Another Crooked Round

[PittsburghD]

So after reading the post on the Crooked it was clear that I needed to make this move. How about another trip to Big Bend on November 18-20th next month?

Here's some recaps of the previous year...

wee hours...

http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/DCP02471.JPG


too late...

http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/DCP02468.JPG


Mark's big morning...

http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/DCP02472.JPG

One for the ladies...

http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/374Hula.jpg

Dying for a chuckar at this point.



Basecamp view


http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/374DCP02436.JPG



Ho Hum the scenery...


http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/374DCP02437.JPG



So, what do you think? The camping fees were really low last year--free for those who could do 18 degrees at night. This year may be a little warmer but possibly wetter? Folks?

[3riversBob]

I might have to have a go at camping this year. Let me talk to my wife (actually I'll just tell her). :jester:

Bob

[Mark Vickers]

Regardless of the date, you can count me in. That was a lot of fun last year.

I'll probably bring Huck the chukar wonderdog (at least he's shaping up that way).

[greenbuttskunk]

I'm in. I'll be getting back from Cabo the week before so selling it to the wife may be a little tough. I should be able to though. That was way too fun last year.
Hope we can get a good group again. :cheers:
GBS

[FallRiverGuy]

I think I could make the long drive. It was a blast last year and would not want to miss out this year. November...not really cold enough then is it? The year before there were just three of us and we woke to 3 inches of snow Sunday morning.

[lilnorthfork]

The year before there were just three of us and we woke to 3 inches of snow Sunday morning.


Maybe you woke to it in the MORNING in your nice, cozy van... I woke to the sound of it sliding off my tent in the middle of the night. :hoboy: Good thing you and RK brought the liquid heat... went nice with grilled whitefish.
I may have already exceeded my quota of multi-day passes for this year, but November is still a month away... I'll see what I can do. :cheers:
lnf

[Riverkeeper]

Last year, while I did have fun, I swore that it would be the last time I drove 4 hours each way to camp in 15 degree weather and spend two days catching (and watching Brian eat) 8 inch whitefish subsurface.

Maybe we should camp somewhere around maupin, so we can catch steelhead, trout, AND whitefish?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v12/darian/Troutdance.jpg

[Two Fister]

I'm going to have family in town that week so I'll probably have to miss it again this year. It's a total bummer!

I'd listen to what Riverkeeper has to say in his post. The Crooked can be really fun when it's on, but there are some nice big trout and steelhead available on the Deschutes and it would be a whole lot closer for you Portland fellas. I've also found that the Crooked gets more crowded than the Deschutes if the weather is at all tolerable. Plus the Chukar hunting is better in the lower Deschutes canyon.

I'd rather drive the extra hour from Bend to have a shot at 10 decent fish with a good shot at a steelhead than shooting for 50 8" trout/whitefish.

TF

[Mark Vickers]

Maybe we should camp somewhere around maupin, so we can catch steelhead, trout, AND whitefish?


Good idea! Last year I was the big loser in the fish catching department with three (yes 3) six inch rainbows in two and a half days of fishing. While I'm sure that speaks volumes about my trout fishing skills, I wasn't sold on the Crooked being a prize river during November.

Anybody have a cabin or house near the Deschutes?

[FallRiverGuy]

Maupin sounds good as does chuckar for dinner.

P.S. I am glad Darian that you finally played that card as I know you must have been just dying to let it drop.

[Riverkeeper]

I have better ones than that...

[HazMatt]

Would love to. I will really work on the spousal unit. We will have had two weekends in a row of visitors, so I can't guarantee, but I would love to meet some of you folks.

[Ryan Pultz]

I should be able to make it for the day on the 20th. rp

[Gettin' Birdy]

I would like to join/meet you folks after reading great post after great post. I have a "wonder" chukar dog myself...." I wonder if she knows what a chukar smells like?"....anyways, if I am not working, you can count me in.

[3riversBob]

Deschutes? or Crooked?

Bob

[Patrick L]

If newcomers are allowed, I would like to join in! I've already cleared it with the wife, and I should be able to leave Friday morning. Either river is fine with me. I may even bring the shotgun, but as much as I like to hunt, I can't imagine leaving the river if the fish are biting.

Patrick

[Ryan Pultz]

Deschutes? or Crooked?

