My kids are getting to the age to start flyfishing and I am looking for places around the Salem area to take my kids flyfishing for bass and panfish. Also any fly patterns that may be useful.
Scruffy Bearded Varmint
05-31-2004, 09:34 AM
The St. Louis ponds North of Salem, South of Woodburn, and West of Gervais are chug full of Bluegill, bass, and crappie. They're not easy to fish with a flyrod because of the trees, but you can find open slots. Or use a roll cast. Take your Polaroids, and get some for the kids to. You can site fish for the bass until the algae bloom gets to bad.
Me and the kid always do okay with a light colored nymph such as a gold ribbed hares ear. I've also done okay with zug bugs, mesquito larva, and damsel fly nymphs. Secret is, don't spend a lot of time on the first pond you come to. work your way back into the complex and you would almost think your alone.
There is a fairly good sized lake in Mission Bottom park near Wheatland Ferry that I did oky on, too. I only fished it a couple of times 'cause they nick you a few bucks to park.
If you have a boat, any of the sloughs off the Willamette are full of bass, bluegill and crappie. You just need to explore.
Blue Tip Spinner
06-01-2004, 11:19 AM
get yourself some small, medium and large poppers in black, red, and white. try that for the bluegill, crappie and bass. i think it would be a fun endeavor for the kids.