Portland Area streams, rivers and lakes

jebdrbhjb · 08-10-2009, 08:56 PM

All -

new to fly fishing and looking for some good local areas to fish for trout. Any suggestions? What are your favorites?

Spade · 08-11-2009, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jebdrbhjb

All -

new to fly fishing and looking for some good local areas to fish for trout. Any suggestions? What are your favorites?

The Portland area is pretty large, where are you at? Knowing that will really help others recommend something that you don't have to drive 40 miles to get to.

I like the lower Clackamas, but I'm sure a lot of people would recommend the upper sections that see less attention.

But, since you're new to it, I suggest looking into a you-catch place that allows you to use your own gear. Horning's Hideout (North Plains) allows fly fishers to C&R at $7/hr starting in October. But, they're pretty darn reasonable with their prices if you take all that you catch. I like the idea of working bigger dries there so you're entertained and you learn the process catching with the knowledge there is fish there, that really takes the pressure off so you can pay attention to technique.

elvisboats · 08-11-2009, 07:25 AM

I would also recommend Deer Island Trout Creek pond. A great place to practice casting with a thingamabobber/nymph, and huge fish. I mean, 7 lbs or more. He charges $20 for a full day.

Spade · 08-11-2009, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elvisboats

I would also recommend Deer Island Trout Creek pond. A great place to practice casting with a thingamabobber/nymph, and huge fish. I mean, 7 lbs or more. He charges $20 for a full day.

Got an address too?

$20/day far exceeds 7/hr!!

jebdrbhjb · 08-11-2009, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spade

The Portland area is pretty large, where are you at? Knowing that will really help others recommend something that you don't have to drive 40 miles to get to.

I like the lower Clackamas, but I'm sure a lot of people would recommend the upper sections that see less attention.

But, since you're new to it, I suggest looking into a you-catch place that allows you to use your own gear. Horning's Hideout (North Plains) allows fly fishers to C&R at $7/hr starting in October. But, they're pretty darn reasonable with their prices if you take all that you catch. I like the idea of working bigger dries there so you're entertained and you learn the process catching with the knowledge there is fish there, that really takes the pressure off so you can pay attention to technique.

I'm in Tigard.

briangephart · 08-11-2009, 10:51 AM

Don't pay to fish at some stupid trout pond, You paid to get a license you might as well use it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by just going out and trying it. Every time you cast, you learn something new, either by watching how your body naturally casts and learning what's best for you personally or learning how to set the hook. A stupid little trout pond has nothing to offer except catching fish. There is more to fly fishing then just catching fish. You will never learn a thing by fishing those cheap trout ponds.

Spade · 08-11-2009, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by briangephart

Don't pay to fish at some stupid trout pond, You paid to get a license you might as well use it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by just going out and trying it. Every time you cast, you learn something new, either by watching how your body naturally casts and learning what's best for you personally or learning how to set the hook. A stupid little trout pond has nothing to offer except catching fish. There is more to fly fishing then just catching fish. You will never learn a thing by fishing those cheap trout ponds.

Got a place you recommend he start at?

briangephart · 08-13-2009, 12:47 PM

Go to the Clackamas river. Try to bridge before the Indian Henry Campground, Not the one right at the turn off for the camp ground but just before it(before the old pge buildings.). There is a place to park and a little trail that leads right to the river. This is one hell of place to learn to flyfish. It has fast water, slow water, deep water and shallow places to break in those waders. Its all in one place. And I have never not caught a fish there.

drhall99 · 08-13-2009, 03:02 PM

Go down Hwy 26 and hit the coastals between portland and Seaside... Nothing more encouraging than some small, dumb cutthroat hitting your dry fly!

uhmw · 08-13-2009, 03:46 PM

Well you could dink around johnson creek. hit the old bell mkt hole and ya can move on down to the cast parts hole or any where along the creek you can find lots of access.

rockthief · 08-13-2009, 08:32 PM

buy a copy of John Shewey's book and have at it.

Krusty · 08-15-2009, 08:50 PM

Oak Grove fork of the Clackamas.
Mainstem Clackamas above Northfork Res.
Little North Santiam.
Bull Run.
North Santiam.
South Santiam.
Mckenzie.
Sandy.
Deschutes.
Metolius.
Put the money in your gas tank and go have a real experience.
PM me if you need any info on local spots.

wilsonriverfisher · 08-16-2009, 12:24 PM

I will add a few
mill creek out east of salem
Yamhill river
gales creek

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krusty

Oak Grove fork of the Clackamas.
Mainstem Clackamas above Northfork Res.
Little North Santiam.
Bull Run.
North Santiam.
South Santiam.
Mckenzie.
Sandy.
Deschutes.
Metolius.
Put the money in your gas tank and go have a real experience.
PM me if you need any info on local spots.

jebdrbhjb · 08-17-2009, 01:05 PM

thanks to everyone for the info and I'll be hunting down John Shewey's book ASAP.