Swingin' Flies in the Pacific Northwest: What happened?

Aug 18, 2012

What happened?

Haven't made any posts in quite some time. While I have fished a number of days, I just haven't had the energy to post here. The days I've been able to get out, they've been on either the Washougal, Lewis, or Kalama.

My first trip to the Kalama was a good time. While I didn't catch any steelhead, I did get to spend a warm and sunny day on some great water. The fly-only section is simply outstanding as far as being alone in a secluded place. You may not find as many fish as you would below the hatchery, but it is worth it just for the scenery.

Next week I'll be heading down to the North Umpqua. Now that I live in the PNW, it isn't such a long drive. I can make a day trip out of it. I consider the fly-only section to be one of, if not the best places to go fishing. It is an almost magical place where it just makes me feel good to be there. Never mind catching fish, there is something about it that I just cannot put my finger on. I cannot wait. I've been tying a bunch of skaters to get myself in the mood.

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About Me

My interest in fly fishing began as a teenager in my home state of Missouri. After years of fishing rivers in and around the Ozarks, I moved to California in the early 90's. Life continued on, I happily drove hours around to various streams hunting trout. Then it happened. One rainy fall morning, I landed my first steelhead.

Game over. Buh bye trout. Hello steelhead!

Fast forward to 2011. My obsession with steelhead was out of control. I convinced my wife and family, that we needed to leave California and head to the Pacific Northwest.

Now, I'm able to happily fish for steelhead almost year around in both Washington and Oregon. My now home-water is a quick 10 minutes away. Within two hours, I can reach the Deschutes, Klickitat, Wilson, Sandy, Clackamas, Hood, Lewis, Cowlitz, Kalama, and dozens of others. Many of those are within a half hour. Paradise.

Although I started out with single handed rods all those years ago, I switched almost exclusively to 2-handed rods around 2005. I find them to be more efficient and less tiring over those long days. Initially reluctant to give them a try, I've rarely looked back.

This blog is my little spot on the internet to keep record of my trips, fly tying, and thoughts on fishing. Originally conceived as a personal journal to help myself remember where I went and what flies were productive- for whatever reason, I decided to make it public. Hopefully you will get something from it.