deschutesflyfish.com

Orvis Casting Competition

2010-08-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Damien entered the professional division at the 2nd Annual Orvis Casting Competition. I know what you're thinking... competition is not why I fish. Well imagine a blend of golf and casting. Each "hole" requires a different set of casting skills... roll casting, distance, and of course accuracy. Truly a fun challenge. Give it a shot the next time you are in Bend. The course (the only one of it's kind) is located in the Old Mill District near the Orvis store.

Deschutes River Steelhead Fishing

2010-08-14T06:03:00.000-07:00

Last week we (the DCO crew) headed down the lower Lower Deschutes. As a group, we had never floated the section from Mack's Canyon to Heritage Landing - the Colombia. Our target was steelhead, and we wanted to check out the warm water reports we had been hearing.

We found fish. 8 to be exact. 6 fish came to our surface patterns. Only 2 where landed. Not bad since we only fished from first light to 11 am. Water temps where a bit high, but not unfishable.

All and all, it was a great trip. We look forward to the next adventure to that part of the river.

July newsletter

2010-07-14T07:41:00.001-07:00

Our July Newsletter is available....

Early Steelhead season is upon us!

Fishing the Brickners

2010-07-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I celebrated the 4th of July with Kurt and Sarah Brickner. We had an awesome trip on the river. We saw 2 other anglers in 3 days! The fish where mildly responsive at the front end of the trip. As the weather heated up the fishing got a lot better. Kurt had an epic day on the 4th. Thanks for a great trip.

Fly fishing report for the Lower Deschutes

2010-06-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

This week will mark the end of the 2010 stone fly hatch on the Lower Deschutes River. This year's hatch was very unique... it started early and ended late. This has been the longest time we've thrown adult dry flies and caught fish... May 13th - June 20th! Here are is a photo from our last trip...

Antone Ranch

2010-06-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

The Deschutes River blew us off the river this week... bummer! We where looking forward to having great fishing with the Elliot group... settled for a day on Buckhorn instead... fishing there was great!

The next trip we rescheduled to Antone Ranch! Have you heard of this place? 45,000 acres. 5 lakes. lots of giant fish. Beautiful. We camped at the edge of Rock Lake, the largest lake on the ranch... it happened to have tons of beautiful fish in it. Check out this photo of the trophy's trophy from High Lake! Damn!

Lower Deschutes Multi-day trip

2010-06-05T21:46:00.000-07:00

We just returned from another fishing trip from Trout Creek to Maupin... Mother Nature is kicking our butts! The river has come up over 2000 cfs! And this morning Trout Creek was putting enough mud into the river to make fishing challenging... nearly unfishible. We did manage to catch a few nice fish on Thursday and Friday.

Fishing with Owen and Tre

2010-06-01T05:37:00.000-07:00

The fishing on the Lower Deschutes continues to be RED HOT. The past few days have been spend fishing with Owen and his son Tre. They had some great fishing and caught some awesome fish. We even where lucky enough to see a herd of Big Horn Sheep.

Fishing with Tim Hartford

2010-05-28T17:32:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a great fishing trip with Tim Hartford and his girl friend Dina. The fishing was so so on the first day, very good on the 2nd day, and RED HOT on the 3rd day. Thanks for joining us Tim and Dina.

Deschutes River Report

2010-05-26T05:35:00.000-07:00

Ken was on the Lower Deschutes yesterday and reported awesome fishing. He floated with a couple of regulars from Warmsprings to Trout Creek. The stone fly hatch is still in effect and he reported catching fish on caddis, pmd's and even some green drakes. Can't wait to launch later this morning for 3 days and 2 nights of camping and fishing.

Zen and the Art of Fly Fish

2010-05-21T06:25:00.001-07:00

Be sure to visit the latest article about a recent trip with one of our owners/guides Damien Nurre.

http://blog.traveloregon.com/2010/05/20/zen-and-the-art-of-fly-fishing/

2010-05-19T06:34:00.000-07:00

Our friends at VisitBend.com had a great trip on the river with us. They couldn't wait to tell everyone how much fun they had.

http://www.visitbend.com/blog/2010/05/19/lower-deschutes-multi-day-fly-fishing-trips-is-a-must-for-any-fly-rodder/

Crooked River Fishing Report

2010-05-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

The high water event on the Crooked River has subsided. Fishing is improving, but will continue to get better as the water level drops. Be sure to be stocked up with plenty of caddis patterns for the next few days/week. The Mother's Day caddis hatch is in full effect. This blanket hatch is a site to see.

Lower Deschutes Fishing report

2010-05-11T07:02:00.001-07:00

Let the games begin. The river is in prime shape, after the recent high water event. The trout are hungry and fool hardy... Game on! This weekend we had a few successful trips from Warmsprings to Trout Creek. The redbands, where eager to eat nymphs: stone fly, pheasant tails, caddis pupas, and zebra midges. The stone flies, salmon and golden stones nymphs are starting to become very active, and should start their migration in the lowest section of the river in next few weeks. The first emergence of adults have been spotty below sherars falls. By the week of the week, there should be a few popping out as high up as locked gate. If you are fishing on the Lower Deschutes be sure to have beatis (Blue Winged Olive) patterns in nymphs, emergers, and dries. Zebra midge is our favorite. Fishing in the Maupin area is still open and is the best option for access.

Low water in Montana, Colorado, and Wyomning

2010-04-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

There is an interesting article in the latest issue of the Angling Report. It looks like the Intermountain West is going to have a very rough fishing season. Expect there to be river closures in MT, CO, and WY by mid July. Luckily (but not without other problems) the Deschutes River Basin has a number of dams and reservoirs, that allow consistent flow even during lowest water years. We should feel the same effects they are further east.