Bob



Crooked is what I read. Bob DAB and I were thinking of going over for the day on sunday. Let me know what you are thinking. rp

[3riversBob]

Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maybe we should camp somewhere around maupin, so we can catch steelhead, trout, AND whitefish?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Good idea! Last year I was the big loser in the fish catching department with three (yes 3) six inch rainbows in two and a half days of fishing. While I'm sure that speaks volumes about my trout fishing skills, I wasn't sold on the Crooked being a prize river during November.

Anybody have a cabin or house near the Deschutes?




Looks like it's still up in the air.

I plan to go and camp for the weekend. Need to prove I'm still not too old. Besides, somebody has to keep an eye on these kids. :wink:

Bob

[FallRiverGuy]

I would be up for the Crooked and while catching a ton of whitefish is fun and provides photo opportunities, I'd like to try the Big D. Besides, I want RK to come because I am going to bring my camera and follow him around like a lost puppy. :wave:

[3riversBob]

I want RK to bring his guitar, maybe he can "sing" a fish out of the river. :jester:

Bob

[mandinga]

If I'm in oregon I'll go.

I would like to hit the crooked...we need someone to be the ofishal organizer...not it

[PittsburghD]

O.K. the date is set. So do we do the Big Bend Camground on the Crooked or the famous spot up the road (from two years back on the Big D) you know the one where I lost my jacket and then figured out I already had it. Or, better yet, the famous flat tire campground where we hit an all-time high of 3 flat tires in 18 hours! Let me know. I will go up Thursday because I have to come come a little early on Sunday.

--D

[3riversBob]

I'm game either way. Only been to the Crooked once and never fished the D so that would be fun.

Did I mention that I'm providing breakfast on Sunday morning for all the camp? Ummmmmmmm, good hot breakfast before hitting the river.

Bob

[PittsburghD]

Well haven't heard back yet, but I am pulling now for the trip up the road to Locked Gate. We can camp at the one spot we were at last April or find one a little further up. The big key is the tire protection. You need mucho layers and at least one back up. Good sturdy tires are a must on the road to locked gate. Any other thoughts for places on the D?

[FallRiverGuy]

Is this the gate upsteam from Maupin?

[Two Fister]

I am pulling now for the trip up the road to Locked Gate. We can camp at the one spot we were at last April or find one a little further up.



That can be a pretty busy stretch that time of year and there's not much, if any, camping for a while above the gate because of private property. I'd head downriver from Shears to the big group camp at Rattlesnake Canyon. I think it can take about 20 people and there's other single sites around it. There's great fishing both upstream and downstream within walking distance and it's a good halfway point if you are floating from Pine Tree to Macks Canyon.

There's better chukar hunting in that stretch as well.

Like I said I probably won't be able to make it because of family committments, but that's what I'd do. And carry two spares...

TF

[Ryan Pultz]

The strech around Rattlesnake Canyon is some nice water. And the road is a little easier on tires. Rp

[mandinga]

I will be in oregon...and if we go to the deschutes count me in!


I'm going this friday and saturday...maupin area.

[PittsburghD]

I was speaking of the road leading up to Locked Gate. Maybe a mile before. I haven't tried to camp beyond but fished it and enjoyed. I didn't realize it was slammed in the cold weather months. When we went there in early April we had camping to ourselves but enjoyed the banks with others (probably day trippers). I am not picky so whatever you all think is the best spot, I am on. I will be going up early to reserve the spot because I need to come home early now. I am thinking Thursday through Saturday Night and letting you guys stay and catch the left overs from me. :cool:

Give me some feedback on place. The place Two Fister is talking about sounds fine, but I have never fished trout below Sherars, is it worthy?

[Mark Vickers]

Regardless of where we end up (the D sounds best) I'll leave on Friday afternoon from Portland and drive over and stay through Sunday afternoon.

Is Airborne still around or is he in Afghanistan now?

[PittsburghD]

Airborne! Now your talkin' bringing back the old days! The foot thrower trap shooter 10 yards from the camp fire! Good Morning Vietnam! :wave: Any which way Mark, you could borrow the other half of my camp instead of the canopy if you like. I'm not sure at this point if we are best going up from Maupin or down river is best. Can we get a little love from the outfield? I'll line the yellow brick road on Thursday...

[mandinga]

just got back....from the d....caught a fair amount...yesterday. Got two hookups today, but nothing beached.

All trout...except for one nice steelhead that laughed at my 6x. :shrug:

[3riversBob]

I'm not familiar with the area but the location two fister mentioned sounds good to me.

Who's in?

