Rods
An all-around rod for this region is a 9-foot 5 weight. You can fish most waters in this guidebook with this size and weight. For small creeks try an 8-foot 3 weight rod. Float tubers prefer 9½ to 10-foot rods.
Reels
Palm, click, or disk drags work fine for most central Oregon fly waters. About 75 yards of backing is adequate for most species of trout. You’ll need more for steelhead.
Lines & Leaders
You can use a floating line for almost all streams and still waters in our region. Occasionally, a sink tip or sinking line is an advantage. Some lakes and reservoirs fish better with a type-2 fast sinking and an intermediate sinking line. Leaders should be stout for sinking lines, 2X to 4X. For dry fly fishing and nymphing, 9- to 12- foot leaders, 4X to 6X, are about right.
Flies
The types of flies are listed here, but the sizes have been excluded. Depending on conditions, hatch sizes can vary greatly. Consult a local fly shop for the current sizes.
Wading Gear
I suggest using felt-soled wading boots, breathable waders, and a wading staff for almost every water in the region. A wading staff and cleats are helpful and recommended while fly fishing in the Deschutes. Wet-wading is possible during the summer months, especially in the eastern part of the state. Float tubers need breathable chest-high waders and warm clothes. Mountain waters are cold.
A healthy rainbow from the Middle Deschutes. Photo by Eric Dunne.
A beautiful wild Metolius River rainbow trout. Photo by John Judy.
Guides
If you are new to the sport, or to Oregon, a day outing with a qualified guide will help you learn the ropes. Check with the fly shops in the Resources section of this guidebook for waters that permit guided fly fishing.
Private Fly Fishing Waters
Paying for a day or two at a private water can be rewarding. If you are a fly fishing novice, private waters offer a great way to hone your skills. The private waters listed toward the back of this guidebook can offer excellent fishing in remote or isolated locations. They are a good value and are worth your consideration.
Trash
Leaving an area cleaner than you found it is the responsibility of all fly fishers.
Ratings
Each river, stream, lake, and reservoir in the main section of this guide has been rated on a scale from 1 to 10. A 10 water is one that offers the best possible fly fishing experience Oregon has to offer. A 1 would be fishable but not much else.
These ratings are based on my experiences of fly fishing these waters over a number of years. Thus, my rating may not necessarily coincide with the experience you have on your particular day of fly fishing, or even your combined experience. These ratings are best used to get a general idea of a particular fly fishing destination and as a means of comparing our opinions. But enough of the obvious stuff. Here’s hoping you hook that fish you’ve always dreamed of on one of the waters in this guide.
Common Oregon Game Fish
Illustrations by Joseph R. Tomelleri.
Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
Brook Trout
Lake Trout
‘Deschutes Redside’ Rainbow Trout
Bull Trout
Lahontan Cutthroat Trout
Mountain Whitefish
Steelhead Trout
Landlocked Atlantic Salmon
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Black Crappie
White Crappie
Kokanee Salmon (spawning male)
Chinook Salmon
