, meets the criteria of exactly what I wanted in a fly.

I named the fly the "Ho Bo" because two of my favorite rivers are the Bogachial and Hoh on the Olympic Peninsula, thus the fly became the "Ho Bo". I was very excited when after showing some samples of the fly to George Cook, who is the regional rep for Sage, Rio, Reddington, and Solitude Flies asked me if I was interested in allowing Solitude to produce them commercially.

Deeply flattered, I told him "Sure!"

I have had great success with it, as have other anglers too.

From Facebook

2011-09-16T23:40:00.000-07:00

Best photos:

(sunset edition)

From Gary Randall
http://gary-randall.com/

From Beau Purvis

http://beaupurvis.photoshelter.com/

From Mike Kinney
http://www.letsspeycast.com/

Best links:

From Kirk W.

If you've not yet seen the craftsmanship of Marc Crapo you're missing out. He's doing some crazy stuff with leather.

From Patagonia

click Link

Best quotes:

"Take off work at 3 with 11 other employees to go float, fish, bbq and drink beer! Great end to the week! That's how working for a fishing company should be!"

-Nick E.

"Allright...allright,,,enough of this sickeningly beautiful weather!!!! Time for fingerless gloves,,, rain jackets,, fleece,,orange colored trees...and some big F-in fish!!!!"

-Dwayne M.

Can't wait for the first rain. Getting the itch...

-Dimitri R.

Time to have fun & stay strong.. Why would anyone wait til its too late to go on vacation. Sometimes we just need to take a leap & get away from the stress of life & hit the road. I've waited 3 1/2 years to just get away. Wish the rest of the family was on the trip. Reality check time! Life is too short to let it pass you by.. New rule every month get away.. I don't work anymore. Time to enjoy retirement & travel...

-Angie H.

24 hour Fish-A-Thon for Bristol Bay

2011-09-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

Nanci Morris, co-owner of the lodge Alaska Sportsman's Bear Trail Lodge and Rogue Angel, Kate Tayor who guides at the Bear Trail Lodge, set out on a mission September 9th to fish for 24 hours and raise awareness for the sport of fishing and the special places we go to that are in need of conservation.

Through the program Recycled fish teams set out to raise money through a fish -a -thon. You can still donate to Kate and Nanci's cause, to help bring awareness to the Bristol Bay Pebble Mine. Read more about their 24 hour experience on Kate's Blog.

Way to go Ladies!

Olympic Peninsula Colors

2011-09-12T22:08:00.000-07:00

Lower Qweets River

Champagne Bucket

Evening Fog over the Bogachiel River

Sunflowers

Nelly and Cedar

Wedding Bells on the OP

2011-09-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

Just returned from a weekend on the Olympic Peninsula for my friend Kimmy and Chris's wedding. What a Blast! Kim and Chris love to fish, and are both fish biologist in the OP, and hoping to see a better future for wild fish.

Congratulations!

Hood on fire

2011-09-09T00:36:00.001-07:00

Mount Hood - Dollar Lake Complex Fire - Time-lapse from Michael Durham on Vimeo.

Riding High // Drake Fly Fishing Magazine

2011-09-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

This video gets me pumped!

NFS River Stewards

2011-09-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

Pat Dunham River Steward for the Lower John Day

Every year a group of dedicated wild fish advocates and River Stewards for Native Fish Society gather to talk about river projects, wild fish, and of course spend time fishing and eating good food. It was great to soak up the sun, play in the water with Tegan, hear about accomplishments and projects other river stewards had going and just relax.

Rob Sims Lower Deschutes River Steward Sporting Patagonia.

Spencer Miles NFS River Steward drooling at Bill Bakke's summer Steelhead flies.

The chosen fly

Tegan taking a nap while we listen to Kathryn Kostow, (ODFW) talk about ecological risk of hatchery.

Mitch going for the delicious grub and cookies!

Baja 2012

2011-08-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

We want you to join us!

May 29 - June 4

Your lodging for the week

We will be chasing Rooster Fish

Clear blue and green water

Paradise!