Here is an excerpt:

MONTANA. Montana, like Idaho, watched the wet winter weather pass to the south. March and April brought some moisture and cool weather to the mountains but only enough to give a small boost to low summer streamflow predictions. In the western part of the state, summer streamflow predictions for destination rivers such as the Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Big Hole and Clark Fork are forecast to be as much as 60 percent below normal with the Bitterroot and Lower Clark Fork hit especially hard. Further east, ticularly in the northern Rockies - you may not find “nor-
mal” streamflows this summer. The outlook for the Jefferson, Madison, Gallatin and Yellowstone rivers is a bit better, but they still are predicted to run in the neighborhood of 20 percent below the 30-year average. The Bighorn River streamflow is projected to be around 75 percent of average. Again, if predictions hold, the best timing for fishing in Montana will be mid June through early August, maybe even a little earlier for rivers in the western part of the state.

WYOMING. Streamflow across this state is expected to be considerably below average from May to September. The upper Snake, Madison and Yellowstone river basins are predicted to be 70 percent of average, at best. Summer flows for the Shoshone and Clarks Fork river basins in the northern part of the state are projected at 65 percent of normal. Farther south, things look better: the Belle Fourche and Cheyenne rivers should run close to 100 percent. The upper and lower North Platte rivers are, however, predicted to run at only around 60 percent. Reservoir storage across the state is good, which will help.

COLORADO. Moving southward to Colorado, the streamflow outlook improves but only slightly. Across northern Colorado, the winter snowpack that feeds streams such as the Colorado, Yampa, White and North Platte is below normal. Those rivers, and the South Platte, are projected to have summer flows at 70 to 80 percent of normal. In contrast, streams further to the south in Colorado are predicted to see near-average to slightly above-average volumes. Reservoir storage across most of the state is near average, which should help alleviate late-summer shortages in some basins.

Buckhorn Lake - Middle Deschutes

2010-04-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend the staff at Deep Canyon Outfitters decided to for go our annual opening day fishing trip on the Lower Deschutes, and fished Buckhorn Lake and the Middle Deschutes instead. The Lower Deschutes river is NOT fishing very well right now. It is being effected by the Crooked River, which is flow extremely high right now. Despite a relatively light snow pack, run off on the Crooked River is effecting the entire Lower Deschutes system. Look for the lower river to clear in the next week or so.

We found success this weekend at both locations. Buckhorn Lake was by far the best fishing. We didn't have much success catching bass, but the rainbows were easily fooled. The Middle Deschutes was a great adventure. 4 of our staff ventured down stream towards Lake Billy Chinook, while the other 4 ventured upstream from the lake. Everyone caught a few fish on both nymphs and dry flies. The big news is the salmon flies that where spotted. Both groups reported seeing the first few bugs of the 2010 season.

Buckhorn Lake - now open

2010-04-22T05:48:00.000-07:00

Buckhorn Lake is now open for fishing in 2010. The bass fishing has remained awesome! And earlier this winter we added a few trout to the mix. Now you can catch a rainbow trout and a bass in the same lake, on the same day, with the same fly. Our guides are loving the lake and have dubbed it "Mini-Crane"... the trout are concentrating in the channels and the bass are in the shallow edges.

What makes a fly pattern new?

2010-04-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

At Deep Canyon, we have a couple of guides on staff who are avid fly tiers... and like to think of our selves as innovative. But are we? Above is photo of Damien's SUV stone. Read the article and let us know if you think this fly is innovative.

An update from Coyhaique River Lodge

2010-04-05T15:31:00.000-07:00

The 2010 season in Patagonia is quickly coming to an end. This season saw so many fish with so little time to experience every river, lake or creek. New fishing holes were discovered, new lakes explored and many of the smaller fish are growing to an unbelievable size. Alejandro reported record catches on several days. All who were fortunate to get a week with the Rumbo guides were not disappointed. Those of you who could not make it down this year........we saved you some. They'll be even bigger come 2011.

Upper Deschutes River restoration

2010-03-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

Here's some interesting insight into the restoration issues facing the Upper Deschutes River.

Fishing Report - Lower Deschutes

2009-09-06T18:24:00.000-07:00

I spent the day guiding two wonderful people from the great state of Minnesota. The fishing was challenging, and the weather added insult to injury... it rained hard off and on for 1/2 of the day. We did manage to bring in a few modest fish, and one fantastic Redside.

Fishing Report - Lower Deschutes - Sherar's Falls

2009-09-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

Sherar's Falls mark the 1/2 way point for steelhead journeying up the Deschutes River. Steelhead (and Salmon) swim up a fish latter and into a trap. Once in the trap, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, study, count, and tag each fish. They use this station as a gage to estimate the amount of steelhead returning to the Deschutes. This year, they have been trapping huge numbers, weeks earlier than normal. It's going to be a great steelhead season.

Columbia River dam counts

2009-08-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

Steelhead are storming over the dams in the Columbia river. Our steelhead season should be epic!

Tarpon Trip 2009

2009-07-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

For the 3rd year in row I returned to the quiet fishing village of San Felipe, on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Greeted by my friend Marco, owner of Yucatan Fly Fishing, at the Cancun airport, Kurt Brickner and I traveled to Hotel San Felipe: A.K.A - Tarpon Caye Lodge. You should already know that this location offers some of the best fishing in the world... why else would I have returned? Well it could also be the hospitality or the quality of the guides. And, don't forget the food. We ate fresh caught fish, shrimp, and lobster, all prepared in traditional Yucatan style.

Back to the fishing. How does jumping 48 tarpon sound? How does two doubles in the boat, and 5 doubles on sound? How does having 15 miles of the best tarpon flats and mangroves in the world all to yourself sound? That's right... Awesome! See for yourself.

Buckhorn won't stop

2009-07-11T17:17:00.000-07:00

Returned from another great outing at Buckhorn Lake. To refresh your memory, the lake is loaded with large mouth bass and is rumored to have rainbow trout in the 10 pound class. We've not caught any yet, though, I'm not sure they would be inclined to eat a popper.

Enjoy some great photos from our last outing:

Buckhorn continued...

2009-07-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

Buckhorn lake continues to kick out the bass. I have to admit, I'm amazed that they keep eating poppers. Last night we hooked 41, landed 21... all on surface patterns, poppers, sliders, and divers.

