A Day for the River

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Grant Access on Tribal Side
of Lower Deschutes River for One Day Fly Fishing Event

Bend, Oregon – This year, the Deschutes River Conservancy (DRC) is celebrating ten years of successful river restoration work in the Deschutes Basin. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs helped found the DRC in 1996 and have contributed to much the organization’s success. To raise awareness about the challenges facing the river and generate financial support for the DRC’s mission to restore streamflow and improve water quality in Deschutes Basin, the Tribes have granted the organization special access on the Tribal side of the Lower Deschutes River for an exceptional fly fishing event. Saturday, September 15, 2007 has been designated by the DRC as “A Day for the River”- a day to honor all that the river provides us. The limited access and sacredness of the Tribal side of the river would make this a very coveted day among experienced fly fisherman. These coveted fly fishing trips will be auctioned off at the DRC Tightlines Auction & BBQ Dinner on Thursday, September 6, 2007. For more information, about the trips or to register for the auction, contact Bea Armstrong at (541)382-4077 ext. 23 or visit www.deschutesriver.org.

In addition to the fly fishing trips, on that one day, folks will have an opportunity to experience the entire river from its headwaters in the Cascade Mountains to the mouth at the Columbia River. Throughout the Deschutes Basin, the DRC provide you with a chance to enjoy the river by fishing, rafting, canoeing, or hiking. Some of these activities will have a fee associated with them and others will be free of charge. Our hope is to increase the level of awareness about our natural resources and to inspire the community to give back to this tremendous resource that we have here in Central Oregon – the Deschutes River. For more information about the event, visit www.deschutesriver.org or call (541)382-4077 ext.23.

Tarpon Time again

Last spring I traveled to the Yucatan in search of the "Silver Prince"... baby tarpon. The Yucatan has become known for large populations of baby tarpon. Ascension Bay, on the west coast of the Yucatan, is well known as a tarpon fishery, as well as other flats species. But it is also home to many lodges, pangas, tourists, and pressured fish. So to avoid the crowds I went east.
My friend Marco Ruz invited me to experience fishing with him and his guides on the Mayan Yucatan. The stop was Tarpon Cay Lodge. The flats and mangroves guarding the lodge would prove to be as great as Marco claimed. One phrase describes it best... "Tarpon Catching".

I enjoyed the fishing and experience Marco provides so much that I'm going back in 2009. I have selected dates after their winter weather cycle and during the best tides for catching tarpon. Since baby tarpon live deep in the mangroves and feed on the flats, it is important to be on the water during the low tide. Tarpon will be forced from the safety of the mangroves, where we will be waiting, ready to intercept.

A total of 5 anglers will travel with Marco and myself from Cancun, to Tarpon Cay Lodge for six days of fishing for baby tarpon and migratory fish up to 100 pounds. I would like you to be one of them. This is the best baby tarpon experience on the flats. Jose Wejebe (The Spanish Fly) totes Tarpon Cay as the largest population of baby tarpon he has ever seen.

Dates: July 12th - 19th, 2009
General Itinerary:
July 12: Arrival day (Cancun)
July 13-18: Fishing days at Tarpon Cay Lodge

July 19: Departure day (Cancun)

Rate: $3,295/angler (double occupancy room / boat-guide) 

Includes: Transportation, meals, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, lodging, and guides.
Not included: Airfare, tackle, flies, leaders, alcohol, and gratuities.

Airfare from Portland to Cancun ranges in price from $350 to $500.
 

There are 2 spots left. If you would like more information about this trip, please email me at Damien@deschutesflyfish.com

Let's go catch some Tarpon!

Damien