Spoil yourself!

Baja 2012
Guests are housed in custom built villas in an ideal setting on the Bay of Dreams. Fish 5 days and 6 nights lodging in a 5 star beach house, overlooking the Sea of Cortez at the Bahia de Los Suenos. Anglers will be transported to and from the airport in Cabo San Lucas. The fishing day begins and ends in front of the property. Captains pick up guests on the beach to transport to the fishing grounds. Flies are presented to the excited feeding fish, the action can be fast and furious for Roosters. The beach in front of the villa often holds roosterfish and jacks and can produce excellent bonus fishing at the end of your day. Kayaks and snorkeling gear are available. Horseback riding, weight room, tennis court, is included on property as well as chip and put golf course. A chef will be on site to cook meals and your Dorado.Transportation can also be arranged for dinning and shopping in La Paz.Trip Rate is all inclusive except for tips, alcohol, air fare and fishing tackle. Trip cost is $2750.00. There are 4 spots available.

Rental fly fishing gear available upon request.

Please contact us for more details as we have a few spots open and we want YOU to join us!

littlecreekjd@earthlink.net

Clearwater Spey Gathering

2011-08-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

Hey Spey addicts, the Clearwater Spey Clave hosted by the Red Shed Fly Shop is less then a month away. This is a fun time to be on the Clearwater and catch a Steelhead!

Mrs. Red Shed is starting to make cookies!

DATE: SEPT.24, 2011

JEDI'S START @ 9:00AM
LOCATION: THE LENORE REST STOP/PICINIC AREA
JUST WEST (DOWNSTREAM) OF THE LENORE BRIDGE
AT MILE MARKER 27.75 ON HIGHWAY 12

Demos will be given by:

GREG BENCIVENGA,LARRY AIUPPY,TRACY ALLEN

MIA SHEPPARD, MIKE KINNEY, GEORGE COOK, TRAVIS JOHNSON

BRUCE KRUK, LEROY TEEPLE

DAVE TUCKER FROM "DREAMS ON THE FLY" GUIDE SERVICE WILL BE TYING HIS AWESOME SPEY FLIES, AS WELL AS DOING A KID'S FLY TYING CLASS.

IF YOU ARE ON THE RONDE, THE SNAKE, OR ARE ON THE CLEARWATER TO "SKATE ONE UP".

Steelhead Recovery in Puget Sound Petition

2011-08-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

Will Atlas writer of the Osprey Steelhead wrote a petition to Steelhead Recovery in Puget Sound. The Petition states that in watersheds where wild populations have been deemed too fragile for catch and release sport fishing the state MUST substantially reduce or eliminate hatchery supplementation to comply with federal mandates for recovery in threatened Puget Sound Steelhead.

Its really tragic that in the last two years rivers such as the Skagit, and Skykomish, have closed down in January do to low wild returns. Let Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife know they need to make a change in management and sign the petition.

Middle Fork John Day Restoration

2011-08-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

Our friends over at Idylwilde put this up on their blog today. Good find Zach!

How to launch a boat.

2011-08-19T09:52:00.001-07:00

The Drake

2011-08-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

We like the Drake and you should too!

Our good friends Shauna and Cole come fishing every year on the John Day in the Fall. Shauna has a gift with words and a lens! She took the cover photo for the up coming issue of the Drake! The woman in the photo looks very familiar too!

Check out more of Shauna's work here:

http://www.shaunastephenson.com/

Felt Soled Wading Boots

2011-08-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

Snow likes felt too.

Since becoming a Steelhead angler, I've used felt sole wading boots, so when the move to eliminate felt soled boots happened, I kept using mine. The rivers we wade in the Pacific Northwest have big boulders, and slick rocks. Wading in a boot without felt can be very slippery and dangerous. My experience with rubber sole boots even with cleats, do not give the grip that a felt sole boot gives. As a angler that cares about rivers and fish it is our responsability to make sure invasive blooms are not spread, so if you choose to use felt, please clean your boots when going from river to river.

