Trout Spey Revolution and Southern Oregon!

There have to be a few instances when you can't spey for Trout, but I can't think of any...ok well maybe up stream dries. 

Join the Revolution!

The Trout Spey Revolution has begun and for good reason, it is deadly effective. With more and more Manufactures jumping on the trout spey revolution the fishing possibilities are endless. Companies like Airflo, OPST, Echo, and LTS all make tactical spey gear for both double and single handed fly rods. 

With todays short fat skagits I can throw mini intruders, monster zonkers, and huge meaty flies that I never could before. This has taken my Williamson river fishing to a whole other level. I was finding traditional skagits to long for some of the runs I fished before as they didn't leave me much room to strip. The Williamson is a fishery where the strip is an essential as those large Predatory Redbands like to see movement. With Todays shorter skagits, and switch lines you will have plenty of running line to strip after your swing. Beyond their "stripability" these short bruisers make it easy to cover all of the water column. all I have to do is carry a Skagit and tips. I fish from a light Polly intermediate to a 6' chunk of T7 with my 220 grn Commando Head, try doing that with at regular 6wt weighted forward. just think of the possibilities that a chunk of t7 will bring to your favorite trout stream...To the Williamson its been a revolution. 

If skagits and stripping aren't your thing, you can still join the revolution. Companies like LTS are making triple density scandis that turn over like butter and land so gently that they wont be noticed by even the wariest of trout. the cool thing about these type of heads is that they swing strait. there is no heavy back taper that swings lower than the fly. They also come in several different sink rates. from the FHI to the 135, they will cover any water you'll find. 


Its a brave new world, the Trout Spey Revolution has begun, those who have become part of its movement are growing their trout game exponentially, the sky seems the limit as to what new presentations we can come up with. With all these new tools at hand, you'll be able to open up areas you previously thought were out of your reach. More importantly, you'll rediscover the fun. Only one question remains...will you join the revolution?

My favorite Williamson River Damsel Fly Pattern Video is now on YouTube.

P.B.F.E is my go to fly on the Williamson when the fish are looking at damsels. In this video you will find the materials you will need to tie it along with tying instructions. I hope you try it on your home water.

PBFE  a top Williamson River Damsel Fly Pattern 

Fall Means Rogue River Steelhead

If your outside in Southern Oregon you can almost feel the seasons start to shift. Fall means Steelhead, Elk, and a Technical Williamson River around these parts. It's my favorite time of year because the promise of deer season pulls people off the river and lakes making Fall trips peaceful.  Take a look at what we have been up to and what we are looking forward to.  We still have a few evening swings open, if you want to taste the golden beams of fall on a river who's Steelhead peak this time of year.

Trophy Williamson River Trout

Following suit!

Wired leach

Putting a bent in the LTS Ephameria

The Williamson River Hex Hatch, there is nothing else like it.

There is nothing better than fishing clients  along side a good friend and guide, while monster fish are sucking down monster flies, and that's exactly what has been going down the last few evenings. The excitement these huge bugs leave the clients with a huge smile and sore shoulders.

Thanks Brent Hublitz for sharing the past few evenings in friendly competition, and watching fish jump on the ends of all our lines!

The Williamson River, Oregon's Mini-Spey and Swing Destination for Trophy Trout!

When you mix July and the Williamson in the same sentence, most fly fishermen would think Hexagenia  Hatch and the huge Dry Flies that are fished at dusk, but there is another game in town. The hex hatch also opens up the river to become a great swing fishery. Watching a huge trout gulp down huge mayflies is a treat, but the “EAT” on a well swung fly is just as exciting—Pair that with the Micro Spey Rod and you may be in Trout Bliss. The hex hatch begins way before you see the huge mayfly dancing on the Williamson’s Surface, and if you’re savvy enough, and know the river you can take an advantage of it. The Micro Speys will help you to place the long mends you will need to present your impostor as the hex prime rib, that the trout have grown to love. Once you get it right…Hold On!        



Encounters with A Wild Williamson River Trout!

 

Trout on the Mini Spey..10'6" 3wt

Another Trophy Williamson Trout on the swing!

