ARTICLE 12

Fly Fishing in Oregon

Some of the best fly fishing destinations in the United States are found in Oregon. Oregon is known for its rugged and beautiful sceneries which include parts of four major physiographic provinces of the United Statees. The western part of the state is occupied by the Pacific Boarder province that encompasses the Oregon Coast Range, the Klamath Mountains and the Willamette Valley. The Sierra-Cascade province is dominated by the Cascade Plateau. In the northeastern and north central part of Oregon lies the Columbia Plateau which is subdivided into the Blue Mountains, the Deschutes-Umatilla Plateau, the Harney Desert, and the Payette Section. The fourth physiographic region of Oregon is in the south which is a subdivision of the Basin and Range province called the Great Basin.

The natural of beauty of Oregon’s natural regions is a perfect background for fly fishing in the states famous rivers.

The McKenzie River - The McKenzie River, located one hour south of Salem, is a favorite destination for fly fishers and vacationers going on drift boat. The McKenzie river is famous for its native “redsides” rainbow. Chinook Salmon and Summer Steelhead are some of the anadromous fish species found in the McKenzie. The river offers exciting opportunities for fun and adventure to fly fishers of skill levels especially from the seasons of spring to late fall where dry fishing for trout usually takes place. Wild rainbow species are abundant in the McKenzie. Wild cutthroat species like to live in the lower river along with a small number of bull trout. Like in any other stream, the McKenzie River trout sometimes need a little extra coaxing and can be a problem to less skillful fly fishers. This type of trout grows from 8 to 14 inches, some even grow longer than 20 inches.

The Deschutes River – The Deschutes River meanders its way over 100 miles to the Columbian River and offers scenic and rugged beauty that is pure delight to adventure goers and fly fishers.. It is widely popular as one of the best native trout streams in America. Wild Deschutes Rainbows and the ocean-going Deschutes Steelhead are the popular fish species in the Deschutes River. Many fishermen and vacationers come to the Deschutes River in late spring to early summer and watch the famous salmon fly hatch where the fish feed on big insects. Other hatches from caddis, mayfly and midge surface with the warm weather. Excellent time for steelhead fishing can be enjoyed in the late fall.

North Santiam River - The North Santiam River is a tributary of the Willamette River which has abundant population of rainbows, cutthroats, and Atlantic salmon. The North Santiam River is located near Salem, Oregon and is home to a large population of summer steelhead. The best way to fish at the North Santiam River is from June towards the end of October. The average trout size in the North Santiam River ranges from 10 to 13 inches although occasionally, larger trout are also caught. The surrounding beauty of around the North Santiam River is majestic.