The ban on felt started in 2008, These actions came from increasing concerns that felt soles were providing a perfect home for transporting invasive species, specifically Didymo. Didymo is a freshwater microscopic diatom (a type of singled-celled algae with silica cell walls) garnering attention for its ability to form massive nuisance “blooms” that carpet stream beds, altering biological and physical conditions.

DIdymo

This bloom has been found in rivers and lakes in New Zealand, Montana, and throughout BC, "Didymo has not been officially confirmed by the EPA from any locations in the state of Oregon. Pest RIsk Assessment for Rock Snot in Oregon.

Simms will reintroduce felt-soled wading boots to our product line in Spring of 2012 on three of our boot styles: Guide, Freestone and Headwaters. This was not an easy decision for Simms.

In the past few years, Simm's have received a lot of feedback regarding felt from guides, consumers, and dealers. After additional follow-up and serious consideration, they made the decision to give anglers a choice. They have not backed off of their commitment to insist that all anglers follow clean angling practices: inspect, clean and dry, and all of our boots continue to have CleanStream™ designs to minimize seams & hidden crevices and utilize materials with minimal water absorption, which help make the boots easier to clean and dry. While many states and provinces continue to legislate felt bans, many consumers and dealers feel felt is still their best tread option.

Below are way's to prevent the spread of Didymo and other invasive blooms.

Soak and scrub all items for at least one minute in the following solution.

Hot Water at (60 C)

a 5% solution of salt (2 cups and water added to make 10 liters)

a 5% solution of antiseptic hand cleaner

a 5% soution of dishwatching soap

a 2% solution of bleach (200ml and water added to make 10 liters)

Small Classic Steelhead Flies

2011-08-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

Genral Fry

Jock Scott wrote how A.H.E. Woods had great success with the Solar Salmon by sizing down the scale of flies and fishing them in the surface film when the water warmed and the sun shown in the fishes eyes, in his book, Greased line fishing.

Redneck Mudler

Our friend Bill Bakke gave Mia Some of his favorite Steelhead flies for a birthday present. One he called a traffic ticket and the other a wasp. They were on size 8 hooks but tied like they were on a size 10! When Mia first tried these flies years ago she could not keep they steelhead off! We started tying lots of different patterns in really small sizes for our early season summer steelhead go to patterns.

Steelhead soft hackle

This weekend was another testament to the success of the greased line technique along with a sparse and a small fly fished in the surface film on a floating line. Our favorite patterns have been very lightly dressed muddlers, Golden demons, Steelhead soft hackles, as well Haig Browns General Fry pattern. See the video below we took this weekend:

Sneaker Wave

2011-08-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

Photo by: Kurt Olesek

Kate and Tegan talk Roosterfish stratagies while Mia gets smashed by a wave back in May. It seems she still got the cast out there!

Still Bassin'

2011-07-31T19:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday..

Sunday...

Black and White

2011-07-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

We guided a nice Bachelor party on the John Day the last few days!

Lots of stripping! {here}

A few hookers {here}

Ben Crane without his helmet?

Here we are praying for Joel asking that he not end up like this. {Click}

The groom to be, with a big one. That's what she said...

{Here}

It's a leap of faith.

Congratulations Joel!

Congratulations Carron Team!

2011-07-25T22:43:00.001-07:00

Sunday at the CLA Games Gerard Downey broke a world record for the longest cast and took first in the Spey Casting Distance Championships with an incredible of 70.63 meters (231 feet). This is the first time a person has ever cast over 70 meters!

Big congratulations Gerard!

Travis Johnson took second with a cast at 62.59 meters (205 feet)

Andrew Toft took third with 62.25 (204 feet), both incredible cast. Congratulations to all!!

Here is a little view of the crew from Spey-O-Rama 2011:

CLA Games

2011-07-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

Local Oregonian, Travis Johnson is at the CLA Games in England, participating in the Spey Casting Championship. The CLA games brings together sports enthusiast in Falconry, Field Archery, Gun Dogs, and much more.