Buckhorn Lake fly fishing for Bass

2009-07-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

The firsts guests to fish Buckhorn Lake in 5 years did so last night. The fishing was as great as heralded. Total bass hooked was in the 50+ range, with over 30 brought to the boat. The best flies where poppers... the fishing was so hot, we caught bass trolling the poppers!! Check out the photos...

Buckhorn Lake is 15 acre lake located 35 minutes from downtown Bend Oregon. The lake is loaded with large mouth bass and a rainbow trout. Bass fishing is best during the warm summer months when the water temperature heat up. The trout fishing happens in the spring and fall.

Solitude and tons of action on the surface make this lake a super fun option for all fly fishers.

Fishing Report - Lower Deschutes

2009-06-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

We fished the Lower Deschutes every day this past week... here is the skinny on the stone fly hatch:

The fishing from Trout Creek to Maupin was outstanding! The crowd yesterday from Warmsprings to Trout Creek was HUGE, and definitely affected the fish. We had many refusals and I even watched trout refusing naturals. The best patterns yesterday where small golden stones, size 10-12.

The hatch is winding down toward Maupin, though we did see a few Golden stones still flying around, and the the fish where receptive in few spots. Between Trout Creek and North Junction the fish are still eager to eat the big bugs. We had very heavy rain last week and the river was a bit off color, but the fish didn't seem to mind. We had some of our best fishing when the river was a little off color. We did well on bigger patterns that had better silhouettes. During the rain storm we stubbled into one of the best Green Drake hatches I've seen. From 3 pm until almost 5 pm the Drakes where popping. My favorite pattern is the Green Drake Flash Cripple in size 10.

Prediction for the coming week: The caddis hatch is ramping up near Maupin, expect fish to start looking to these smaller sources of food. There are still hoards of stone flies on the bushes from Warmsprings to White Horse. The resent rain will prolong the hatch in this area. Expect to catch fish on the big bushy dry flies for another 10 days or so, especially in the upper stretches.

Bass-o-tastic!

2009-06-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

Bass fishing is a great alternative to other freshwater species. It has gained popularity in reason years among long rodders... so much so a few brands have designed rods just for bassin'. Resently, Matt and I visited a private lake near the future lodge, to "test" the water. The fishing was out of this world!!! nearly a bass every cast. I'll keep you posted as the fishing options develop.

Reports

2009-06-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the tardiness of these reports... be sure to stayed tuned to our remote feeds on Twitter and Facebook updates.

Fishing is improving on the Lower Deschutes River. The stone fly hatch is in full swing from Warmsprings to Maupin. The best fishing is still closer to Maupin and should remain so for the rest of this week, into next week. There are tons of stones in the grass from Warmsprings to Whitehorse, which means they are still mating. Once they finish it should be on. Some fish have already keyed into them, but the best fishing is still to come.

Here are some photos from our resent adventures:

Here they come...

2009-05-20T21:58:00.000-07:00

The famous stone fly hatch A.K.A. the Salmon fly hatch is happening right now the Deschutes River. It case you haven't heard... it is one of the most famous hatches on any western river. Truly it is an experience everyone should have at some point in their fishing careers.

Deschutes River Report

2009-05-15T06:08:00.000-07:00

Wednesday evening we returned to Bend after our first trip on the Lower Deschutes for the season. It was great to get back down there. We lucked out, no one else was on the river, we had the entire 32 miles to ourselves. The fishing was very good in a few spots and o.k. in others. The stone fly nymphs are moving around big time. We even saw a few crawling out of the river and molting. It won't be long before the river is teaming with the big bugs. Wednesday's rain brought on a thick mayfly hatch. BWO's, Mahoganies, and a few PMD's where hatching and the trout where chewing on them.

It was a great trip. Check out the photos.

Fishing Reports from the Road

2009-05-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Getting daily fishing reports from the guides of Deep Canyon Outfitters at Twitter. Check us out at

http://twitter.com/Deepcanyon

Deschutes River Fishing Report

2009-04-03T09:25:00.001-07:00

FISHING REPORT: LOWER DESCHUTES RIVER

APRIL 3, 2009

Although the times I've been fishing lately hasn't led me to the big D, I just got a great report from a few fellas who floated from Warmsprings to Harpham Flats last weekend (yes they knew fishing is closed along the Reservation, that's why they didn't fish until they floated past the deadline). The wind was wicked, but they hit the skwala hatch perfectly. They said they saw many of the dark bodied, green stone flies on the banks, and did well fishing yellow and olive stimulators.

This hatch is spurratic and not as prevailing as the salmon fly and golden stone fly hatch coming this spring. But, when you hit it, it's great. Skwalas represent the first big fly, surface fishing of the season.

FACT: the male skwala has underdeveloped wings and can not fly. They are small and fast runners. The females are bigger and can fly. When fishing a Skwala, be sure to make it "skitter" on the surface. Rubber legs help give the illusion of movement.

ciao.

Deschutes River Steelhead Fishing

2009-03-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

Fly fishing on the North Umpqua

2009-03-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Last week I went fishing on the North Umpqua with fly fishing Guide Dean Finnerty. I had a great time getting to know Dean and laughing with my friend Kurt Brickner. Below is what Dean wrote about the first day we went fishing.

We've had rain, wind, snow, sunshine... you name it, we've had it!

Yesterday we hooked one... and lost one. Today, Deschutes river guide Damien Nurre found a willing fish in our fisrt run. Sorry... no pic of the fish, just one of Damien having a great time on the North with his buddy Curt Brickner. We initally thought this fish Damien is fighting was a TOAD! It turned out it was about an 8 pound buck that wraped him around a mid-stream rock. When the fish finally came around the rock, it had seriously frayed Damien's ten-pound tippet. As you may have guessed by now, yours truely, unaware of the weakened tippet broke him off while landing the fish and before we could get any decent pic's! SORRY! I'm working with Damien and Curt again tommorow. I'll let you know how we do!

Tarpon fishing

2009-02-09T09:23:00.000-08:00

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

Multi-day float trip

2009-02-09T09:11:00.000-08:00

Guided Trips - Multi Day Trips
Fly Fishing Trips on the Deschutes River Oregon: A Multi-Day fly fishing trip on the Deschutes River is the best way to fully experience the beauty and the superb fly fishing the river has to offer. The trip begins at Trout Creek, where you and our staff will put on for this 32 mile float.

