Are you looking for things to do near Eugene, Oregon? East of Eugene is the beautiful McKenzie River that is among the top 5 fly-fishing streams in Oregon. The McKenzie is actually a clear flowing spring creek with excellent water quality during the entire fly-fishing season. Every stream has its own fly fishing characteristics [...]
I saw my first Hardy fly reel years ago while I was fishing the lower section of Oregon’s Rogue River. The reel was a Hardy Princess and the following year I was the proud owner of a brand new one. The Princess was introduced in the l950’s and 60’s in a stable of seven fly reels that Hardy called their lightweight series. Features included: A right hand crank that could be switched to left hand if needed, similar adjustable drag systems with a clicking sound that is special only to Hardy fly reels, and a machined aluminum “foot” that is dovetailed into a reel frame of cast aluminum and riveted for added strength. All models featured unique but simple chrome line guards a beautiful gray finish and a removable aluminum spool.
A properly designed and well-made fly leader serves as a vital connection between the fly line and the fly. When fly-casting, the energy of the fly line is transferred through a tapered leader to turn the fly over in a presentable [...]
Choosing your first fly rod and reel is very important. You need to have a balanced fly-fishing outfit that will match the type and size of your fish. For example, the fly rod and line need to be the same weight, [...]
Everyone at one time or another needs or wants to cast just a little bit further. If you are already casting with a tight loop, here’s a tip you may want to try, I call this casting on the spline. The [...]
There are times when you just can’t find any bait for salmon. I’ve looked at some of the vacuum pack stuff at sporting goods store they are calling salmon eggs but frankly I think you may just be wasting your money [...]
I believe when you are fly fishing the clear cold waters here in the West, it pays big dividends to use fluorocarbon leader material. Its advantages: Virtually invisible underwater, it sinks quickly and it doesn’t reflect light on the water surface, fish can’t see it and your catch rates go up over monofilament. Yes, it can be more expensive, but to improve a day’s fishing and change an average day into a great day, it’s worth it to me. I was first introduced to fluorocarbon in the mid 90’s when the import fishing tackle company where I worked, received samples from one of our contacts in Japan. I tried some of the 3 lb test and 4.5 lb test and really liked the heavier test and how well it fished.
A certain amount of physical conditioning is needed to do any kind of serious wading. You will need do those 45-minute morning walks three or four times a week to get in shape. Wading in rivers is not the same as walking down to the corner convenient store for the morning paper. For your own safety and enjoyment it pays to be fit.
Items needed to prepare your salmon and steelhead for smoking :
rock salt
pepper
white sugar
paper towels
newspaper
non-stick spray
large plastic tray or plastic bucket
smoker
Alder chips
Recipe Instructions
Filet the salmon or steelhead on both sides of backbone from the head to the tail, then cut the filet [...]
If I had to pick only one fly I could only fish with all year long, I would have to choose the Muddler Minnow. I like this fly pattern because it is so versatile, and it seems to produce on big [...]