Oregon fly fishing/wine country - The Hull Truth

Baysider · 07-10-2008, 10:13 AM

Hello,

We're planning a trip next spring/summer to Oregon with some friends. It's a part of our country I've never been to so I'm very excited. While touring through wine country will consume most of our time, I really want to do some fly fishing on some of the rivers out there. I know it's a fabulous fishery with some pretty famous rivers. Has anyone ever done a similar trip? We've just starting the planning so we're very flexible as far as time of year and location. Any info on rivers/guides as well as on specific winery regions would be most welcome. There's so many wineries and fishing possibilities it's kind of overwhelming, so please share any experiences you may have.

Thanks!

Baysider

ichthyoid · 07-10-2008, 07:44 PM

I would focus on the Yamhill, Carlton area as there are wine tours that you can book located within Yamhill County. I'm sure Google will give you the specifics on which winerys are nice to visit, but I've been to Chateau Benoit and had a great time. Another thought is to visit the coast where some great B & B's are located. I know Nehalem has some and Tillamook has the Blue Heron Winery that we enjoy. Both of those are on Highway 101 along the coast. If on the coast and looking for a guide to catch fish, look up David Johnson (Google). I've been out with him and he is a great teacher and better fisherman. A genuinely nice guy too.

If I were visiting for the first time, I'd try to hit the salmon fly hatch on the Deschutes River and book a guide out of Maupin. Again, a Google search will give you lots of info, but I think the first week of June might be good there. This year the bugs were a little colder with cold runoff and deep snow in the mountains, so this year is not a good measure of timing for bugs. Read Westfly, a fly site that can offer lots of specific help. A drift boat trip on the Deschutes will give great memories. I'm sure the Mckenzie and Metolius are also on your list, but don't forget the middle fork of the Willamette.

Baysider · 07-11-2008, 07:56 AM

Thanks for the info. Fishing for salmon on the Deschutes would be a dream. I'm sure we're going to spend some time on the coast as well. I didn't know there were wineries there, so that'll be great. It looks like there's lots of wineries in the Willamette Valley so that area will probably be on the short list. But we really would rather get away from the crowds (if there are any). Does the Mckenzie flow into the Willamette? I looked at a couple hike-in day trips on the Mckenzie (I think) that looked incredible.

Once again thanks for the info. I have a lot of research to do!

gorgedude · 12-08-2008, 07:36 PM

I realize this post is a few months out of date but in case you're still reading it, I'll add my 2 cents. I live 10 miles from the mouth of the Deschutes and will say that it does get a bit of presure during the major runs. Still a great river but a bit overrated as it's the obvious place to go.

If you want to catch a lot of fish, I mean a lot, then do the John Day. You will not not catch fish. It is literaly impossible to not catch bass. As long as it's hot and the water is low, the small mouth will hit anything you throw at them. My neighbor holds the "record" for an outfit out of Fossil: 256 in one day. My 6 year old gets board after about the 30th one.

There are others, but that will do for now.

TimW Texas · 12-09-2008, 05:17 AM

I fished many rivers in Oregon as my home state and river guide I have moved away now in Texas Here is one of the best I ever fished with http://www.tomwatersriverguide.com/ he is a fly fishing master Tell him the guy that built his house sent you from TimW Texas

finadict · 12-10-2008, 10:44 PM

Also not far from Oregon is the Yakima valley. The Yakima river is one of the best fly rivers in Wa. + has better red vino....

GolFisHunt · 04-01-2009, 11:18 PM

I live in Oregon only an hour away from the coast and right in the midde of wine country. I have fished with Dave Johnson as well, and he is Mr. Fall Chinook. If you want to catch the hogs, set up a trip with him in October on the Tillamook Rivers, either the Willson or Trask. You won't be sorry.
Check out all the fishing action on www.ifish.net and Dave Johnson at www.ifish.net/Djohnson.html
If you are here in August, have him take you out of Astoria for some outstanding Chinook or Silver fishing. If fly fishing is your goal, June to August on the Deschutes can't be beat and look up Chris O'Donnell. He has a fishing lodge for 2 to 4 fishermen right in Maupin. A great young man, but experienced beyond his years. For some great pictures and info on him, go to http://www.fishdeschutes.com/

And yes Carlton/Yamhill is our local wine country. Stop by Carton Winemaker Studio (http://www.winemakersstudio.com/thestudio/index.jsp) to sample some of the great Oregon Pinot Noirs from 10 small local wineries, or stop by Krammer Vineyards and say hi to the owner, Trudy who is there most afternoons. On your way out stop by Ponzi Vineyards just south of Beaverton to sample some world class wines. You are likely to find the Dick & Nancy Ponzi there most afternoons. This was one of the very first modern wineries in Oregon, started by Dick & Nancy in the 60"s.

Have Fun!