A 2-5 day fly fishing trip, most commonly done in 3 days, is as relaxing as it is exciting. Your only job is to do some fly fishing, eat, sleep, and enjoy yourself! Our staff of highly trained fly fishing guides, will make your time on the Deschutes River one to remember for years to come.

Our "Bagger" will go ahead of you and your guide down the Deschutes River, and have the camp set up and hour d'vours waiting for you when you arrive at our mobile Mecca.

Once at camp, you can choose to do some fly fishing in the prime water around the camp, relax in the beauty of the outdoors, or take a warm shower. A gourmet dinner is served every night while on your multi-day fly fishing trip, by our camp chef. After dinner there is time for drinks, discussing the days catches and enjoying the starry night...that's if you have not retired to the comfortable cot in your tent.

As the sun rises, so will you to find hot coffee brewing, and a warm breakfast on the griddle. Then it's off to the river with your guide for another great day of fly fishing on the Deschutes River.

Many of our clients come back year after year for this multi-day fly fishing trip. It is the favorite fly fishing adventure of many of our large groups. We can accommodate up to 11 guests per trip. All of our camping equipment is state of the art, top of the line. We provide water tight bags to keep your personal items dry, cots so you sleep better than at home, and roomy tents, large enough to have a party in, and all the amenities available for "roughing" it.

This multi-day fly fishing trip is best enjoyed during the stone fly hatch from mid May through June, andthe caddis/pmd hatches from July to September. From August to December we chase summer steelhead.

Our multi-day fly fishing trips are the BEST way to experience fly fishing on the Deschutes River, in Oregon.

Most of our clients choose to spent multi-day fly fishing trips on the Lower Deschutes River.

MULTI-DAY FLOAT RATES

$400 / PERSON / DAY for 2 angler

$375 / PERSON / DAY for 3 or more anglers

PRICE INCLUDES: camping gear: cots, tents, kitchen, rain/sun shelters, tablesand chairs, hot showers, all meals prepared by our 4star chef, non-alcoholic beverages, rental fly fishing equipment, and of course our expert guide staff.

NOT INCLUDED: flies, leaders, Deschutes River boater’s Passes, Tribal permits, fishing licenses, alcoholic beverages, and guide gratuities.

POLICIES
Early season reservations will allow you to secure the dates desired. A 50% deposit is required to secure dates, refundable if cancellation is received no less than thirty (30) days prior to trip date. Trips proceed regardless of weather conditions. We reserve to right to cancel in the event of unsafe conditions or other circumstances beyond our control. If we cancel your trip, your deposit will be refunded or applied to a future date that is mutually acceptable.

This is why we hunt for tarpon...

2009-01-31T16:40:00.000-08:00

Conservation is KING!

2008-10-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the organizations involved.

Steelheading on the Deschutes River - Year 3

2008-10-13T03:09:00.000-07:00

Trout Creek to Harpham Flats

2008-08-16T14:47:00.001-07:00

Thank you Jerry Heck, Jim Palmer, Jim Harrer, John Geise for joining Fly and Field Outfitters for a 3 day, 2 night adventure on the Lower Deschutes River. The adventure starts at Trout Creek and finishes at Harpham Flats, just north of Maupin. Jim Harrer captured the experience and has shared with all of us, and now with you.

Enjoy the Movie.

Tight Lines Auction - Deschutes River Conservancy

2008-05-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

Join the DRC in honoring the Deschutes River and tributaries by bidding on exclusive fly fishing packages in the Deschutes Basin and destination fly fishing trips to exclusive lodges throughout the world. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have granted special access to the DRC for pre-arranged fishing trips on the tribal side of the Lower Deschutes for this event.

To Register:
541.382.4077 ext.10
debbie@deschutesriver.org

A Victory for the Deschutes River

2008-02-25T20:01:00.000-08:00

The neediest stretch of the Deschutes River is in the midst of a remarkable transformation. Because the change is taking place bit by bit, project by project, many people probably haven’t noticed it. But it is happening, and the result will benefit not only fish, but everyone — including tourists — who values the river as an aesthetic and recreational amenity.

Castro Resigns

2008-02-19T09:57:00.000-08:00

With resignation of Fidel Castro as the leader of Cuba, maybe we'll get do some fishing there soon. Rumors have it that Cuba is one of the best fishing locations in the Caribbean. Time will tell. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

The Slim Beauty Knot

2008-02-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

The Slim Beauty knot is a strong, easy-to-learn knot that doesn't require the use of a bimini twist to achieve close to 100% class-tippet-to-shock-tippet connections.

I started using this knot last year in the Yucatan. It is easy and quickly tied in the field. Slim Beauty Knot.

The Upper Deschutes River

2008-01-31T16:22:00.000-08:00

The Deschutes River upstream of Farewell Bend Park was iced over in spots last week. The river can be good to fish in winter, but variable conditions can be tough to predict.

Why the low flow?
The region’s water managers hold back water behind Crane Prairie Dam and Wickiup Dam in the winter to ensure that irrigators will have enough water in the summer.
The flows below Wickiup Reservoir have dropped as low as 25 cubic feet per second this winter, which fish biologists say is a detriment to the redband and brown trout populations.
Low flows become less pronounced as anglers move downstream, although the effects are still noticeable.
For all the drama of the Deschutes River in the winter — the fluctuating flows, the bitter cold, and the occasional icing over (as happened just last week) — there are still those anglers who cannot get enough.

More about the Upper Deschutes River

$4M grant to benefit fish projects

2008-01-19T07:23:00.001-08:00

$4M grant to benefit fish projects
4 Central Oregon groups will split funds to boost salmon, steelhead.

The Deschutes River Conservancy, the Deschutes Basin Land Trust, the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and the Crooked River Watershed Council together received the grant from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board at the board’s meeting last week. The watershed board is a state agency that distributes grants for conservation projects with funds from the lottery and other sources.