Trout Prime Rib....Impostor





Going back in!

Williamson, and the Wood are still producing!

Even with this week's cool down, the Williamson and Wood rivers in the Klamath Basin the are fishing well. The river remains low and clear, but it's full of fish, and they are biting well. As the weather warms the basin's rivers will be outstanding. If your looking for a trophy trout trip of a lifetime,  look towards the basin.

Southern Oregon Is on Fire-- Rogue River Holy Water, and Williamson River Report.

Rogue River Salmonfly Hatch

 

Bob hit the dry fly world with a storm. It took him a couple of fish before one came to the bank, but it didn't take him long before he was able to see a beautiful trout up close and personal.  Good job Bob, your fishing like a pro. The Rogue River Salmon Fly Hatch continues to impress.

 

 

Williamson River Report

From Good Friend and Great Guide Brent Hublitz

"Wow! What an opening weekend on the Williamson. The water is low, clear, and the fishing is better than fantastic. I ran trips the last three days and there are more than enough fish to have some fun (large one’s too.) Swinging leech patterns on a slow sinking intermediate line has been the most productive technique. I will post some pictures of this weekend in the next day or two, but for now it’s time to go get some rest."

 

Absolutely Awesome...and Free!

If you haven't read this yet you should! Quality. http://swingthefly.com/magazine/fall-2013-1-2/

Polly's Black, Pursell's Black, who knows...but it catches fish.

     I had been fishing The Williamson for weeks without a single grab, and I was about to give the whole sport up until I met a substitute teacher on a late May school day. His Name was Paul Pursell, and he caught me talking about the days fishing plans with my buddies when I should have been doing my math. He immediately told me to meet him outside in the hall. I thought, "what harsh punishment for a few words," but I didn't protest and I made my way out. He followed right behind me.
     To my surprise he shut the door, then asked "have you been catching any?" I was flabbergasted, but regained composer quickly, as I always liked to talk fishing.
     "Naw, They are jumping everywhere,  but I cant get them to bite."
     "What are you using?" he asked
     "Jigs."
     His eyebrows rose, and he looked over his glasses, "You need to come fishing with me, show up to the green house by the bridge and Ill show you how to do it; now tend to your work." he pointed to my desk.
     I took him up on that offer and we became good friends. We made a deal that if I cut his grass for the summer he would get me some decent fly gear to use. We both owned up to our bargain and at the end of the summer he gave me a Sage 9' 5wt Reserve Power Rod, it was the latest and the greatest, and I loved it.
     Paul helped me cast, learn the bugs, and gave me a few pointers on how to fish the Williamson, but he expected me to try to figure out the river for myself, as he knew how that would help my fishing for the rest of my life. After watching me bumble around the river, putting down more fish than I hooked he finally threw me a bone.
a little black fly he named after himself, Pursell's Black.
     He told me, "Cast that fly quartering downstream and let it swing across the current."
     "Drag it?But?"
     "Just do it!"
     So the next time I hit the river I followed Mr. Pursell's orders to the tee. That night I landed monster after monster, and wore a perma--grin for a week after.
     One night Mr. Pursell invited my brother, and I to come to his place to watch the new Gary Borger video with Him and Polly Rosebrough. During the course of the night I mentioned how awesome the Pursell Black had performed. Polly quickly asked me to tell him what it looked like.
     I told him, then he laughed, "I came up with that pattern."
     Like a starting pistol, those words started a argument that lasted well into the night. I heard stories of huge fish and how each of them used that pattern before the other: great stories a 12 year old boy to hear from a couple of local legends.
    I miss those days, fishing seemed simpler and less demanding. Whenever I tie the Black Fly, (what I ended up calling it so I wouldn't rile the old timers), I remember those times, I hope this pattern brings you as much joy as it has me. I have caught a ton of Williamson River Trout on it and its a great pattern for Rogue River Steelhead as well. Enjoy.

Slightly weight the fly to break surface tension.

Add 3 or 4 strands of Peacock herl tied with tips out to make a tail

Add a black, webby, hen hackle tied at the tip.

