Trip Report: Oregon Angling Loop

[tims490]

We of course use the Westy for all sorts of adventures but since we like to fly fish you'll often find us in a van down by the river more often then not.

One of my favorite loops is to hit the Lower Deschutes (Maupin) then head south to the Crooked River (Prineville), bonus stop on the Middle Deschutes at Steelhead Falls if time allows, and then finish the trip on the Metolius (Camp Sherman). Its a good loop. This was a solo trip as my wife just started a new job and couldn't get away mid week. Social distancing at its finest.

Fishing Report:

Lower Deschutes: A strong storm had passed through central Oregon several days earlier and caused the river to be off color with lower visibility. I wasn't too hopeful but the fish were indeed still rising to take dries as well as nymphs sub surface. The big bugs from the salmon fly hatch were gone but tons of caddis and PMD/PEDs about. High winds at night. My favorite river.

Crooked River: Great canyon, tons of camping, and easy access to water. But still I have trouble catching on this river. No fish rising even though bugs were out. Slow going, managed to fool only one. I suppose thats what the flask is for.

Metolius River: Love it here. Open, ponderosa pine forest, notoriously difficult river to catch fish. Cloudy day brought a really nice hatch with fish rising. Put my time in trying various flies but couldn't crack the code. The campgrounds had just opened up the morning I arrived. Looked empty at first glance but all the sites, except one, were reserved. Folks are pent up and looking to get out for sure.

Van ran great. Newish Fiamma awning earned its keep when some light rain passed through. Everything smells like a campfire. A good trip.

Hope everyone is doing well in these uncertain times. See you out on the road.

Tim

p.s. Someone in Camp Sherman had a mint white westy, either 90 or 91. Made our van look like a bum. Think that thing must have been covered in a garage for the last 30 years. Looked all original, except for larger wheels.

[dhaavers]

Love it! Great pics, too...



- Dave
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86 White Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[sanchius]

Great concise report and pictures. Thanks for sharing!

It really brings to mind the Deschutes Brewing "Landmarks" Vanagon video on vimeo.com
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[Slimvest]

Nice one! Have you read this?

https://www.amazon.com/Fishing-Oregons-Endless-Season-Richmond/dp/0916473112
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'87 GL w/ Reimo top

[Maine]

Looks like a great trip! If yu haven't seen the video check out The Fly Fishing Highway, a trip I would like to make sometime.

[VicVan]

Nice trip Tim! Thanks for sharing.

Where was that first picture taken? I want to go. Once the border opens.

Cheers
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'90 Westiti, 2.1 auto

[Merian]

"Crooked River: I have trouble catching on this river. "


Lots of agr. pollution in that river. Not sure if it's on the water quality limited list or not.
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[Merian]

ok, it is on the list


https://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/assessment/rpt2012/results.asp
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[tims490]

Merian - Yeah, apparently fish numbers dropped a lot a few years ago but are supposed to be recovering. Hopefully the trend continues.
https://www.bendbulletin.com/outdoors/trout-number...8c502.html

Maine - I know what we're watching tonight! We've actually fished several of those waters before. Never knew they were linked via one hwy though.
https://www.wideeye.tv/the-rocky-mountain-fly-highway/

Slimvest - Scott was the moderator of the WestFly forum wasn't he? Ordered that book. Will make a nice addition to the van's library.

Sanchius - RE: Landmarks video. Just watched. Yep that about sums it up. The Metolius trickles out of the ground just north of black butte. Thats the label for Black Butte Porter, a fine winter beer.

VicVan - that first pic (color) is on the Deschutes near Maupin. Miles of paved road along the river with lots of camping, both up and downstream from town. Additional miles of dirt, washboard as well when the pavement runs out. Bring a roll of quarters for showers at City Park. August can be full of rafters and larger groups camping and having fun, which is cool, but not my scene so I tend to go elsewhere that month. Also it gets HOT. Watch out for rattlesnakes!