Trout Bums: Bend Oregon Fly Fishing Film Tour

2008-01-11T07:03:00.000-08:00

For the 4th year now, the Trout Bums are coming to Bend, Oregon.

They call themselves the Fish Bums, but their experiences are not always about the fishing.

Sometimes they’re about the curious situations in which they find themselves — such as drinking too much fermented “yak yogurt” and ending up passed out somewhere in the middle of frigid Mongolia.

That’s what happened to Thad Robison while he was filming “Fish Bum I: Mongolia.”

“It’s the nastiest, foulest thing you’ve ever put in your mouth,” Robison says of the potent cocktail. “It is bad. It creeps up on you. The locals knew more than they were telling us. It hit me like a freight train.”

More

Deschutes River Conservancy names new directors to board

2008-01-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

Deschutes River Conservancy names new directors to board

Bruce Bischof, Damien Nurre and Jim Mead have joined the Deschutes River Conservancy board of directors.

MORE

Deschutes River: Last Trip

2007-11-20T08:44:00.000-08:00

Our last multi-day on the Lower Deschutes river this season was in mid November. We lucked out with the weather... big time. The weather in November can be variable. One day it can be 50 degrees, the next day snowing. During this trip we got 3 days of 50+ degrees. It made for pleasant fishing and the fish responded accordingly. We recorded our best catch rates of the season, hooking 31, and landing 22! The hot fly was a MOAL leech, black with an orange bead head. We caught fish on traditional wet flies, as well as other leech patterns.

What a great way to end the season.

Damien Nurre

Bend - Petropavlovski Russia

2007-09-04T21:22:00.000-07:00

In June of 2006 I received a phone call from Will Blair of The Best of Kamchatka. I was surprised to hear from our outfitter. He was supposed to be on the peninsula, welcoming his first of 13 fishing groups to the fabled wilderness of Russia. Bad news was imminent. Due to the loss of FAA status, the Russian airline that was scheduled to transport us to the Kamchatkan hub Petropavlovski would not be flying. Our trip was cancelled, rain-checked until 2007.

For a full year my 3 comrades and I prepared for our turns to wade into the runs, riffles, and pools of the Leveya River. During that year the trip would morph into a grotesque journey from one airport to another before reaching our final destination. I wasn't the only hesitant angler in the group. Would the fish be worth traveling for 24+ hours? That's a long way to go to catch a fish. The answer could only be known by embarking on this pilgrimage.

So on the 18th of August, at 6:30 pm, we boarded Alaska flight number 2333, bound for Los Angeles. Just after midnight we took our seats on the second and longest leg of the journey aboard a Korean Air jumbo jet. For twelve torturous hours we sat in our cramped, economy class seats. By the time we reached Seoul Korea, my feet were so flushed with blood; I wished my shoes were a size bigger. Five hours lapsed before we boarded the flight to Vladivostok Russia. Travel into Vladivostok was uneventful. Vlad to Petro was the opposite. We were packed into an old DC-3 that had been sitting on the tarmac in 90-degree weather for hours. The plane door closed when our Russian Captain donning a golden crucifix unhidden by his half buttoned uniform, entered the cabin and did the final passenger checks himself. At random he pulled bags down from the overhead shelf, making passengers stuff their carry-ons under their feet, shrinking any level of comfort to nothing. Once he was satisfied with his mischief he returned to the cockpit to torment his American passengers for another 40 minutes. As the temperature soared the plane stayed grounded. With no air was circulating in the cabin we roasted. At one point a Japanese tour guide visited the seats of each of his tourist, forcing them to chug water. Just as the situation reached maximum tolerance the plane speed down the run away and into the air for the 3-hour flight in Petropavlovski.

Tired, sore, and smelly, Leeann, Herb, Glenn and I deplaned with the other 12 travel weary anglers into the land of bears, vodka, and mouse eating trout. A sense of accomplishment and relief was shared by all. We had made it. Like any traveler, I awed at the experience of the past day as I marveled at the sights of this new environment, but the striking views of volcanoes to the North, West, and South couldn’t curb my need for a warm shower and a bed.

Fly Fishing Kamchatka Russia

2007-09-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

Friday night at midnight, I crawled into my bed after 48+ hours of travel from the Leveya River in Kamchatka. What an adventure?. Drunken Russian miners, beautiful women, old school helicopters, poachers, bears, extreme jet boating, vodka, caviar, rain, a useless sat. phone, a late extraction, 8 hours on wash board roads racing to the airport, more drunk Russians, missed flights, expensive upgrades, alcoholic guides, enormous volcanoes, and bowls and bowls of borsch. We did catch some fish too.

Check back for the full report.

A Day for the River

2007-08-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

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

This is Fly

2007-07-12T06:42:00.000-07:00

A new online magazine is one of the coolest additions to the world of fly fishing in many years.

Check it out at www.thisisfly.com.

Mid Summer swing

2007-07-06T19:24:00.000-07:00

The staff at Fly and Field Outfitters is in the heat of our busiest time of year, and in the HEAT! It is HOT in Central Oregon. Yesterday the mercury didn't stop climbing until it reached 103 degrees! This heat wave will slow the fishing during midday. So find some shade and relax. The best fishing times will be from sunrise until about noon, and then from 7 pm until dark. The best fishing is during the final hour of the evening.

On the Lower Deschutes, the caddis are hatching full bore. Last week I witnessed one of the thickest caddis migrations ever. At 1 pm, thousands of caddis swarmed their way up river.

Our guides have been reporting good fishing on all of the waters in the area. The Upper Deschutes between Little Lava lake and Crane prairie has been fishing well for smaller brook trout and rainbows. Many happy anglers have been returning to our shop, stoked on their first fly fishing experience.

The Lakes are fishing well too. The highlights are East Lake and Crane Prairie. Choronimid fishing on Crane has been producing some big "Crane Bows". A few in the 24-26 inch range were caught last week. The Callibeatis hatch on East Lake is happening from 10 am to 2pm, or so. Don't neglect the spinner fall earlier in the morning. Wind drifting a nymph is nearly guarantees catching fish.