Bob

[3riversBob]

TTT

Who's going? :shrug: Anybody? :shrug: Is it still on? :shrug: Where? :shrug:

Curious minds want to know! :smirk:

Bob

[FallRiverGuy]

Nov. 18-20, no can do. :depressed:

[Patrick L]

I'm in. Either river.

Patrick

[PittsburghD]

Still rockin' at this point. We'll miss Fall River Guy. But sounds like Mark's in, Brad's checking with the family scheduler, Jon spends way too much time fishing and can't get away this particular weekend. Or, maybe things have cleared up at this point. Three Rivers Bob sounds solid. Darian should be in now that we have moved closer to his security blanket. Ryan's in for a drop in. Gettin' Birdy sounds like he's in. Patrick L is in. Two Fister sounds like he knows where we're going but won't be joining us. Chrome Mandi sounds 80% in (update?). Would love to see if Airborne is around. Anyone else? Jump in the water's fine. Assuming the rainfall slows down from the current 1" inch per day trend.

Sounds like Rattlesnake Canyon is the agreed upon place according to Two Fister...

("I'd head downriver from Shears to the big group camp at Rattlesnake Canyon. I think it can take about 20 people and there's other single sites around it. There's great fishing both upstream and downstream within walking distance and it's a good halfway point if you are floating from Pine Tree to Macks Canyon.")

Question: What about detailed directions...? Take Sherars Bridge Hwy (216) over the bridge and head North on the road on the East side of the river until...? Am I right so far?

Like I said, I'm taking Thursday off because I have to come home Saturdayish, so I can stake a claim. I won't have any fancy Steelers Banners to mark the territory, but a little yellow tape should suffice.

Chime in.

[3riversBob]

I'll be leaving Beavertown around 4 or 5 on Friday night. I'll need some pretty good detailed directions since I've never been there. Thinking about taking I-84 to 97 the best bet? And from there? If anybody is leaving the same time let me know and maybe I can follow or we can get lost together? This is going to be a hoot.

Bob

[PittsburghD]

Hold on there partner. Hwy 26 to 216 is always the fastest straightest route to Maupin. 197 will test your patience. It is straight but much longer I think. Once we get a little more detailed directions from the peanut gallery we should be able to drive right to it within about 1 1/2-1 3/4 hrs. weather and engine dependent of course.

--D

[mandinga]

i just realized that our anniversary is on the 22nd...so, we may have plans for the weekend before. Hopefully not.

I am 85% a go!

Bring your long johns!

I forgot to mention that last weekend I saw my first ever river otter...drifting away...that was so cool! I hope I get to see another this time around.

[Patrick L]

Is there room for a small (16 ft) camper at the campground, or am I sleeping in the car? Depending on how cold it is, the heater in the camper while geting dressed in the morning would be real nice. :grin: Also, I will be leaving late Thursday or early Friday morning and staying till Sunday. I'm more than happy to give someone a lift. If I bring the camper, there will be a spot open on the floor for a sleeping bag.

And while I'm asking questions, since I've never fished the D, what flies should I bring?

Patrick

[mandinga]

Pat.
alot of guys are going to be swinging classic steelhead patterns...take your pick.

Others will be skating flies for steelies....

Some guuys will be drifting nymphs...hares ear, phaesant tails, flashback, LOTS of assorted caddis...

I'm going to get on the vice this week tying a bunch of midge patterns. If the water is cold, I will probably switch to the tiny midges.

[PittsburghD]

Long Johns are for the Crooked this time of year. The Deschutes will be a balmy 35ish degrees.

--D

[Two Fister]

I can't believe that I can't go on this trip! Arrgh!!!

If it's snowing to beat the band on the pass going through The Dalles may be a faster way to get to the lower Deschutes from Portland. This is especially true if you are pulling a boat or trailer. If there's black ice in the gorge, then the best bet is to stay home.

Drive slowly on the access road. We have seen so many flat tires I can't even begin to count them. I have seen at least three drift boat trailers snapped by people driving too fast on this road. It will smooth out for a bit here and there and then get nasty again. Go slowly and it should be OK.

It's easiest to give directions from Shears Falls. To get to Shears Falls via I84 follow the directions listed below:



Merge onto I-84 E toward PORTLAND AIRPORT / THE DALLES.

Take the US-197 exit- EXIT 87- toward DUFUR / BEND

Turn RIGHT onto US-197 / US-30. Continue to follow US-197.

Turn SHARP LEFT onto OR-216 at Tygh Valley.

