Safe, comfortable McKenzie River drift boat, safety gear
Lunch with beverages
Drink cooler, chairs, table, plates, etc.
On overnight trips we provide food from lunch on day 1 to lunch on the last day
Fishing equipment if you can't bring your own
Transportation back to your vehicle after the trip (day trip only)
YOU WILL NEED:
For this day trip you will need an Oregon fishing license, a Deschutes River Boaters Pass and Warm Springs Indian Permit. The best way to buy your boater pass is on line at www.boaterpass.com. You will need this information for your purchase: Put in is Warm Springs and take out is Trout Creek. My guide permit number is: 056-8-553.
Fishing licenses and Warm Springs Indian Permit can be purchased at the Tiger Mart in Madras (check around for other locations). The cost is about $12.00 for a one-day fishing license with two, three, four and seven day licenses available. Indian Permits are about $8.00 per person per day.
FISHING EQUIPMENT:
In the early spring we anticipate fishing almost entirely with nymphs. The water may be up and slightly off color but that shouldn't affect the fishing very much. We use a yarn strike indicator with two flies; a large weighted stonefly trailing a smaller dropper.
Nymphs:
Black Leg Girdle Bug..............................# 4, 6, 8 3XL Weighted
Stone Nymph (black or brown)...............# 4, 6, 8 3XL Weighted
Steelhead will bite on a variety of techniques. Swinging dry or wet flies is the most popular with nymphing working for both the trout and steelhead. 9 to 10 foot rods in a seven oreight weight with both floating and sink tips will do nicely.
Recently, spey rods have taken over a big part of fly fishing for Steelhead and Salmon. These long rods in 13 to 15 foot models are ideally suited for the Deschutes and fishing with your back close to the bank and trees. Long roll casts really help for tight situations with these seven, eight or nine weight rods.
There are new Skagit lines that make these rods work very well in my opinion. Come out with us and give it a try!
Dry Flies:
Muddler (dry and wet), large bodied and winged flies..............# 2-6
Wet Flies:
Green Butt Skunks, Macks Canyon, Silver Hilton.....................# 2-6
Crystal Bullets, Boss Flies, Red Winged Blackbird.....................# 2-6
Purple flies: Freight Train, Purple Peril, Street Walker..............# 2-6
(I fish purple a lot early and late, or cloudy days)
Nymphs:
Large Black Girdle Bugs, Lead or Barbell eyed Wooley Buggers, Large Stonefly Nymphs.................................# 2-6
Small Bead Head Nymphs like Pheasant Tails, Prince Nymphs, Hares Ears..........................# 10-18
In addition to the recommended flies you will want to carry a general selection of other patterns.
The guide will also have his fly selection which he'll be happy to share. This should have you covered for all contingencies.
Longer rods, 9 or 9 1/2 feet, are best for controlling nymphs.
Because of the weight and indicator, we like a heavier rod in the 6 or 7 weight range. Avoid extra light rods in the 4 weight range or below.
Leaders and Tippet:
9 or 10 foot tapered leader
2x, 3x, 4x Tippet material
Waders:
We recommend chest waders only; breathables are by far the best. No hip waders please; they are simply too dangerous in a big river. Felt or 5/10 rubber are a must; studded soles and a wading staff are recommended options. Whatever waders you choose you may want to put some layers on underneath, even though the water is starting to warm a bit it can still be fairly cold, a little extra protection can be nice.
Clothing:
Spring weather is hard to predict, one minute it will be bright sunshine; the next it will be rainy, windy and cold so dress in layers and be prepared for just about anything.
Other:
Some additional items that are handy to have are: polarized sunglasses (they help you spot fish), sun block, a broad-brimmed hat (with string in case of wind) and a camera.