We have had some very fun trips on the Lower Deschutes this summer. During our past 5 over night trips, we have been very lucky, as no other groups launched with us. We only shared the river with a few folks rafting for 3 days! Our guests have been enjoying the solitude and the great fishing.

Check out these smiles.

Green Drake Spinner Fall?

2007-06-17T14:41:00.000-07:00

What's the best dry fly fishing experience you've had? A blanket caddis hatch? How about a PMD hatch during a drizzly afternoon in July? Or a Green Drake hatch? Big gaudy hoppers or stone flies? All of these experiences can build to epic proportions, and until recently I thought I had seen the best of the best. Last week I landed my boat onto one of my favorite rocks. My clients unloaded and began throwing their oversized size hair and hackle stone fly imitation into a pod of exceptionally aggressive Redsides. One drift, two drifts.... ten perfect drifts through meat of the best water without a take, left both my client and I feeling rejected. Determined to catch at least one of these fish, and not to let my guest down, I focused on the surface of the water to see what the trout where consuming. I spotted caddis, PMDs, and of course stoneflies, but none of them where being eaten. Then I saw one... I first thought it was an adult Green Drake, but it was just after 10 am, and the drakes hadn't been hatching until 3 pm. Then I spotted another one, and another one. There was something distinct about them, their wings where transpearant... SPINNERS!

Once the code was unlocked, the fish fell to imitations. A big, size 12, purple haze was the fly of choice. It proved itself worthy landing 8 fish in no more than 30 minutes.

I will never forget those 30 minutes and will always be on the look out for them again.

Game On!

2007-06-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

The Deschutes river from Warmsprings to Maupin is entrenched in the stone fly hatch. Fishing in the upper stretches has still been spotty... mostly due to pressure. The full moon may have had an effect too. In the past week I saw the fishing just up stream of Maupin being the best. From Wednesday to Saturday, the fish where more keyed into the big bugs.

Warmsprings to White Horse has been very spotty. Some spots are better than others. Look for the fishing to imporve as the hatch grows longer.

Damien

Deschtues River Report

2007-05-26T05:53:00.000-07:00

If you have been wondering about when and the where the salmon fly hatch is happening... listen up.

Trout from Warmsprings to Maupin are gobbling up those big protein packed meals. Yesterday I drifted from Warmsprings to Trout Creek. Trout were eager to slam a well placed imitation. Most of our fish came up on flies drifted down stream or under the bigger trees and brush.

For the next 3 weeks, expect to be able to fish with the stone fly imitations.

Little Lava

2007-05-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

On Thursday May 17, I had a great trip with Jim O'Shaughnessy on Little Lava Lake. We started out by wind drifting against the weed beds, but noticed quite a few fish rising in the distance. We quickly moved and started to cast a wide variety of dries (mostly midge imitations 20,24). We soon lost count at the number of fish he was catching. This all happened in the last two hours before sunset. Jim did a wonderfull job putting the fly in the right spot. We caught fish from 15" to 21". As the light faded we used a large caddis (so we could see it) with a callibeatis dropper and caught a couple of fish that way. A great fishing trip. The other picture is from the next day with my son Calvin.

A Little Willow Please

2007-05-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

It happened again. I ruined another group of anglers. Imagine catching 4-8 pound fish again and again. The lake is surrounded by vistas of painted hills, sage lined buttes, and the all mighty Mount Jefferson. When I think of perfect fishing experiences, there are few other locations that come to mind.

I could continue to babble, but let the photos speak for me.

Stone flies are hatching

2007-05-16T21:54:00.000-07:00

Of the family Plecoptera, the Pteranarcys Californica, A.K.A. Salmon flies have been hatching in Central Oregon for the past few weeks now. Anglers on the Middle Deschutes where the first to cast the big bushy dry flies toward grass shores, cut banks, and down stream of over hanging trees. The Big Bugs have been present on the Middle for about 2 weeks, which means they are starting to disappear. The Deschutes just outside of Bend has been experiencing hatching stone flies too. The hatch in this area is less prevalent and is already waning.

The first stone have been eated by opportunistic trout in the Maupin area a few days ago. And, the Big Bugs are just making their identity know in the Warmsprings area.

THe hatch is moving a bit ahead of schedule this year, but the first part of June will stille be the prime time from Warmsprings to Maupin.

Lower Deschutes Week 1

2007-05-06T05:40:00.000-07:00

Well the Lower D along the Warmsprings Res. has been open now for just over a week. The fishing has had its ups and downs. During the first few days of being open, it fished very well. We experienced fish hooked every where we stopped. As the week grew long, and the weather irregular, the fishing waned. This is the time of year I see the fishing most drastically effected by the weather. If there are clouds, sun, wind, and rain all during a day, chances are the fishing will be poor. But if the weather is constantly sunny, cloudy, or rainy, the fishing will be dynomite.

Little WIllow Lake

2007-04-24T06:05:00.000-07:00

Last week I took two cool guys fishing on Little Willow Lake. It is a private lake on the Clark Ranch, just outside of Madras. An irrigation reservoir, Little Willow is home to a number of LARGE trout. We experienced great fishing! Ross is a well traveled and experienced angler. He dominated, landing close to 20 fish! It was Jason's first day fly fishing, and he forever hooked. He landed 8 big fish, and hooked a bunch more.

Little Willow is open to fishing until the first part of July, when it will close until the water temperatures cool down again in the fall.

Brett Philip's report from Baja

2007-04-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

I just received a fishing report from the East Cape of Baja Mexico, from Brett Philip. Hear is what he had to say...

Bonito, Pargo, Ladyfish and Sierra...a fun day (smoked the bait fisherman and they were not very pleased).
Lucky I had an old steel leader Scott gave me a year ago, those Sierra ripped up my 40Lb leaders like nothing.
The Bonito took 40 minutes to land and I really thought I was going to lose my new 10 WT, man those Tuna's
can pull.
Spent three hours looking for Roosterfish to no avail but try again Monday.

PS Hope Damien likes my hat.

Take care,

Brett Philip

The hat looks great. I wish I was enjoying some more fun, sun, and fishing.

