Three reasons to fly fish the Fall in Southern Oregon

1) Fish like this

2) Fish like this

3) And fish like this

Dry Fly Steelhead Fishing

One of the most exciting times in fly fishing is nearly upon us on the beautiful rivers of Southern Oregon and Northern California. Near the end of May and certainly in the first

few weeks of June huge Salmonfly (Pteronarcys californica) and Golden Stone Fly (Hesperoperla pacifica) will make their way across the river bottoms and up stream-side vegetation to molt, mate, fly and lay their eggs on the water’s surface.

All stages of this hatch are of interest to trout and trout anglers alike, but for die-hard steelheaders there is an additional angling opportunity to practice our spey casts while skating big dries to half pounders and spring steelhead on the Klamath River.

If you have been fortunate enough to observe a salmonfly or golden stone hatch (they both typically happen at the same time) the observant angler notices these bugs have distinct preferences for when they fly or when they stay glued to the bank. Further observations illustrate that while one evening there may be thousands and thousands of the these clumsy fliers in the air, it’s when they fly low, quivering their wings just over the surface and touching their egg laden abdomens to the water that we often have our most memorable fishing sessions.

This action can be imitated in a number of ways with both single and double handed rods and is a combination of trying to mimic these natural movements while at the same time breaking one of our most important dry-fly rules: The drag free drift. For single hand anglers try raising your rod tip high, allowing a little downstream belly to form in your line and quiver your rod tip. For spey anglers, the tantalizing action of a salmonfly dancing across the water surface makes a subtle “v” wake which fortunately, is the same presentation made when skating a dry fly, down and across. I’ll also angle my cast slightly upstream and get a few feet of dead drift before allowing my fly to come under tension and begin it’s skittering swing.

On the few rivers where strong salmonfly hatches and spring steelhead coincide, skittered and skated salmonfly drys can be very effective and fun at bringing fish to the surface. The Klamath River in Northern California is one such venue with the added bonus of eager half-pounders and trout ensuring action throughout the day.

Best fishing is during the last week of May and first few weeks of June before the weather and water get too warm for ethical fishing. In the mean time, fishing is good and the weather is pleasant! Please drop us a line to learn more or book a day of dry fly steelheading.

Spring Fly Fishing in Southern Oregon

Southern Oregon + Northern California Fly Fishing Report

As the rivers in our area continue to fish well for winter steelhead, warmer, brighter days signal that the end of the season is in sight. Between storms and as waters clear, the observant angler can look in shallow tail-outs and see the occasional fish digging redds and dropping eggs.  It's a special dance to witness and one I hope goes well for the fish who are ensuring their legacy and our continued opportunity to fish.

As waters warm through the spring months, wild trout in the Klamath and Rogue become much more active and feed on the bounty of aquatic insects and baitfish.

Both the Rogue and Klamath Rivers see strong hatches of golden stoneflies and salmonflies early in the season. On the Rogue, most fish are small but Cutthroat to 20 inches or more can show themselves from the deep over hanging branches of the upper river in May.  Dry fly fishing in the early mornings and evenings can be non-stop action and trips are a perfect addition to a spring weekend in Ashland, OR.

Meanwhile, on the Klamath River, swarms of stoneflies, caddis, and damsel choke the reeds and air, but the fish seldom feel the need to surface for them. Turbid waters, bouldery chutes and heavy water require skilled subsurface presentations. Serious anglers love this fishery and are often rewarded with high quality Redband Trout. We fish out of framed fishing rafts and the whitewater between fishing ensures a high adventure fishing trip.

Worthington Fly Fishing guides both the Rogue and Klamath rivers in Southern Oregon and takes pride in sharing exceptional guiding and outstanding days on the water. Join us in 2018 to kick off your trout season!

Plan Your Trip

760-424-9682

WorthingtonFlyFishing@gmail.com