End at Shears Falls



If you are coming over Mt. Hood take the turn to Maupin just after crossing in to the Warm Springs Reservations on OR-216. When you reach US-197 you'll either have to backtrack north on US-197 about 5 miles to reach the OR-216 turn at Tygh Valley or head down in to Maupin and follow the paved BLM river access road along the Deschutes to OR-216 at Shears Falls.

Once you cross the river at Shears Falls bear left (right at the stop sign if coming from Maupin on the BLM river access road) and stay on OR-216 headed towards Grass Valley. About 2/3 of a mile after crossing the river you'll cross the Buck Hollow Creek bridge (which you may not notice in the dark) and shortly after that (100 yards) you'll see a large BLM Recreation Area Access sign on the left and a dirt/gravel road. It's the first and only left hand turn after crossing the Deschutes at Shears Falls. If you start heading up a very, very steep winding grade you've missed the turn. Once you get on the dirt road you head north (downriver) for about 9 miles. You'll pass a bunch of campgrounds and excellent fishing including Jones Canyon (which is a great place to launch pontoons for an excellent day float to Rattlesnake) and Beavertail Campground. The next campground after Beavertail is Rattlesnake. The group camp is the first one that you come to on the left. There's room for small trailers (PL 16' should be no problem), but not big 5th wheels or RVs. If folks are bringing bigger campers Beavertail would be a better option.

As far as fishing goes, there is a great nymphing/fast water dry fly riffle just upstream (walking) from the Rattlesnake Campground. Follow the foot path from the group camp or walk along the shoreline to the riffle above the campground. The fishing is good for at least a mile upstream. It's very bouldery water so be careful wading. If the weather warms up at all there'll be plenty of fanged serpents for GBS and RK to charm. Watch where you are walking. The campground is aptly named.

The water in front of camp is kind of froggy but the lower portions hold some decent steelhead concentrations around some submerged rocks. It's very difficult casting as the trees are overhanging and it gets deep right off the shore. There is another great nymphing riffle about 1/4 of a mile downstream from the camp where the river takes a big bend. From there it's mostly jumping from spot to spot in cars, but there is tons of water to fish. The river is pretty mellow in this stretch so bring pontoons if you've got em. Just don't float past Macks Canyon (7 miles downstream) as the next take out after Macks is the Columbia.

Don't forget your trout rods as there will likely be a great blue winged olive hatch in the midday if the weather stays like this. Speaking of the weather...if it keeps raining to beat the band keep an eye on the White River. Rattlesnake is downstream of the White and if it's blowing mud the fishing will be off for sure. It's hasn't rained nearly as much on the dry side of the hill and snow/cold weather will stop the White River from blowing too much mud. If it suddenly warms up and rains on top of the snow we are getting this weekend go someplace above the White River for sure.

As far as swinging flies for steelhead. There's a nice run upstream from the Rattlesnake riffle directly downstream from Cedar Island (the big island across from Beavertail Campground with the big Cedar Trees on it). The best part of that run is sort of two handed rods only as there are lots of overhanging trees and big water to cover. There's some great swinging water upstream of Beavertail Campground if you drive to the western end of the campground and follow the narrow trail upstream. If heights aren't your thing this trail may not be the best option as it sort of follows the edge of a short (15 feet) cliff. You can also wade across to the island at the western end of Beavertail if you have the skills of the Ninja.

Chukar hunters can either head straight up Rattlesnake Canyon or drive upstream to Gert Canyon (about a mile upstream from the turnoff to Beavertail). There used to be a campground at Gert but the BLM closed it during their last round of "consolidation". Look for the small old wooden sign on the west side of the road. Then hike up into the stratosphere chasing those little monsters.

I really wish I could make it that weekend. With my folks headed in to town on the 16th my wife decided to postpone our son's 3rd birthday party so that they can be here for it. Any hope of sneaking away for the day vanished with that.

Have a great time and PM me with any questions.

TF

[Gettin' Birdy]

I think I'm in....I have a couple questions being this is my first "ifisher roundevous."

#1...Will I be teased relentlessly for bringing the truck camper instead of tenting it?

#2...How many chukar hunters are going and are they bringing flushers or pointers? (My older well mannered blf is on the bench after two acl surgeries since March which leaves me with "Crazy" Kali as my two year old (in December) daughter has so aptly named her). Good chukar dog just a little, shall we say, well, the name says it all. Nice pup, just hasn't figured out she's three yet.

#3...How many bringing drift boats or is a pontoon the best bet? I can bring the 16ft Willie if that's of any interest to anyone.