Mexico - Day 8

2007-03-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

Cancun - Day 8

I met Esciel and Marco in the lobby at 11 am, they both looked refreshed and ready for the rest of our drive. In 3 hours we will be in Cancun. We did make one stop at the Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza. It was spectacular. The feeling that experience conjured was awe stirring. I could imagine hundreds of Mayans working, playing, and worshiping hundreds of years ago. It was like being on the movie set of Apocalypto.

A few hours later I finally arrived at my hotel in Cancun. Or should I call it the Mexican Las Vegas. There were gringos everywhere. Many of them were drunk. Thankfully, I most of my time in Cancun was spent on a boat on the permit flats north of the city.

It was an early morning again the next day. We arrived at the boats just as the sun was cresting the horizon. Enrique was my guide for the day. His favorite fish… permit! He told me catching a Grand Slam, a bonefish, tarpon, and a permit, would be possible.

Isla Blanca is the name of the area we fished. It is a series of flats, channels, and mangroves that eventually connect with Isla Holbox. The first flat Enrique took me too was a long boat ride from the dock. I realized why we traveled so far when the first school of over 20 permit swam towards us, ignorant of our presence. I blew that shot and the next, casting too close to the lead fish. The third school we found, I wouldn’t make the same mistake.

This school was vast. There where at least 40 permit flanking to my right. The cast was challenging due to the wind, but not undoable. The crab landed softly 2 feet in front of the lead fish. I let the crab settle, and let the first few fish swim past. Then strip, strip, strip and my line tighten and reel began to scream. Once you connect with a permit, it is easy to realize why this fish has such lore in the fishing world. Imagine setting a hook into a school bus. Permits run and run and run.

That would be the only fish I’d bring to hand that day, besides a cuda, which fooled both Enrique and me into thinking it was a bonefish. I jumped 3 tarpon deep in the mangroves, loosing all 3 to overhanging branches. The slam would have to wait until tomorrow.

Campeche Mexico - Day 5 -7

2007-03-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

CAMPECHE MEXICO – Day 5, 6, 7

Two nights ago Marco and his partner Esceil and I arrived in Campeche Mexico. Campeche is a very old Mexican city, filled with historic sites. It is a romantic city. Evidently, it is where Mexican lovers visit for a romantic weekend. Everywhere I went I saw couples engaged in “gasahondo”. Esceil informed me that it is Spanish for “making out”.

The next morning we woke early and headed to the Marina to meet our guides. Belito and Juan, a father and son combo, are true Mayans. They stand tall at just under 5 feet. What they lack in height they made up for in knowledge of the area. Marco went with Juan so he could take some fresh photos for his website. With in 20 minutes after killing the motor I saw 2 cruising tarpon. Marco instructed me to intercept the fish with my fly, as began to lengthen out my line. I pick a spot well ahead of the fish as my target. On the final forward stroke I let the line fly, shooting through the guides. Just as I did, a third fish appeared ahead of the first 2 that I saw. Shit. My fly was aimed to hit the new fish square on the head. My perfect shot had just turned into a classic screw up. There was nothing I could do. The fly landed and the water exploded as the 3 tarpon bolted to the safety of the mangroves. At that moment I realized just how technical the fishery at Campeche is. I was crushed. I will regret that cast for a long time. Belito shrugged it off. Clearly, I was not the first gringo to blow the first shot at fish.

Through the course of the day I would only present my fly to 10 fish, and successfully jump only 3 of them. Marco was bummed. He really wanted to get some photos. He was also surprised at the lack of fish. He said there where usually 10 times as many fish to cast to. For whatever reason, the tarpon were scarce. In order to catch something, we went deep into the mangroves in search of big snook. And we found them. I hooked 1 of the bigger fish, nearly 10 pounds, but was unable to land it. They have very abrasive lips that chewed through the 60 lb shock tippet with little effort. By the end of the day, I had caught a dozen or more snook ranging in size from 8 inches to 3 pounds.

The next day we all went in one boat. Marco wanted to show me an area near Isla Arenas, an hour boat ride from the marina. The bigger boat was needed for a smoother ride there and back. So Marco, Esceil, Juan and I sped away from Campeche. Once we got to the location it was easy to see why Marco liked the area. It was untouched. There where no signs of humans. I felt special just being there. The pristine flats and mangrove channels where beautiful settings for casting a fly to hungry fish. The problem was there where no fish to cast to. We spent most of the day searching the area for fish, with no luck. Once we finally gave up, we sped back to Campeche to fish the area we fished the day prior. The wind was strong when we got there, making the fishing difficult. I did manage to jump a good-sized tarpon, loosing it near the boat. Bummer. I would have to return to Campeche at another time to catch a tarpon.

Tonight we left Campeche and arrived in Merida. After a quick bite to eat at Marcos favorite restaurant, we crashed deep in the heart of city at a modest hotel. I am tired. Eight hours in the sun for the past 6 days is catching up with me. It will be nice to sleep in tomorrow. We will also visit Chichen Itza, on the way to Cancun.

Damien

San Felipe - Day Four

2007-03-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

San Felipe – Mexico – Day Four

Today was my final day in San Felipe. I’m bummed to leave, but excited for the next leg of my journey. Campeche is next. But first, one more morning of fishing in San Felipe.

This morning we found a huge school of tarpon. There where fish rolling everywhere. I was able to jump another 9 fish and land 2 more. They would be the last fish we would see for a few more hours. As the morning grew older the wind grew stronger, so we hunted for fish in the deep in the channels. After a handful of fruitless channels we found some rolling tarpon easily reached. On my first cast I jumped the biggest fish of my visit, 20 lbs! Even Marco gave out a “WOW!” He had been telling me for three days that the channels may surprise me. In vein I tried to put the fish out of the doomful mangrove roots. Out the fish’s third jump my bow was too late and the fly slingshot back to me.

It was the perfect way to leave San Felipe. I landed the first tarpon I hooked. Then lost the last one. I look forward to my next visit to Tarpon Cay Lodge.

