The transition from fall to winter is happened fast this year; one week I’m using sunscreen, the next I’m bundled up and raking leaves!
Our November 18th meeting at High Rocks will feature Garrett Lesko giving a tying demonstration. As always, social hour starts at 6pm and the program at 7pm.
With shorter days and holiday season upon us we will have the Fish A Long early on November 8th so it doesn’t conflict with anyone’s Thanksgiving plans. Once again we will be at Beavertail Campground on the Deschutes River. Several of us usually go a few days early and camp out. It can be chilly so bring warm clothes and some extra firewood.
With the last Fish A Long of 2025 rapidly approaching, its time to start thinking about next years Fish A Longs. I’m looking for input. Here’s a rundown of our past trips to give you some ideas:
January: this is a “weather permitting” month. When the weather cooperates, we’ve had a combination Spey Casting/sit in a warm cabin and talk fishing event at my place on the Sandy River.
February: If the January weather is bad, we’ve moved Spey Casting to February. We’ve also had good times at an OFC Lake if we get some warm weather and also camped out at the Crooked River.
March: in years past we used to always head to the Crooked River in March but water conditions have not been favorable the last several years. That said, I’m always ready to go back! Other good options are the Deschutes at Harpam Flats or an OFC Lake.
April: The last few years Schmedeke Lake has been the place to go in April.
May: There are lots of good options with Harriett Lake, the Rainier Lakes, Timothy Lake and the ever popular Crooked River being top contenders.
June: this is the time for our every popular Central Oregon Lakes location. We also had a really good time at Bonneville Dam for Shad.
July: on Mt Hood, Clear Lake and Harriett Lake fish well. The Upper Clackamas River is also good.
September: the Metolius River has been our go-to. Another good option are coastal cutthroat’s on the Wilson or Trask rivers. The last few years the water has been to low and warm.
October & November: this is prime time for the Deschutes at Beavertail.
Several members have asked about Chum salmon fishing on the coast. We used to always go there in November but the unpredictable fall rains or droughts prompted too many cancellations the last 7 years; you’ll notice the report link is from 2017. That said, if you want to catch one of these bruisers in the fly the best option is to head over as close to the November 15th season closure as you can and be ready for crowds. For more info hit one of our local shops or type “Chum Salmon” in the search box to get our past reports and fly patterns.
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 “November” or “December” in the Clackamas Fly Fishers website search box you’ll get all the past reports for that month.
Good fishing!
Dave Kilhefner
