6 Tips on Fly Fishing in the Central Oregon heat
How to Keep Fisheries Safe
Fly fishing Central Oregon in the summertime is an angler’s dream. High alpine lakes, cool crystal clear spring-fed rivers, rainbows, browns, steelhead, and miles and miles of accessible public waters.
In the summertime, not only does Central Oregon become a popular place to visit and fly fish, but it can also get hot! With temperatures often rising into the 90’s and 100’s.
And the best way to beat the heat, grab your fly rod, head to the mountains, and find some water.
But, not only do we humans feel the heat and the need to escape from it, but so do our local trout that fill our pristine rivers and lakes. As water levels continue to decrease due to drought and temperatures rising, trout have a much harder time surviving. Trout need cold water to stay alive and stay healthy.
So, this summer, take action and practice safe fishing during hot days so you can keep our fisheries healthy.
Here are some easy summer fly tips to follow so you can still fly fish in the heat and not harm our extraordinary trout that call Central Oregon home.
Check regulations first and follow the rules. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, ODFW, may put out regulations that restrict fishing on certain rivers during certain times of the day when the water temps reach too high.
Starting July 1st, 2021, ODFW might change when and where you can fish during extreme heat. Certain rivers like the Deschutes or Crooked might be shut down in the middle of the day. So, check your regulations before you head out.
Fish early when temperatures are cooler. Set your alarm early and take your coffee to go. Fly fishing early is an excellent idea on hot days so you can stay cooler, usually see fewer crowds, and by the time the heat really kicks in that afternoon, it’s time to go and grab a cold beverage.
Target deeper waters, shaded streams, and high elevation lakes and streams. Places like these are generally cooler, so trout will have more of a fighting chance. I recommend Hosmer, Upper Deschutes, or East Lake. Or make an early morning adventure of it and hike into a lake and avoid the crowds.
Target warm water fish like bass. Oregon is home to some tremendous warm-water fisheries like the John Day, Owyhee Reservoir, and Prineville reservoir. So, get your popper on and try something different, like catching and releasing smallmouth bass. They are so much to catch!
A quick catch and release is critical! Handle the fish as little as you can and keep your fish wet. The less time out of the water and the more time in the cool water will keep your fish alive and healthy after the release. So, get your grip and grin in the water. And use barbless hooks or use your hemostats to crimp the barb making for an even quicker and smoother release.
Keep yourself cool. It’s so important that we treat our fish well during the hot summer months, but the same goes for us. Drink plenty of water, wear lightweight UPF clothing, stay in the shade as much as you can, and don’t forget your sunscreen.
Fly fishing in the heat is doable and tons of fun. But remember to respect the fish that call these waters home. The better we treat them now, the longer they survive, and the more we get to catch and release them later on.