Travis Johnson at Spey-O-Rama 2011

Yesterday, Travis took second casting a distance of 61.5 yards (184 feet)! Gerard Downey is in first with 62.1 yards (187 feet), Andrew Toft is in third (182 feet). Needless to say the Carron Team is dominating.

Heats for this event are run over three days, with the final taking place in front of the Grandstand on Sunday afternoon. This event which has been running for 9 years attracts fierce competition with contestants traveling from all around the world to participate. Last year's winner was Andrew Toft, who cast a staggering 71 yards. There is a prize for the winning cast and a trophy for the winning rod manufacturer.

Follow the results here.

Gerard Downey at Spey-O-Rama 2011

Bamboo Fever

2011-07-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

Headwaters of the Metolius River

On our way back to Condon this weekend, we took a very long detour. Stopped at a kennel to look at a German Shorthair, and then headed to the Metolius for a little fishing, and to check out the Bamboo Flyfishing Fair. I've attempted to fish the Metolius once. It was a few years back, on a cold, snow, February day, and had no luck. This was a second attempt, with a 3 year old, pulling at my pant leg, and asking for a piggy back ride. Needless to say, no fish where brought to hand, but Tegan and I played with Goldenstones (tickle bugs) and danced in the water.

The Bamboo Fair is quint with a number of fly tyers, bamboo rod makers, antique collectors, and presentations on single hand casting. While Tegan played on the playground, I had the opportunity to try a handful of single hand rods. The feeling of holding a bamboo rod is elegant. Luckily I didn't spend Tegan's college fund.

Jason Borger gave a fantastic presentation on the fundamentals of the casting stoke, mending techniques, and a lot more. If you ever get the chance to listen to Jason, he has a fantastic teaching style with a great sense of humor.

Elwha River Will Run Free

2011-07-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

This has been a long time coming, on September 17th the removal of the Elwha Dams will begin! This will restore the river to a free flowing river. Removing the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams will free the Elwha River after nearly 100 years. Fishery biologist estimate Salmon populations will swell, from 3,000 to more than 300,000 as all five species of Pacific salmon return to more than 70 miles of river and stream.

Big Bass

2011-07-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

Not 5 minutes after asking Jim, "When was the last time you fished for Small Mouth Bass?" Jim reply's "when I was a kid." His first fish of the day was this 20 inch Bass. Way to go!

Still a kid at heart!

Metolius River Flyfishing and Bamboo Rod Fair

2011-07-09T20:34:00.000-07:00

The 12th Annual Metolius River Flyfishing and Bamboo Rod Fair in Camp Sherman, Oregon, July 16-17.

This is a great opportunity to cast a variety of bamboo rods, as there will be several bamboo rod makers, also several factory reps, six collectors, a dozen tyers. Also, Jason Borger, John Judy, and Gary Lewis will all be presenting and demonstrating.

It’s a last-minute thing, admittedly, but if there are any interested readers who might be in the greater Bend/Sisters, Oregon area at that time this sounds like a great event.

Summer Time and the Living is Easy

2011-07-07T22:18:00.000-07:00

What a Melon!

The last few weeks have been a whirl wind, or I should say a tornado, returned from Baja on May 30^th, rented our home for 6 months, packed out bags, and headed to Condon to live in the Garage Mahel for the summer, and Bass it up.

Sometimes I wonder how sane I am to live this vagabond life style with a 3-½ year old, a dog (looking at getting a second pointer for bird hunting) and fishing bum husband. Guess I can manage because I’m a fishing bum too.

Mom, I want to row!

I dream of a normal 9-5 job at times and then wonder, if I get that job, how will I go on that spontaneous fishing excursion for summer Steelhead or take the next trip to the bucket list of places to fish someday. If I have that 9-5 job will I lose precious moments watching Tegan grow? So I keep dreaming.

Within the whirlwind of going from place to place we are so lucky that Tegan just goes with the flow, adjusting to every new location we encounter.

