#6 - Fall River - 8.16.2014

Fall River is usually one of our winter time go to rivers as it is open all year above the falls.  This year, it's a summer time spot as the water in the Upper Deschutes is pretty blown out with the high irrigation flows.  The ice cold, clear water of Fall River is something to experience.  The trout are wise and feisty and always a treat to catch.

#5 - Odell Creek - 7.27.2014

We stopped here on our way home from the Upper Deschutes.  The fish were small, but there were lots of them and the wildflowers were outstanding.

#4 - Upper Deschutes - 7.26.2014

We consider the Upper Deschutes to be our homewater and is probably the river we have the most passion for.  In 2008, we purchased a cabin just downstream from Wickiup Reservoir, and have spent the last six years exploring and learning about this river.   We have had some of our finest and best fishing memories at places like "the dinner hole"...named for the certainty of the catch.  We've also had some of our lowest moments as we watch the river dry to a trickle as a result of downstream water rights and irrigation.  

We love this river for so many reasons, but brown trout like this one are definitely part of the equation. 

 

#3 - The McKenzie - 7.1.2014

The McKenzie is definitely a river worth multiple entries and bonus points as there are so many sections to explore.  It may be one of the prettiest rivers in the country and we are lucky to live so close to it.  So close, in the summer we can hit it after work and bring home fresh trout for dinner.  

And, we'd like to introduce Barney...quite possibly the ugliest raft out there.  One thing is for sure, it won't be stolen.  And if it is, we will find it.  We are in the market for a larger raft with more capacity for longer trips, but Barney allows us access to water we are less experienced on and less likely to explore in our drift boat. 

We've also discovered our favorite way to eat trout.  Skinned and breaded with cracker crumbs, pan fried in peanut oil.  It may not be the lowest calorie, but totally delicious.

BP - The Willamette

Well, when a river runs through your hometown, chances are you are going to fish it more than once...especially when there's an active steelhead run calling your name.  So, I'm giving these multiple trips bonus points (BP).  They don't count twice, but they should be remembered if a beautiful fish was involved. 

We've been releasing some of the town run steelhead as we are not the types to put fish in the freezer.  If we can't prepare them and eat them right away, they might as well stay in the river.  This one got a little hammered on the way to the boat and I decided he was going home with us.

EC - Wickiup Reservoir

I'm calling Wickiup Reservoir, and all lakes, extra credit (EC).  They don't count towards the 50 rivers, but they do represent a day spent on the water with our fly rods.  On a calm, sunny day, Wickiup is one of our favorite places to paddle and swim.  We saw a few fish on this day, but didn't land any of them.  We are still trying to master the art of casting from our Bote stand up paddle boards.  

#2 - The Willamette - 6.3.2014

It’s easy to check off the Willamette when it runs through the middle of your hometown.  Of all of the outdoor possibilities, the “town run” of the Willamette is an incredible gift to those inclined to explore close to home. 

Tuesday was our last half day of vacation so we decided to venture out one last time to check a few of our favorite spots between Alton Baker Park and the Beltline bridge.  At one of those spots, Jen landed and released her traditional birthday steelhead on a fly she designed and tied.  This was definitely her favorite present. 

The second fish was a sweet surprise and a great way to end the short trip on our home water of the Willamette River.

#1 - The Molalla - 6.2.2014

We had a full day to explore on the 50^th and decided to start out bold, exploring new water up north on the Molalla.  We took Barney, our faded purple Aire Super Puma, and were ready for a day of steelhead or trout fishing.  Our research told us to head to the Feyrer Park area, which was beautiful, but the river was running pretty low and it seemed we might spend the day dragging Barney over the rocks from hole to hole.  That didn’t sound like a fun birthday adventure, so we paid the daily fee and ditched the boat and trailer at the park and headed upriver.  The South Molalla Forest Road offers lots of places to pull off and fish some great riffles and pools.  In another month, I’m guessing those pools will offer some great summer swim spots.  For now, they yielded a handful of smaller trout and a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. 

Biggy on the Molalla

Upper Molalla

50 years and 50 rivers - an introduction

Milestone birthdays are important to celebrate and great excuses to do something extra special to mark the day.  Jen and I always thought we would celebrate her 50^th in the Caribbean casting to Bonefish, but two aging dogs shifted our 50 year party closer to home.  50 BY 51 is the gift of time and a passport of rivers to fish and explore over the next year.  We hope you’ll join us on these adventures and suggest a few rivers you think we should check out.  We promise to tell the stories, but we won’t give away all of the clues to your favorite places and fisheries.

The birthday passport