Newbie Fly Fisherman

Twothirteen · 05-29-2009, 02:45 PM

My personal goal for this summer is to become a better fly-fisherman. When I was 12 years old I took a fly-fishing class at Club Sport in Lake Oswego, which planted the seed in me at a young age. I'm now 19 and I really want to pursue the sport. I have a Sage VT2 (6wt 9"6') and a G-Loomis Venture 5 reel, and I'm looking for some help finding an area to fish.

Recently I drove by the Deschutes (omw to Maupin) and in doing so It brought back to me the memories of a fly fishing trip I took there when I was much younger. (in the class)

I'd really like to fish the Deschutes, but I'm not even remotely sure where to start. I'd like to plan a day trip down there this weekend some time if everything works out. Any/All advice is very welcomed, thanks guys..

Also, I have waders but not any form of boat etc.

I suppose this is kind of an introduction of mine into the Flyfishing section too... Hello!

-- Chase

PayDay · 05-29-2009, 04:05 PM

I'm sure it will be a really busy weekend so you'll have lots of company, but I'd suggest stopping at the Deschutes Canyon fly shop (on the east side of the river close to the Oasis Cafe). Have them fix you up with some flies and the proper rigging then head upriver toward the locked gate and fish your way back down.

JD77 · 05-29-2009, 05:17 PM

Chase,
The D is a tough fishery for new guys. It really helps to have an experienced person show you the ropes. It is an awesome place, though and worth your time. Just don't get bummed if you get skunked. There are other fisheries that are easier. The fish are not as hot, though.

Twothirteen · 05-29-2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD77

It really helps to have an experienced person show you the ropes.

Any offers here? I'll gladly pay for gas / food, etc..

JD77 · 05-29-2009, 06:22 PM

Twothirteen,
I am not the expert you need, but I bet you could find someone on here on ifish. I struggle to catch much but I still love going over there. If I was more experienced I would show you.

06-01-2009, 02:12 PM

Best time of the year to fish the big D with dries imho. Big dry Stoneflies near the bank (just inches at times), in the shade, casting upstream, where no one has tried in the last few hours should produce. Try www.deschutesangler.com and check the reports as Amy does a pretty good job.

good luck!

Wild Chrome · 06-01-2009, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD77

Chase,
The D is a tough fishery for new guys. It really helps to have an experienced person show you the ropes. It is an awesome place, though and worth your time. Just don't get bummed if you get skunked. There are other fisheries that are easier. The fish are not as hot, though.

My most disappointing days on the Deschutes have come during the salmonfly hatch. The fish are so full, see so many bugs, many with hooks in them. Why should they strike your fly? (my fly

) It can be great, especially if you can escape the crowds. My single best day on the Deschutes was a Salmonfly day. But don't overlook the summer evening caddis fishing or the late winter/spring/fall mayfly hatches. They can be equally productive IMHO, with much fewer bug-flickers to compete for good water with

.

Twothirteen · 06-01-2009, 04:31 PM

Thanks guys I really appreciate all of the feedback, it's all been helpful in putting my next trip together... which will take place once finals are over in a week. ; )

Once I'm down there I'll definitely take some pics and report back!

packer · 06-02-2009, 10:47 AM

look at the fishing report at ODFW and fish some of the smaller lakes until you can get your casting and mending down pat , starting out on expert water might get frustrating

Twothirteen · 06-02-2009, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by packer

look at the fishing report at ODFW and fish some of the smaller lakes until you can get your casting and mending down pat , starting out on expert water might get frustrating

Thanks I may try out Thissel Pond.. anybody have luck there before? I'm not sure really what flies may produce there either..