Lets Play!

The last month, she has spent 12 days on the river with us. Having the opportunity to take her on river trips, watching her play in dirt, catch her first fish, and pick up skink bugs, is worth every minute. When she’s in the boat she pleads to take the oars; saying, “I want to be the guide.” She is so much fun to be around I can’t imagine it any other way!

Wheeeee!

Bass it up!

Tegan casting from marty sheppard on Vimeo.

The Shadow Cast

2011-07-06T21:57:00.000-07:00

The Shadow Cast Competition from Jazz and Fly Fishing´s Jazzcam on Vimeo.

Jeff and Jan rule!

2011-07-05T23:35:00.001-07:00

Living the good life

2011-06-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

Fun times and Bass fishing has been getting better everyday this last week!

Tegan is a river rat!

Ricky getting rigged.

Dave hooked up.....again!

Nancy loving the good life!

Oh, Yeah!

Kurt and Janet enjoying a great day!

Atlantic Salmon

2011-06-15T21:52:00.001-07:00

James Chalmer of Carron Rod Company, with a beautiful Atlantic Salmon, on some river in Norway. What a beauty!

PGA and NBA news

2011-06-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

I am a basketball fan and I am glad Dirk got his!

(This is for my other favorite German, Zach)

And in other news....

Ben Crane, my favorite Pro golfer client, is well known as a three-time winner on the PGA Tour.

His latest effort is a boy-band parody, with fellow tour players Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson and Hunter Mahan.

John Day Bass Season....

2011-06-10T21:41:00.000-07:00

Starts tomorrow.

The river is high, but we are going for it with a 4 day trip!

With such a good amount of water in the river we will add a few days of guiding into August this year. Contact us for a special day trip program being offered. You will be blown away how these fish charge out of the water to take the Damsels and Dragon flies. It is unreal!

littlecreekjd@earthlink.net

Rooster Assault Vehicle

2011-06-06T14:25:00.000-07:00

Just got a little update from Baja, the Rooster Assault vehicle is going strong, supplying ample shade, leg room, and cooler space for Pacificos and lime. Tegan, Marty, and I had the experience of cruising the beaches in the machine and it kicked ass. We're still thinking about Roosters but gearing up for the Bass season, water levels are high, but dropping, this will give us a longer season for catching Small Mouth Bass. Give us a call if your looking to do some topwater Bass Action.

"The Bravo, Jads 6x6 amphibious Rooster assault vehicle, which has been a great addition to the beach transpo scene. The Bravo offers better elevation for spotting on the run, endless room for stuff, quick entrance & exit, never gets stuck and has comfortable seating for 5 including guide."

Bill

Jad with a "day off" fish

If your looking for a tranquail, relaxed place to stay while visiting the East Cape or surf fishing for Rooster contact Trophy on the Fly.

Sitka

2011-06-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

Sitka passed away in our buddy Jeff Hickmans arms on Friday.

June 4th 2011, She was 9 years old.

RIP

Sitka was loved and traveled to so many great places to fish. From the Tropics to Alaska she saw more great places to have fun than I dream about.

Famous!

Sitka obviously knew where to find steelhead and shared those secrets with her human.

If Hickman was there, so was Sitka.

You are missed!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robseattle/sets/72157626896681730/show/

Baja video

2011-05-30T14:24:00.001-07:00

Just got home from a trip to paradise!

So much fun, we had to edit a little video together:

Baja 2011 from marty sheppard on Vimeo.

We can't wait to get back next year!

Get in touch with us if this peaks your interest!

We will be hosting a week in the Spring of 2012.

Cuatro Roosters

2011-05-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

Last day of rooster fishing turned out to be a good one!

Baja Colors

2011-05-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

Taking Off
Getting Ready

Fantastic Food

Smiles and Sun

Roosterfish

2011-05-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

Gone to Baja for the next week in search of one of these. Wish us luck!

Believe

2011-05-17T20:41:00.001-07:00

Larry provides the action for today!

Under the influence?

