We had a big turnout for our March Fish A Long at Schmedeke Pond. Luck was with us as the great weather on Saturday was sandwiched between rainy days. The bite ended up being a little slow but everyone got fish and nice fish to boot!
Ken Kelley had a sucessful first outing with his new float tube, topping it off by catching his first fish on a fly he tied himself!
My float tube sprung a leak along the seam and couldn’t be patched so I ended up fishing off the bank and did OK. Several members joined me and we all got fish. Later that night we took advantage of the good weather and enjoyed our first campfire of the season.
Thanks to everyone for coming and making this Fish A Long a success!
We are probably all glad to put this February behind us; it’s been one cold and rainy month that’s made fishing challenging.
In spite of the weather some of us still had to get in some fishing time. Pictures are first with the report below.
From Rich Harvey, Dave Hopkins and Dave Kilhefner: We attended an OFC work party at Howell Ponds. Afterwards, we had lunch and they stocked the lake. Fishing was slow so we headed over to Schmedeke Pond, which had also just been stocked. The fish were cooperative and well all landed several nice fish. Rich got a couple real pigs on a chironomid.
From Mike Shiiki: Drove up to Harriett Lake and the roads via Hwy 224 were clear. It was dumping rain but fished a couple hours and landed about 10 browns. Most were smallish but had one 16” that took a black/red half wit leech fished with an intermediate line.
From Craig Kerschen: Managed an afternoon on the D between the cold and high water. Nice quiet winter fishing above Maupin. BWO were out but only saw one fishing rise.
From Ed Rabinowe: All I’ve done in the last month is try to stay out of the rain and mud on my farm!
From Ken Kelley: caught a beautiful & healthy Cutthroat while steelhead fishing on a coastal stream.
From Mark Rasmussen: Landed one decent brown on the Provo River on a size 22 Midge emerger. My brother in law got many more & larger fish euro nymphing.
Thanks to everyone for contributing your reports this month!
This month marks five years as your club President. I’ve been having a great time running the club and going to all the Fish A Longs. This year, steelhead fishing has been pretty good when the weather cooperates. Now we are finally having good, stable weather and it’s time to get out there and fish hard!
We’ll have a regular meeting Tuesday, March 18th. George Krumm will be talking about float tube trout fishing in the local lakes around Anchorage, Alaska. It’s a very original subject that’s interesting and informative. Also, if you ordered a float tube rod holder he’ll be bringing them to the meeting.
March signals the beginning of spring and many local fisheries are waking up and turning on. Trout in our local lakes get active as water temperatures rise from the low 40’s to the high 40’s. March is the best month for trophy steelhead so keep flinging flies with your spey rod. If anyone wants to get out and chase some steelhead this month I’m an easy mark.
Our March 22nd Fish A Long will be on the Crooked River. This has always been a good destination but we haven’t been able to go since May 2022 and I’m excited to go back! Several of us will be camping. If you can come a little early we’ll have our traditional Mexican dinner in Prineville on Friday night.
Here is some good news: Marty & Mia Sheppard of Little Creek Outfitters are resurrecting the Sandy River Spey Clave. Mark your calendars for May 9th & 10th at Oxbow Park.
The Justesen Ranch Lakes are ice free and fishing very well. Also, for several years now we have been posting monthly fishing reports. Looking back on them is a fun way to get ideas for local fly-fishing opportunities currently happening or coming up. Type “March” or “April” and you’ll get all the past reports for that month.
Please remember our local fly shops and sporting goods stores. Hope to see you at a meeting or on the water!
