This month’s Presidents message will focus on some ways we can help and maintain our club and our fly fishing community thru the Coronavirus situation. Hopefully you’ve been staying safe and healthy as we practice social distancing to flatten the curve. These efforts seem to be working with one exception, which is described at the end of this message where it fits better.
First off, please remember to support our sponsors as these are very difficult times for anyone and everyone in the outdoor industry. While most shops are closed to walk in traffic they are still open for online ordering and several are conducting online seminars that are worth tuning into.
Speaking of online fishing info, CFF has an online forum In the past it’s focused on fishing reports and fly tying but it’s also a good way to keep in touch. Check it out, reply to a post, keep in touch and stay sane.
As you have probably already guessed we won’t have our April 21st meeting. While the restaurant ban in Oregon is scheduled to expire on April 14th it’s quite possible this will be extended. Even if the ban is lifted, gatherings are probably not advisable for a while.
On a more positive note, our April speaker Dennis Dauble recently won first place in the Northwest Outdoor Writers Association Excellence in Craft Contest for his book Bury Me With My Fly Rod. CFF has a copy in its library or you can order one online at https://dennisdaublebooks.com/
Another positive note, the April 25th Fish A Long at Rainier Lakes is still going on as The Oregon Fishing Club is open, but the club reminds everyone to stay safe and practice social distancing so we will take extra care and stay at least a fly rod length away from each other.
Locally, steelhead fishing is remains open and bright fish are being caught but it’s still a slow year. Personally, I’ve been out fishing a few times without success, but have seen fish caught plus it’s great to get out of the house. Paul Brewer reports trout fishing on the Deschutes is OK, that it’s a little surreal as he is about the only angler on the river and as expected, Euro nymphing is working best. Police are patrolling along the road looking for people camping or using the boat ramps. The Oregon Fishing Club reports all the ponds have been stocked and fishing has been good.
This brings me to driving; for unknown reasons there are A LOT of crazy drivers on the roads right now. If you venture out on the roads, be doubly vigilant.
Dave Kilhefner