Chasing tail in Eastern Oregon

Monday, October 23, 2006

I told A that this would be the last overnighter before the baby. Of course, that statement had originally been "this is the last trip before the baby." I prefer "last overnighter", as that leaves some room for negotiation. Of course, we both know who runs the show, and I am just fooling myself should I think there is any negotiation involved.

Bill and Em are expecting their first a few weeks after our second is due, so Bill and I both figured this was a great opportunity to get out and wet a line. For the past three years, Bill and I have done a float on the lower river in October, and we've always seemed to tie into some trout.

We camped Thursday night at Mecca Flats, rolling in just at dusk and setting up camp in the twilight.



The next morning was clear and crisp, and we broke camp and were on the water by 9 o'clock. The river was surprisingly busy, but being that we were camping there was no rush and we enjoyed the float.





The afternoon was warm, and caddis were thick with a few PMD's mixed in. Unfortunately, surface activity was non-existent, but we still managed to pick up a few on nymphs and emergers.



We set up camp mid afternoon, lounged around and refreshed our thirst for a bit. Fished until last light, then headed back to camp where Bill started a fire while I worked on the bbq pork chops.



Saturday morning was cold - temps in the mid 20's and heavy frost. We fished at first light, with a few nice trout to hand before breakfast.



Fishing was again strong in the morning, with nymphs being the ticket. One of the highlights for me was watching a large chinook salmon holding on a redd in the main river; while I had seen salmon in the Lower D before, I had not seen one spawning. That, coupled with a beauty of a redside, made my day.





Fishing tapered off as the sun and the temps climbed; we floated down towards Trout Creek, hitting the usual haunts as we went, and rolled into the takeout mid afternoon.



I don't know when I'll be on the Lower D again, but this was a great way to end trout season.



scott

Monday, October 09, 2006

I have a few set of basic rules, several of which are givens (#1: Amy is always right), others have taken a few years to iron out.

One of my more recent ground rules is this: always have another fishing trip on the books before the one you are currently on is over. It's just much easier to deal with a trip ending that way. If the fishing is slow, you always have the next trip to look forward to.

During the end of my late September Yellowstone trip with Doug, I was bummed that our weeklong troutscapade was coming to the end. Fortunately, I had my rule to fall back on - I had a trip on the books with Dave, Paul, and Kevin in early October.

After a quick lunch Saturday, I kissed the girls goodbye, jumped in the Toyota, and grabbed Dave at his place on my way through town. Our plan was to rendevous with Paul on the river, and then Kevin was going to meet us that night at his place. Assuming, of course, that the three of us could stay up that late.



The three of us fished dries all afternoon, with decent success for small brownies during the classic "size 16 adams hatch." Around last light, we packed it in and headed back to the rigs.



Somehow or another, Kevin managed to avoid hitting any deer, and rolled in around midnight. We took advantage of the full moon and proceeded to play some horseshoes, enjoy a cigar, and catch up.



Sunday morning we packed up and busted down to the trailhead. There were a few other rigs at the parking lot, but for the most part we had the river to ourselves.





Kevin demonstrated his skills, proceeding to outfish Dave, Paul and I combined. Not that he rubbed it in or anything.

He even looks like a fisherman.



True to form, I've got another trip planned for the weekend of October 21st. After that though, baby #2 is due in late January, so rule #1 will be kicking in and I'll be sticking close to home.

Of course, steelhead will be in the coastals, anyone up for a day trip?

scott