2011-05-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

Mia and I are proud to have presented at the 2011 Sandy River Spey Clave this last weekend.

We fish and guide with Echo rods.

According to a poll done by Mark Bachmann, out of 25 different great demonstrators, there were 8 presentations that really stood out to the audience at this years clave. Glad to say that Mia and I were both in that group and equally happy of that because this put our all time favorite rods into the lime light in his report:

http://www.flyfishusa.com/newsletter/051611/

Check out the Fly Fishing Shops newsletter and see what other top presentations at this years Spey Clave used for rods. Then check the price...

Fish, Clave, Hang, and Fish

2011-05-15T21:03:00.000-07:00

Friends

Anne and Shelly

This week has been a whorl -wind. Fishing, getting ready for Ladies Day, cleaning house,buying sunblock and sandals for Baja. This was the third ladies day at the Sandy River Clave and the turn out keeps growing. All the woman presenting have a wealth of knowledge and gave great demos, there wasn't a shortage of information.

Barb and April Vokey

Mary Ann Dozer hypnotizing the crowd

Looking forward to a weekend of fishing with friends, and Friday night was to no great surprise when Tegan came down with a fever. She fought it for two days and today Grandma took her to the doctors. She's on antibiotics and feeling better. On the river tomorrow and Tegan spending the day with dad.

Tegan with Dorathy

Thanks for all your help this weekend! You rock, we love you!

A native Steelhead returns to the ocean.

The Clave May 13-15

2011-05-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

The 2011 agenda

Meet These Northwest Fly Fishing Instructors & Guides:

Mark Bachmann
Al Buhr
Steve Choate
Bob Clay
Adrienne Comeau
George Cook
Nicole Darland
Simon Gawesworth
Judy Graham
Katharine Hart
Hawkeye Hawkins
John Hazelett
Jeff Hickman
Scott Howell
Travis Johnson
Tom Larimer
Josh Linn
Jennifer Mitchell
Scott O'Donnell
Steve Rajeff
Tim Rajeff
Marty Sheppard
Mia Sheppard
Brian Silvey
Charles St. Pierre
Marcy Stone
Anne Tattam
April Vokey

See you there? We hope so!

Directions

A Mother's Adventure

2011-05-08T07:09:00.000-07:00

Fishing the Deschutes, Tegan about 7 months.

Some of the most memorable moments as a child growing up in Tennesse, are the times, my mom would take us to the Smoky Mountains for the weekend. Vivid memories stand out, such as the time my sister spotted a baby bear in a tree, while hiking a trail, thank goodness the sow wasn't anywhere to be seen. Or, soaking up the sun on the river banks, and coming home with the lingering smell of camp fire on our clothes. Growing up exposed to the outdoors, it only seemed appropriate that I would raise a child the same way.

Me and Tegan on the Kispiox, Tegan is two.

When we had Tegan my value of raising a child didn't change my schedule of outdoor fun. Yes, some trips became limiting but it opened the door to other outdoor adventures. Some people ask, "how do you travel with a kid?" I must say, one is easier then two but having a dog counts as a half, right.

Tegan warming her hands on the Bulkley River.

When Tegan was born, up to the age of 10 months, I could carry her on my back, in the Ergo backpack. Wading a run was easy this way. As she got bigger, I realized keeping her on the bank wasn't going to work so Marty and I would take turns fishing, and thank goodness for great

Grandparents,friends, and day cares. Day cares are in every state.

The last three years have become the best years of my life, having Tegan is the adventure. She shows me all the little details that I miss seeing, because I forget to look at the little things in life, such as a bug on a rock, or how fun it is to skip rocks in the river, or run from the incoming ocean tide. I feel like a kid again.

A warm camp fire.

Tegan has been on multi day floats on the Deschutes and John Day, traveled to the Clearwater and the Bulkley and here in a few weeks will be on the beach's of Baja. I'm really thankful to be a mom and encourage every mom out there to have an adventure with there children, whether it's setting up a tenting in your back yard or floating the river, the adventure is for you too!

