This month's Fish-Along is on my favorite stream, the Owyhee. You can bet the big Browns will be working over the PMD hatches.  This trip will be hosted by Kevin Brooks. Despite the long drive to this desert gem, it's worth it. Remember the Brown trout average 18 to 20 inches! This is one of the best trout streams in America, even if it didn't make it into the "100 Greatest Trout Streams in America" book.

The fish-along is officially Sat. June 21st.  But, given the distance and the exceptional fishery we're going to make this a multi-day event.  We'll have members on the river from Wed. the 18th to Sun. the 22nd.

I'd like to try to setup a time to meet Fri. and/or Sat. to trade stories, tactics, flies, food, etc.  I've set up a mailing list for everyone I've heard from that expressed interest in going, we'll use that to keep the communications flowing.  Please let me know if you'd like to be added to the list.  My contact information is:

         Kevin Brooks    brooks at netgate.net
                                  503-313-7665

The recommended rod is a 5 weight with a good floating line and a 4x or 5x tippet.  There are some big browns in that (small) river.  The predominant bug is the PMD, size 18.  Since the PMD nymphs on the Owyhee are very dark, Lane suggests tying some PMD nymphs (pheasant tail or copper john) using black peacock hurl .  But, as we all know (right?) color is probably the least important factor, so just make sure you have some size 18s in your box.  Bring what you need, the closest fly shop is probably an hour and a half away in Boise.

When and Where

• Owyhee River
• Sat. June 21st. Members will be on the river from Wed. June 18th through Sun. June 22nd.
  
  

 Where to Stay

• Hotel:  Ontario is the closet town with services.  It's a nice ~30 minute drive from your motel to the river.  Here's a link to hotels in Ontario: www.trails.com
• Camp: There are numerous public camp sites along the river.  Here's some info I got from iFish: These is a nice campground about 2 miles above the Owyhee damn. I think it is a state campground.  It's a very nice camping area. The cost is ~$14 a night, green grass, trees, good boat ramps, a store with hot meals, even a couple t-pee style tents for rent.  Below the dam you'll find primitive camping w/outhouses, but no fees, there's a hot spring on the river (Snively), it's a nice pool to sit and  relax in, temperature regulated by the river.

 Links to Articles

• 2007 trip notes (by Kevin Brooks)
• The Owyhee River (Lane Hoffman)
  

• Chrinobal Ant (to use as an indicator)
• Copper John (18)
• Pheasant Tail (18)
• PMDs (emerger, cripple, duns - 18)
• Midge (pupa/emergers) - WD-40, brassie, (size 20/22 - ouch)
• Beetles
• Flying black ant pattern (just in case)
  

Recommended Tackle

• 5 weight rod
• 7.5' 4x leader with 2 feet of frogs hair 5x tippet
• Or, if you're into trying to tie your own leader Lane recommends trying one of these George Harvey leaders: www.flyfisherman.com.  Here's another option: www.froghairfishing.com
• Waders, wading boots.  You might also consider bringing a pair of thermal underwear to wear under your waders, the water is extremely cold.

Driving instructions from Portland, Oregon

• Expect the drive to take about 6 hours.  You also cross in to Mountain time which means you lose an hour on the way, and gain it back on the way back.
• Head East on Interstate 84 all the way to Ontario, Oregon (approximately 375 miles)
• Take Exit 376B in Ontario and take a right (West) after exiting.
• This is the truck route through town, follow the signs to take you to Vale/Nyssa, this is Hwy. 201
• Once through town you will be on Hwy. 201 (eventually changes to Hwy. 20) heading South toward Nyssa, OR (approximately 12 miles to Nyssa)
•  At first stoplight in Nyssa, take a right, you will be on Hwy. 201 once again
• Travel South on Hwy. 201 to Overstreet Rd. (approximately 10 miles), (prior to Overstreet Rd. you will pass a convenience store with a few homes scattered around...you can access Lake Owyhee by turning right there, but we recommend you continue traveling South on
  Hwy. 201 to Overstreet Rd)
• Take a right on Overstreet Rd., (There is a brown Department of Transportation sign just before Overstreet Rd. that indicates the direction to Lake Owyhee State Park....you are only 20 miles away now.
• Continue on Overstreet Rd (approximately 5 miles) until you come to a stop sign.
• Take a left at the stop sign (there is a small green street sign that indicates Lake Owyhee State Park is to your left.
• Continue on this road until you reach the Owyhee river (approximately 20 miles)...Please use caution on this road as it is a narrow and winding road.
• The 10-mile stretch of the Owyhee River below Owyhee Dam is a classic tailwater trout fishery. Fishing is excellent from Snively Hot Springs, a well marked recreation spot on the river, to the Owyhee Dam. There are numerous camp sites along the river.

There is a General Store on the lake (see the star on the map), not far from the river where you can purchase soda, packaged beer and wine, beer on tap, ice cream, ice, shaved ice, chips, snacks, single day fishing licenses, bait, fishing supplies, firewood and much more.