Looking forward to it. I was planning a pheasant hunt in northeast Oregon, but from what I read, last year's trip looked like a bunch of fun. The pheasants will be there the next weekend, right?

Almost forgot...I can bring a load of firewood being I have a few cords put up for the winter here.

[3riversBob]

#1...Will I be teased relentlessly for bringing the truck camper instead of tenting it?




Absolutely! Without a doubt you will be teased, I mean if you can't tease a fellow ifisher who can you tease?

I will be sleeping in my Ford Escape (no tent for me this time)


#2...How many chukar hunters are going and are they bringing flushers or pointers? (My older well mannered blf is on the bench after two acl surgeries since March which leaves me with "Crazy" Kali as my two year old (in December) daughter has so aptly named her). Good chukar dog just a little, shall we say, well, the name says it all. Nice pup, just hasn't figured out she's three yet.




Can't help you here, I'm just a fisherman. :shrug:


#3...How many bringing drift boats or is a pontoon the best bet? I can bring the 16ft Willie if that's of any interest to anyone.




I'll be banking it, unless you bring your drift boat. :wink:


Almost forgot...I can bring a load of firewood being I have a few cords put up for the winter here.




Firewood is always welcome. I will only be able to bring a minimal amount due to space in the car.

Can't wait to see everyone.

Bob

[Two Fister]

#1...Will I be teased relentlessly for bringing the truck camper instead of tenting it?



GB,
You'll think it's people snickering outside the camper, but in reality it'll be people's teeth chattering as they try to figure out how many people they can fit in your camper. Go slow down the road or your cabinets will be empty by the time you get to camp. And yes, I know that from experience.


#3...How many bringing drift boats or is a pontoon the best bet? I can bring the 16ft Willie if that's of any interest to anyone.



If you bring either the pontoon or the drifter you can get away from all of the road fishers and other ifishers for a much more serene fishing experience. There's lots of good fishing on the other side of the river and a lot less pressure. Of course the other ifishers will break into your camper to get warm while you are on the other side of the river....

[Gettin' Birdy]

#1 Humm......warm and dry in the camper VS. cold and cramped in the back of my truck?

Teasing it is!!!!

#2 Where would the non-bird hunting fly fishers be without us feather chasers?

#3 Not sure if it's a good omen having a guy named "Bob" in my boat....Better than "sink" or "breech" I guess :smile:....Just because I have a drift boat doesn't mean I know how to "drive" the darn thing :grin:

Look forward to meeting you all!

[Mark Vickers]

#1...Will I be teased relentlessly for bringing the truck camper instead of tenting it?


No, this is a strictly humourless group. There is no hazing of any attendees.


#2...How many chukar hunters are going and are they bringing flushers or pointers?


I'm in. In fact, I'm more excited about the chukars than the fish. I might bring Huck, my pointing dog, but he's only eight months old. Let's just say he has some training to do still...


#3...How many bringing drift boats or is a pontoon the best bet? I can bring the 16ft Willie if that's of any interest to anyone.


I'll be bringing my 9' pontoon if the water isn't crazy high.


I can bring a load of firewood being I have a few cords put up for the winter here.


Yes. The campfire talk was probably the best part of the entire event.

[Riverkeeper]

Is it a sled weekend? Maybe someone can bring their boat and shuttle everyone and all our gear down to some (formerly) secluded spot.

[Two Fister]

Why didn't I listen to my friends about planning a family around fishing and hunting!!! Seriously. I got an unbelievable amount of grief for having a baby during the fall. I hope he likes to go hunting and fishing for his birthday...

The on/off weekends for sled end the beginning of October. The upstream deadline for sleds also changes from Macks Canyon to Shears Falls.

Here's a link to a map of the area.
Deschutes Map (http://www.boaterpass.com/MainFrame.asp)

[Mark Vickers]

What's that stretch of water like (sled-wise)?

[Two Fister]

Mark,
The area around Rattlesnake is about as easy as the Deschutes gets. That being said, there's still plenty of shallow rocky ridges and skinny water. The river has come up a bit with the rain so it shouldn't be too hard. I don't have very much sled time, but there's nothing that I would be concerned about running in my driftboat or on a pontoon. I don't think there isn't anything that you couldn't sight read pretty easily.