Happy Mother's Day

metalheads

Tug, The Rod Dropped

Are we in a Recession?

Portland Sportsmen Show

A Few Good Reads

Catch Magazine #21

Road to Nowhere

A Few Good Reads

Weekend Casting Session with the Carron Team

Next Free Spey Clinic

Ode to Big John #67 3pps 38lbs

Fly Fishing Film Tour

The free clinic

1989

Antarctica, A Trip of a Lifetime!

Winter steelhead kick off.

Toast

Our favorite posts from 2011

Three Essentials for the New Year

Dock Casting

Christmas Eve

Living the lucky life

Darcy Bacha

Tis' the flask

Backcountry

Twitter

Any one else......

Party!

Come meet the Company Reps:George Cook: Sage, Rio, Tibor, SolitudeGarry Sandstrom: Hardy, Scientific Anglers, Royal WulffRandy Stetzer: Echo, AirfloDick Sagara: TFO, TeenyJon Covich: R. L. Winston, Outcast

Come meet the Guides & Instructors:Mark BachmannJosh LinnTravis JohnsonHawkeye HawkinsBrian SilveyMarty SheppardMia SheppardTed Neely

Ted Neely

Slide Shows - DemonstrationsMark Bachmann - Winter Steelhead Fly Fishing 101 - 10:00-11:00 a.m.Travis Johnson - Defining Modern Spey Lines - 11:00-11:30 a.m.Josh Linn - Winter Steelhead Secrets To Success - 11:30-Noon

Slide Shows - Demonstrations

Barbeque lunch will be served: Noon-1:30.

Barbeque lunch will be served: Noon-1:30.

Marcy Stone Picking the Perfect Spey Rod - 1:30-2:00 p.m.Jon Covich - Warm Water Winter Break - 2:00-2:30 p.m.

Join and Receive a Buck Knife

Summer Steelhead in December?

Flies For Fin

Conversations with Water

Bird Dogs and Gun Fire

November Pleasures

Little hen big buck

One for the ages

Kiss the Fish and Let it Go

What Pointers Do on Their Day Off

A few random clips...

Angler Gets Daily Limit

Day Trips

Surface Skating

Space Invader

Are Wild Chinook becoming Extinct on the Sandy River

Bristol Bay Road Show

We're just getting started over here

Ben Wins!

Morrish's Pom Skater

New Echo 3!

The Rack

Buck Hunt Opening Day

Fall Fever

Just got in...

Forget the Ipod and Go Fishing

Mia is on the Clearwater

Behind the scenes of The Drake cover

Echo DH 5122 in review.

New Job

Small Town Flare

From Facebook

24 hour Fish-A-Thon for Bristol Bay

Olympic Peninsula Colors

Wedding Bells on the OP

Hood on fire

Riding High // Drake Fly Fishing Magazine

NFS River Stewards

Baja 2012

Clearwater Spey Gathering

Steelhead Recovery in Puget Sound Petition

Middle Fork John Day Restoration

How to launch a boat.

The Drake

Come meet the Company Reps:
George Cook: Sage, Rio, Tibor, Solitude
Garry Sandstrom: Hardy, Scientific Anglers, Royal Wulff
Randy Stetzer: Echo, Airflo
Dick Sagara: TFO, Teeny
Jon Covich: R. L. Winston, Outcast

Come meet the Guides & Instructors:
Mark Bachmann
Josh Linn
Travis Johnson
Hawkeye Hawkins
Brian Silvey
Marty Sheppard
Mia Sheppard
Ted Neely

Slide Shows - Demonstrations
Mark Bachmann - Winter Steelhead Fly Fishing 101 - 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Travis Johnson - Defining Modern Spey Lines - 11:00-11:30 a.m.
Josh Linn - Winter Steelhead Secrets To Success - 11:30-Noon

Marcy Stone Picking the Perfect Spey Rod - 1:30-2:00 p.m.
Jon Covich - Warm Water Winter Break - 2:00-2:30 p.m.