Wrap the peacock to the tip.

Palmer the Hen Hackle to the eye and tie off.

 

       And there you have it a The Fly of Williamson River Legends, swing this puppy and take a step back in time. 
   

Its been a busy week!

It has been a busy week. The Upper Rogue is starting to show summer steelhead. We have been hooking a few on swung flies. The river has raised and I expect them to shoot up!

The Klamath Basin is still producing, although the full moon has slowed fishing as of late. Swinging Flies with the small speys are still producing, which makes me happy, happy, happy, as there is no better way to fish!

Once the Rogue starts to drop and the moon goes away the rivers will come alive.

Here are a couple pictures from the last week.



Carrie with a Fish On



Nice Wood River Trout on the swing!

Nice little Rogue River Steelhead-- Good Job Seth, what a fight on a 3 wt.

Aaron with his first Wood River redband.

Klamath Grows Trout Big!

HOG!

Being a part of peoples memories!

The best part of my job is the smiles. I get to be a part of peoples memories. It is absolutely the best when families get together, and use me as a vehicle for memories. I got into guiding to help people catch fish, and promote the appreciation of wild rivers and the fish that lurk in their depths, but I have gained so much more. I am allowed to be a part of peoples memories, their lives,  a responsibility I don't take lightly. This is about way more than fishing, its about memories or even new lifestyles that are gained. I get to see people who have never held a fly rod, get bit by the fly fishing bug at their first tug. I've witnessed family bonds tighten with each released fish. No sir, this is way more important than fishing--this is life in one of its simplest forms. Man and nature--its good for the Soul. I am honored and privileged to be able to be a part of these memories. Here are some pictures from last weeks memories.


Fish Slime ...Naw! She had a ball!

He got good on the switch rod!

The smiles are what it's all about!

Bringing smiles gets addictive!

He's getting real good!

Mabye, Just Mabye!

I think Steve Godshall thought I was a bit touched in the head when I pitched my idea for the "Ultimate Wood River Line," to him, but after a few questions he agreed to put one together for the Wood. Tomorrow I will put it through its Paces...Thanks Steve for entertaining my need for exploration. Stay posted folks, I'll report back tomorrow...Swing Em...Nate

The Super Stealthy, Steve Godshall Wood River line

What is this thing we call Skagit?

As Steelhead season is just around the corner here on the Rogue River, and with the Williamson and Wood fishing well , I thought it might be fitting to introduce you to the swing. Those of you who know me, know that I love to fish the swing with the fly rod. For large rivers there is no better rod than the doublehander for this purpose. If your new to this form of flyfishing I have found a video that will help you understand the systems used, Enjoy...Nate

Klamath Lake is off the Hook!

The Klamath is off the hook right now! A good friend of mine, T.J.  had a great weekend over there! The fish are moving to cooler water as the lake warms, if you know where to go, you can catch these fish on the move. Use all your classic patterns and presentations. Please, remember if you get a real sluggish fish break him off or land him fast as he is probably heat stressed, then move—heck most of the good fish are in the cold water anyhow. If you have never fished the Klamath you need to. Check out T.J’s face book page at  https://www.facebook.com/hookedonlife?fref=ts

T.J. Red Band

More Color

Clean Fish

Lake fishing is hard work!

The Williamson River, Wood River, and Klamath Redband Report

With the barometer falling the fishing slowed on the Williamson River, but we were able to connect with a few. I am positive, without some of Brent’s closed swinging methods, I would have never caught any fish. The river is clearing and getting cooler, making it the ultimate destination for swinging for trophy trout. There have been several over 25” caught in the last couple of weeks and it’s bound to get better with the promise of the Hex hatch and warmer weather. The Wood River is fishing well with several double digit days. It is still stained making it a good bet for swinging big flies. If you can get the chance to fish The Klamath Basin you should take it, June is a great time of the year to experience its riches!



A Rogue River Boat on the Wood River



Fresh out of the Lake (notice the Lice)

 

This Small Trout thought it was a Steelhead, I love the way the Williamson, Wood, and Klamath Basin Redbands fight this time of year!