If you put in at the very first boat ramp below Shears, you'd have to deal with Wreck Rapids. It's pretty much a straight shot, but there's a nasty shelf on the right that you would definitely want to avoid. There's one big suck hole on the way down to Wreck when the river leaves the side of the dirt road by the railroad trestle. If you took the left channel around the trestle island you would miss that altogether. You could put in at Pine Tree which is the boat ramp directly below Wreck Rapids, but you would just be driving you sled along the road. Then again you wouldn't be bouncing your sled down another 6 miles of rought dirt road.

TF
TF

[mandinga]

I would love to bring my pontoon along...anyone else?

[Patrick L]

I would love to bring my pontoon ... the only problem is I've never used it. :whazzup: How easy would the float be for a novice, say from Beavertail to the campground? Would it be worth it, or should I just leave the pontoon at home and learn on an easier river? And don't just tell me to bring it for the comedy factor of seeing the newbie dumped in the water or stuck on a rock!!

Patrick

[Navigator]

I unfortunately will not be able to attend.

Good fishing everyone!

[PittsburghD]

1. No teasing on sleeping arrangements, but frozen waders are fair game.

2. I'm not a chuckar hunter yet, but have shot a little trap now and then and would love to tag along and bring my one year old black lab out to see what he can do.

3. Maybe a pontoon for me if others will go. Last time I brought it, I was the only one and it took up too much space. I'm still on the fence.

[Two Fister]

Pontoons would be a handy thing to have as there is lots of good water on the far side of the river. The float from Jones Canyon to Rattlesnake is pretty easy and would make for a good day trip. You can also float from Rattlesnake to Macks Canyon for another day trip. The beauty of the pontoons is that you can just park your downstream truck where ever you can climb out of the river and that's the end of your float. If I had one, and more importantly, if I were able to make it on the trip, I'd bring one in a second.
PatrickL,
On the float from Jones Canyon to Rattlesnake there's one very small drop above Beavertail (directly below the "B" in Beavertail on the map linked above) that you want to take on the left/center and one just above Rattlesnake Camp that you want to take in the center. They are maybe class 2. If you float from Rattlesnake to Macks there's one slightly larger drop (Class 3 or maybe Class 2 that's labeled as "Rapids" between RM 28 and RM 29 on the map link above) that you want to take on the right. All of these can be floated in an inner tube towing a cooler full of beer in midsummer. And yes I know this from personal, extensive, and often exhaustive testing.
TF

[mandinga]

well, we are planning on bringing ours...2 or 3 of us...1 car.


Can we get a head count? I dont care if only a few people show up, it's gonna be nice to be there regardless :cheers:

[3riversBob]

Picked up some polypropelene long underwear yesterday at Andy & Bax. Got a plan of what I need to bring with me. Got an idea of where I am going. Found a backup pair of neoprene waders at Goodwill. I WILL be there. Whoooohoooo!

Still want provide and cook breakfast one morning. Which morning do you guys want? Sat. or Sunday?

Menu:
Sausage Gravy
Bisquits
Hashbrowns
Bobs' famous egg scramble

Bob

[Gettin' Birdy]

Not to be a doomsayer....but should we have a plan "B" if the rain doesn't stop?

I think my house is going to float away if it doesn't stop soon!

-GB

[3riversBob]

TARPS,TARPS, TARPS! :jester:

Bob

[Airborne]

Hey all, Been out of the NET for a bit, I'm in with kitchen 6's blessings. Im in beaverton and will throw on my truck canopy,(bringing a tent for sleeping) will have room for 1 rider if anyone wants a ride, want to leave about 5pm or so on friday back on sunday afternoon? I will bring my toon and can fit 1 more on my rack. Bringing the shotgun too....Look out

[Mark Vickers]

After Riverkeepers suggestion, I really mulled over bringing the Thunderjet over for the weekend. While playing whitewater taxidriver sounds like a lot of fun, I'm just not up to dragging the boat all the way over there and back. I have this feeling I'd end up messing with the boat more than I'd end up casting and blasting.

I will bring over my 9' pontoon.

[3riversBob]

You're a wise man Mark. :bowdown:

Bob :cool:

[Ryan Pultz]

DAB and I might drag his drift boat over for the day sunday. rp

[3riversBob]

Airborne? I'll be leaving Beaverton about the same time. Mind if I follow you? I've never been to where we are going and it'd probably save me a lot of time. Let me know what you think.

Bob

[PittsburghD]

Breakkie on Sat Bob. As far as toones, I'll jump in I guess. I'm a skilled one in the toon class so if any need a little coach I could give my two cents. I've done Class 3 left and right and shot the falls at the NF Nehalem last year and had a blast (fun and full-on water submersion).

