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In Western Oregon we are blessed with a temperate climate yearround.
Barring the immediate effects of a winter or spring rainstorm, rainbow and
cutthroat trout are available to be caught every single month of the year.
In a typical year our guides begin focusing on McKenzie River
trout fishing in mid to late February. Air temperatures throughout
the fishing day usually range from
 the mid 40's to the mid 50's. The water
is high compared to those of late spring and summer, but if the water is clear
fish can be caught. And . . . it is unlikely that you will see another
angler.
Nymph fishing is the most productive method through most of
each winter and early spring day on the McKenzie. Midges and minute Baetis
mayflies can offer the dry fly angler a chance to fish floating patterns during
an unpredictable, brief window each day. During these hatches, the
McKenzie River fly patterns may need to be quite exacting, and expertly
presented.
As the winter progresses and the river temperature flirts
with 47 or 48 degrees the famous McKenzie River March Brown mayfly hatch starts at the
warmest part of the day, usually mid to late afternoon. March Browns will
predominate most of the dry fly action March and April.
When the March Browns come on strong our fishing guides may
suggest splitting the fishing day between the McKenzie and Willamette River.
The Willamette below the McKenzie provides some secluded, productive trout
fishing in the spring. Many of our clients like the two-river experience
for a variety of scenery and fishing experience.
Caddisflies and Light Cahill-type mayflies predominate the
surface as the March Browns wane. But the astute, skilled angler will rely
on nymphs most of the fishing day.
As the heat of summer comes on the fishing of the McKenzie
fades, so mid to late June finds our fly fishing guides shifting focus to the
Santiam River. Here the cutthroat and rainbows are all native. And,
there is a very dangerous possibility that a summer steelhead may grab your
trout fly. Some of our guided fishing clients will split their fishing day
between casting to trout and trying to tempt a steelhead in selected
locations.
Come mid August, our McKenzie River fishing guides become
Rogue River fishing guides, staying in Southern Oregon until Thanksgiving.
Guided trip details . . .
Book a guided
fly fishing trip . . .
Trout fly fishing book excerpts . . .
Click on images below to see expanded
photo.
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