Damien

San Felipe Day Three

2007-03-24T17:52:00.000-07:00

San Felipe Mexico – Day Three

Finally, there was no wind this morning. In anticipation of the perfect weather and Marco’s wanting to show me some bigger fish, we left the lodge before sunrise. The ocean was glass, mirroring the rising sun as we sped an hour out of the San Felipe in search of migratory tarpon. March is early for the heart of the migration, but Marco assured me we would see a few.

My sleepiness was rudely awakened shortly after the motor quit by Marco yelling “TARPON, TARPON”. I looked just in time to see the second fish roll well out of reach of my cast. They where swimming parallel with the boat and much faster than we were moving. They were quickly gone. It was easy to see they where twice the size of the fish I had seen thus far, but they where not as big as the fish Marco usually sees in that area. The morning grew long and the Tarpon scarce. Those first rolling fish would be the only tarpon we would see for the rest of the morning.

On our way back to the lodge we stopped to fish the prime baby tarpon water and found a school on flats right away. I made 5 perfectly placed casts, but could not get the hook up. On the 5th presentation I drew 3 fish from the school to inspect my fly. I thought one of the three would eat, but instead they turned and raced to catch the school, spooking the bunch in the process. This morning would be my first fishless out of the trip. I hope it will be the only one.

We returned early to the lodge for lunch and siesta. At three we loaded into the van and headed out. Marco wanted to show me the baby, baby tarpon he is aiding to develop. He has dug deeper channels in the mangroves, for the 1st year tarpon to have sanctuary. It was cool to see that they behave much like the old fish, rolling and schooling, and eating everything they can. I saw many fish 4 – 6 inches chase my crazy Charlie, unable to fit connect with the too large hook. I did catch one fish of 10 inches, which is the size that Marco releases in mangroves with easier access to the open ocean. He releases between 70 and 150, 8 – 12 inch tarpon each May. No wonder why there are so many tarpon here. Not only is he helping the tarpon grow as yearlings, but he has helped to establish a bio-reserve for both Tarpon and Snook. The commercial fishermen in San Felipe are not allowed to fish a 12 Kilometer area north of town. Further, Marco and his guides don’t fish the first 2 kilometers of the reserve. That is the area they release the first year fish. They don’t want them to become wary of their boats.

I like the fact that Marco is thinking about the future of the area.

Damien

San Felipe Mexico - Day Two

2007-03-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

March 18th – San Felipe – Day two

It is official. Tarpon Cay Lodge is the most unique fishery I have fished. Everything here is special. The accommodations are common, yet comfortable. The food is traditionally delicious. It is a good thing I like to eat fish. San Felipe is a rural fishing village. Motorcycles and bicycles are the most popular form of transportation, besides your feet. I did see an H2 today, which was a slight dose of reality. The people of San Felipe are very friendly. Everyone smiles and greets me as we crass on the street. The staff of Tarpon Cay Lodge are especially hospitable. They have told me to help myself to the cervesa in the cooler, but have not let me finish one yet before ask to get another. This is my kind of place.

Today was more of the same with the tarpon. The winds where up again, forcing us to go deep into the mangroves to find rolling tarpon, willing to eat my flies. I’ve found this style of fishing to be very difficult for landing fish. There is not enough room to fight them. I jumped another 15 before lunch, without landing one. I did catch my first snook today. They are fun to catch, but are not a tarpon. The highlight of my day came this afternoon. We found a boca with a hard bottom surrounding it. Sensing the uniqueness of the opportunity, I jumped into the water. Three or four strips into the first cast my line stopped as a tarpon went cartwheeling through the air. I brought that fish and another to hand. Before venturing to the next spot I jumped another 9 tarpon!

This place never quits.

Damien

San Felipe - Day One - Tarpon fishing

2007-03-21T18:29:00.000-07:00

March 17th, 2007 – San Felipe, Mexico – Day One.

I woke this morning to winds gusting over 15mph. To make conditions worse, the front was coming from the south. Winds from the north, or the west are not a big deal. When the winds are from the south, they blow straight into the flats we want to fish. My guide commented on the wind, finishing forecast with “today will be difficult”. As we left hotel San Felipe, a.k.a. Tarpon Cay Lodge, I couldn’t help but feel less optimistic about my chances at casting to tarpon than the night before while listening to Marco, my guide, tell me stories of casting to rolling tarpon at 9, 11, 12, and 2’o’clock. “You have to see,” he kept saying.

When the motor on the panga stopped a quick 20 minutes from the hotel I stood on the bow of the boat and stretched out some fly line. We poled slowly toward a “boca” with out any words between us. I was anxious, “come on tarpon, roll”, I thought to myself. After a few dozen casts without success we poled to next boca.

Once we turned the corner around the mangrove into the next bay, I saw them. “Sabalito” Marco said. As we got closer my adrenalin surged. For a moment my cast feel apart, due to the excess energy in my veins. Marco chuckled and instructed me to relax, “its just tarpon”. Just Tarpon? No. There are many tarpon. A fish broke the surface with in range of my cast. Two false casts and my fly was in the center of the disappearing ring. Strip, strip, strip and the line tighten in a familiar ferociousness. I drove the hook in deep with more strips on the line. On the third strip the sliver prince was airborne, violently shacking his head, trying to free the hook in his jaw. The fish tried again and again to free itself, jumping and racing to the security of the mangroves. It took every inch of my 8 weight BIIX to bring the kinglet of the mangroves to the boat. When Marco placed the shining fish in my hands and my anxiety blew away with the wind.

The rest of the day was like a dream. Marco showed me more fish than I could have ever imagined. At every boca, and deep within the mangroves I cast to pods of 20 or more fish, jumping way more than I would land. By 10 am, I had already lost count of how many tarpon I had seen, jumped, and landed.

I never want to leave this place.

Damien Nurre

Fish Eye Soup

2007-02-22T09:20:00.000-08:00

For the latest fishing reports from around the globe visit Fisheyesoup.com. If you are wondering how the fishing is on the Madison river in Montana, or if the marlin bite in Baja is on, check out this site. You will also find great information about many other topics important to fisherman.