--D

[PittsburghD]

Welcome back to the Big D, Airborne. Looking forward to it.

--Little D

[greenbuttskunk]

guys, I'd love to go, but since I'm just getting back from cabo, I'd be meeting with the divorce attorney if I took off again this weekend. Wish I could make it though. Sounds like an awesome group. Catch some fish for me, please! :cheers:
GBS

[Mark Vickers]

Who's talking about this weekend? I thought we were going on the 20th?

Oh yeah, it was Brad that was asking the question. :grin:

[greenbuttskunk]

dooooo! :crazy: :redface:

[mandinga]

me go dis weekend! :smash:

[PittsburghD]

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm taking this weekend to store up points for next weekend the 18-20th. Just like Ben, the Steelers are only playing Cleveland (for those interested). Anyway, B-Rad, get your own dang fish you Cabo sell-out Northwesterner. If I could catch one, I would surely be hawging it all for myself :blush:. (Add selfish Graemlin here). Anyway, we'll take one for the team if need be. Let us know. I may have to add a trailer to my hauling to carry your weight. Hope all was fab in the South. Word to the mada!

--D

[Airborne]

3RB, not a problem if you want to follow. We need to find a place to link up for the movement. PM your number and we will work out the details.

[Patrick L]

I packed most of my stuff tonight and ran by the fly shop. I can't wait until next weekend!! By the way, I'm still planning on (hopefully) leaving Thursday night, if not, then Friday morning. Still willing to give someone else a lift. Since I'm pulling the trailer, I need to wait until Thursday and check the weather before I decide which way to go. By the way, I will be bringing my pontoon.

Patrick

[Ryan Pultz]

sure wish I could got for the weekend but no dice I have to do the work thing. But sunday still sounds like a go. rp

[Gettin' Birdy]

Well fellas..it's a go for me. I think I'm gonna leave friday afternoon (I work until 6 a.m. friday mornin'..gotta get some sleep after chasing bad guys). I am definately going to bring the truck camper (ahh yes, warm and dry it is)

Also gonna bring "crazy" Kali....the chukar hunting maniac dog. I'll try to keep her out of your fly lines, especially if you've got a fishee on, but no promises :smile:

I guess I'm gonna walk and wade instead of the drift boat. It's either that or forget chukar hunting during the afternoon....

Looking forward to meeting some Ifishers after a lot of wordsmithing.

-Gettin' Birdy

P.S..

[3riversBob]

I finally got everything loaded up this afternoon. Going to have to resort to plan B though. I WAS going to sleep in the back of my Ford Escape and found that it isn't long enough, so going to have to pitch the tent. Oh well! Going to try and skip out of work by 4:30. Nothing like pitching camp in the dark. I'm getting excited. Looking forward to seeing some new and old ifishers.

Bob

[PittsburghD]

I'm just posting this once more to spur up the ecitement. Don't miss out people. If you can do this the weather will be great and the folks always fabulous. Once again, I am sorry I won't make it due to an ankle injury, but not being able to walk is about the only thing that could keep me away. Have a great trip. Send me a postcard.

:hoboy: :depressed: :depressed:

<font color="yellow"> --D </font>

[3riversBob]

PittsburghD....sorry to hear you can't make it. We'll try get pictures of all the embarrassing moments to share online for all to see.

Bob

[Mark Vickers]

First I'll start off by saying that I can make it.

That said, you all wouldn't believe the amount of conflicts that I've had to fight off with this weekend's activities. It seems as if the whole world didn't want me to go over there. I have had to make some significant alterations to my plan.

I'll be driving over there Saturday mid morning. In a rental car. Without my pontoon. Without my dog. Quite possibly without my steelhead fly rod (which inadvertantly got locked in a storage facility and the key just flew to Erie, Pennsylvania).

I will have my sleeping bag, mat, tent, and 16 gauge Parker and shells. I'm still trying to figure out food...

I'll be leaving mid-morning on Sunday.

[FallRiverGuy]

Mark,

You are an inspriation and shame to us that can not make it. :grin:

[Gettin' Birdy]

mark-

if you don't mind hunting behind a flusher....i'll be bringing "crazy" Kali, the chukar hunting maniac. I only own one steelhead rod though, sorry I can't help you there. I hope it's smooth sailing the rest of the way.

[Airborne]

Mark, if you need to borrow anything let me know and I'll bring it. Also are we for sure going to be at Rattlesnake?

