Well now, let me tell ya somethin’ about this here fly fishin’ on the Crooked River. I ain’t no fancy expert or nothin’, but I’ve been fishin’ this river for donkey’s years, and I know a thing or two.
What You Need to Know ’bout the Crooked River
First off, this Crooked River, she ain’t so crooked in some parts. But the best fishin’, the real good fishin’, that’s down below Bowman Dam. They call it the Tailwater, and it goes on down for about eight miles or so towards Prineville. That’s where you wanna be. Past Mile Marker 12, it ain’t as good, so stick to that stretch.
Now, they got other spots too, like up near Smith Rock and Opal Springs, but it ain’t the same. Too many folks, too much fuss. The Tailwater, that’s where the peace and quiet is, and where the fish are bitin’.
Fishin’ Gear – Keep it Simple
Folks get all worked up about fancy gear, but you don’t need all that. A good fly rod, some line, and some flies, that’s about it. Them fellas down at the fishin’ store, they’ll try to sell you all sorts of stuff, but don’t you listen. Just get the basics.
- Flies: Them little bugs, they’re important. Some folks like them tiny ones, like them #20 RS2s or Film Critics. I ain’t never seen a film critic in my life, but the fish seem to like ’em. Then there’s them Sparkle Duns and Parachute BWOs, about the same size. If you like fishin’ down deep, them Diabaetis Perdigons, they work too. Just get a few of each, see what the fish are likin’ that day.
- Rod and Line: Get yourself a decent fly rod, somethin’ that feels good in your hand. And line, well, you need line, that’s for sure. Don’t go cheap on the line, or you’ll lose a good fish, and that ain’t no fun.
Where to Find Them Fish
Fish, they like cover. They ain’t gonna be out in the open where them big birds can get ’em. So, you gotta look for places where they can hide. Bends in the river, that’s a good spot. Or where one side is steep and the other is flat. Fish like to hang out in them spots.
And don’t go trespassin’ on nobody’s land. Just ’cause you see a good fishin’ spot don’t mean you can go trompin’ all over someone’s property. Be respectful, ya hear?
Best Time to Go Fishin’
Now, fishin’ ain’t always good. Sometimes they bite, sometimes they don’t. But the best times, that’s usually early mornin’ or late evenin’. When the sun ain’t so hot, and the bugs are flyin’ around. That’s when the fish are feedin’.
And don’t go fishin’ when the water’s all muddy and high. After a big rain, the fish can’t see nothin’, and they ain’t gonna bite. Wait for the water to clear up a bit.
Other Places to Fish
This Crooked River ain’t the only place to fish, ya know. Out West, there’s lots of good fishin’. Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, they all got good rivers and streams. Even up in Alaska, if you wanna go that far. But me, I like it here. Close to home, where I know the water.
Guided Trips – If You Need a Little Help
Now, some folks, they like to go with a guide. Someone who knows the river real well. There’s this outfit, River Borne Outfitters, they do guided trips on the Crooked River. They’ll take you out, show you the best spots, and help you catch some fish. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that, if you ain’t sure where to go or what to do. But me, I like to do things my own way.
Deep Sea Fishin’ – A Whole Different Ballgame
And then there’s that deep sea fishin’. That ain’t nothin’ like river fishin’. Big boats, big fish, like tuna and yellowtail. Brothers Sportfishing, they do them trips. Sounds excitin’, but it ain’t for me. I like my rivers and my trout.
So, there you have it. A little bit of what I know about fly fishin’ on the Crooked River. It ain’t rocket science, just gotta get out there and try it. And remember, be patient, be respectful, and have fun. That’s what fishin’ is all about.
Big lakes and reservoirs got fish too, not just rivers. Sometimes bigger fish even. Just gotta find ’em.
Now go on and get yourself out there and catch some fish!
Tags: [Fly Fishing, Crooked River, Oregon, Trout, Fishing Tips, Tailwater, Bowman Dam, Flies, River Borne Outfitters]
