RECREATION
It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than Fish
Fly Fishing on the Sandy River
If you feel the wish to fish, but think you haven’t time to get to good fishing, drive an hour east of Portland and visit The Villages of Mt. Hood. You can be hip-deep in world-class fly fishing streams in no time.
People have enjoyed fly fishing for many centuries. In fact, a book on fly fishing was published in the late fifteenth century in England, when rods were often made from hazel tree shoots, and lines were knotted together from horsehair. These days there’s a huge selection of gear to choose from, but the reasons to fish are still the same: the joy of a peaceful day on the water and the thrill and challenge of the catch.
For a big challenge – say, about 14 to 25 pounds – pit yourself against a Chinook salmon. In the month of May they’re running strong, so now through July’s the time to try for one. They’re powerful fish that prefer to stay out of the light. That means early morning angling, or even a trip to the river after your day’s adventures to try for late movers. Be sure to have heavier gear on hand for these big ones. You don’t even need to go out of your way to pick up a new line or reel, tackle or flies; just stop off at The Fly Fishing Shop in Welches, right by the side of Highway 26. The shop has everything you could ever want and is just down the road from the Sandy River and fantastic fishing.
Steelhead trout are running during the summer months through October. Most of these bright, silvery fish are from hatcheries, and have the marked adipose fin to prove it. The wild steelhead run is small, so catch and release regulations are in effect. There are certain restrictions by area for hatchery steelhead too, so check the latest regulations for your favorite spot on the river. Steelhead bite early this time of year, so lots of different flies will work. Need to freshen up your collection? Drop by The Fly Fishing Shop and pick up a Deep Eyed Wog, a Purple Wooly Bugger #4, and a Sandy Candy #2. Then you’ll be sure to have the flies that make the fish flock to you.
Never been fly fishing before?
Want to try but don’t know how to start? Take the 7-hour “Learn to Catch Trout the First Day” class offered through The Fly Fishing Shop. You’ll be supplied for the day with everything you need, including rod, reel and flies, while you practice on the trout-stocked lakes of beautiful private grounds. You don’t even need a fishing license. All you need is a cooler to get your catch home. That’s how sure the instructors are that you have a fish in your future. Classes are very small, and cost $150 per person. Sessions are scheduled for May 31, June 21, July 13, and later dates, so sign up now. Or get the list of their experienced guides for a more personalized one-on-one day of fishing.
If you’re an aficionado of Spey casting, the Sandy River is exactly where you need to be. Spey rods are long rods with a rear handle past the reel, and need two hands for casting. This enables you to cast a fly farther than a one-handed rod will. Every year The Fly Fishing Shop organizes a gathering of devoted Spey casters, where they can share fun, information, and great fishing. It’s called the Sandy River Spey Clave, and it takes place every May. This year the event was held May 17-18 at Oxbow Regional Park. For information, about next year’s event, visit The Fly Fishing Shop’s website below.
The Sandy River offers premium angling, and The Villages of Mt. Hood offer convenient lodging and services close by. Take the opportunity to spend quality time pursuing the old and pleasant art of fly fishing.
The Fly Fishing Shop
67296 E Hwy 26
Welches, Oregon
503-622-4607
flyfish@flyfishusa.com
www.flyfishusa.com
May/June 2008