[Mark Vickers]

It looks like I may be able to recover my rod as my wife thinks there is another key... I sure hope she's right. If not, I'll put out the plea for a loaner.

I've never hunted behind a flusher. This should be both fun and enlightening. To further that, I just got this gun. This will be the first time I've ever used it. There, now I already have two good excuses for missing birds. :grin:

Are we going to have a campfire?

Can someone post some good directions on how to get to where ever it is that we're going?

[3riversBob]

From an earlier post:


If it's snowing to beat the band on the pass going through The Dalles may be a faster way to get to the lower Deschutes from Portland. This is especially true if you are pulling a boat or trailer. If there's black ice in the gorge, then the best bet is to stay home.

Drive slowly on the access road. We have seen so many flat tires I can't even begin to count them. I have seen at least three drift boat trailers snapped by people driving too fast on this road. It will smooth out for a bit here and there and then get nasty again. Go slowly and it should be OK.

It's easiest to give directions from Shears Falls. To get to Shears Falls via I84 follow the directions listed below:


Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Merge onto I-84 E toward PORTLAND AIRPORT / THE DALLES.

Take the US-197 exit- EXIT 87- toward DUFUR / BEND

Turn RIGHT onto US-197 / US-30. Continue to follow US-197.

Turn SHARP LEFT onto OR-216 at Tygh Valley.

End at Shears Falls


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



If you are coming over Mt. Hood take the turn to Maupin just after crossing in to the Warm Springs Reservations on OR-216. When you reach US-197 you'll either have to backtrack north on US-197 about 5 miles to reach the OR-216 turn at Tygh Valley or head down in to Maupin and follow the paved BLM river access road along the Deschutes to OR-216 at Shears Falls.

Once you cross the river at Shears Falls bear left (right at the stop sign if coming from Maupin on the BLM river access road) and stay on OR-216 headed towards Grass Valley. About 2/3 of a mile after crossing the river you'll cross the Buck Hollow Creek bridge (which you may not notice in the dark) and shortly after that (100 yards) you'll see a large BLM Recreation Area Access sign on the left and a dirt/gravel road. It's the first and only left hand turn after crossing the Deschutes at Shears Falls. If you start heading up a very, very steep winding grade you've missed the turn. Once you get on the dirt road you head north (downriver) for about 9 miles. You'll pass a bunch of campgrounds and excellent fishing including Jones Canyon (which is a great place to launch pontoons for an excellent day float to Rattlesnake) and Beavertail Campground. The next campground after Beavertail is Rattlesnake. The group camp is the first one that you come to on the left. There's room for small trailers (PL 16' should be no problem), but not big 5th wheels or RVs. If folks are bringing bigger campers Beavertail would be a better option.





I'm thowing in a couple bundles of firewood and I believe we have more coming. So yes there will be a fire.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.


Bob

[PittsburghD]

Mark, I've got a 7 wt. Fenwick I could pass on with lots of flies for you to use hoping mine would be the success I could live vicariously through. I'm all over Portland and begging to meet up with you to take a small slice of me with. Otherwise, call Airborne. Firewood at the old Oregon Log Home facility which is owned by a new outfit. Have a great time y'all. I'll miss ya.

--D

[Gettin' Birdy]

I just got called in to work...I'm so mad I could spit. There's an outside chance another may take my place but for now, I'm it. Not sure what that means for Saturday yet.

I'm waiting for a call back, hope it comes soon.

[Mark Vickers]

Well, with that bad tidbit of information, I've worked out a way to get my dog over there. At this point, he ain't much of a well trained dog, but he'll have to do in a pinch.

I'll probably go hunting first, wear him out, and then spend the rest of my time swinging steelhead patterns. Oh, did I mention that I got my rod back? Things are coming together again nicely for me. I can probably stay longer on Sunday too.

Where there's a will, there's a way, and there's a lot of will here...

[PittsburghD]

Good news Mark, Bad news Birdy. All will not be lost B-Dog as my January etc.. starts looking better and defintately Spring jaunt looks great. I'll tell you after missing this one, I will be rallying hard and early for the next one. Not to mention, I'm a beginner in the hunting category but a fast learner and curious.

--D

P.S. wait until after the Superbowl this year when my Steeltown boys spank the Pats, Colts, Chargers, Broncos, Eagles and Seahawks to finally grab the crown after 30 years of silence. Then we can slap the water with furry things.

[Ryan Pultz]

DAB and I will be driving over in the morning for the day Saturday. rp