I was born and raised in northwest Ohio, and I have no complaints..............., BUT IS THE WEST AWESOME OR WHAT! I have a deep appreciation for what the western states offer to the fly angler. The waters are many and the sights are even more....
Last week I camped on the Owyhee River in eastern Oregon, with John Bowling and our hosts Don and Holly Lane. We enjoyed landing our share of quality Browns for sure. Embarking on my second trip to this river, in consecutive weekends, we had our sights set and our arsenal in the boxes.
Upon arrival on Friday night, just as the sun began to set over the Owyhee peaks, it was a quick snack and readying for a night fish. Our idea of landing a few in the dark was cut short due to a few access logistics, so we packed it in.
BEN BARGER BUSTS A
GORGEOUS BROWN
Saturday morning couldn’t come soon enough. The stretch of water on the agenda, which we had fished on a prior outing, was very productive and consistent, so the 10 minute walk to get there was thick with anticipation. Due to the structure and contours of this particular stretch, the three of us systematically worked the area the entire weekend. Beginning at the top of the stretch is a series of fast water riffles and productive cuts along the banks. The bottom end of the fast water became a fairly long tail-out, where active fish circulated constantly. The tail-out dumped into a stretch of slower moving water about 300 meters long. Our technique was simple; match the hatches throughout the day and move to the action. We never seemed to over-fish the holes. Word to the wise; always pay attention to the surface activity and fish what you are seeing. If the fish aren’t breaking the surface, investigate below the surface. A quick glance down where the water met my waders and I would always see sign of the bug activity. Water clarity as it was, I could usually see emerging, sub-surface, bugs and match those also. A little bug net is very handy when the hatch is changing so much and your fishing all day.
MY PERSONAL BEST OF
THE TRIP (JUST OVER 21")
ONE COOL POSE!!
A VERY NICE BROWN
ON SMALL FLIES
AND ANOTHER
GORGEOUS FISH!!!
THE SMALLER FISH
WE LANDED...
JUST UNDER 18"
The Owyhee quickly jumped up the list of my favorite waters! I am already anticipating a return in the fall when the hogs hammer swung flies. I can feel it now!
Until next time, cheers to bent rods!
Ben Barger
Fly Fishing Specialist
Steelhead Alley Outfitters
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