Tying the Steelhead Brassie: A Fly Fishing Guide When it comes to fly fishing for steelhead, having the correct pattern is essential. The Steelhead Brassie is a simple yet highly effective fly that combines durability, weight, and a lifelike design. It’s perfect for winter and spring fishing, where steelhead tend to hold in deeper water. Whether you’re a seasoned fly tier or just starting out, this guide will help you create a Steelhead Brassie performing well in rivers like the Rogue. Why the Steelhead Brassie Works The Steelhead Brassie is adapted from the classic Brassie nymph but modified to target…
Mastering the Stonefly Nymph – How to Tie, Weight, and Fish the Pat’s Rubber Legs and Its Variations
The stonefly nymph is a classic fly pattern that belongs in every angler’s arsenal. Known for its simplicity, effectiveness, and versatility, this fly imitates the larval stage of stoneflies, a favorite food source for trout, steelhead, and other freshwater species. Among the most popular stonefly nymph patterns is the Pat’s Rubber Legs, also affectionately known as the “Girdle Bug.” This guide will walk you through how to tie it, properly add weight, and explore its variations to maximize your success on the water. Why Stonefly Nymphs Work Stonefly nymphs are large, protein-packed insects that live in cold, fast-moving rivers. Their…
Thankful for Tight Lines and Life Lessons from the River
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect season for reflection—a time to pause and appreciate the simple joys that enrich our lives. For those of us who cherish the art of flyfishing, the river offers endless reasons to be thankful. Beyond the thrill of a catch, it provides lessons, memories, and a deep connection to the natural world. Flyfishing is more than just a sport; it’s a teacher. It teaches patience as you wait for the perfect moment to cast, resilience as you navigate the disappointments of a slow season, and humility as you recognize the river’s rhythm is far beyond…
Devastating Bomb Cyclone Slams the Pacific Northwest
Devastating Bomb Cyclone Slams the Pacific Northwest November 20, 2024 The Pacific Northwest is reeling from the effects of a deadly bomb cyclone that unleashed catastrophic weather conditions across Washington, Oregon, and northern California this week. The storm has left at least one person dead, caused widespread destruction, and triggered massive power outages for hundreds of thousands of residents. What is a Bomb Cyclone? A bomb cyclone, or “explosive cyclogenesis,” occurs when a storm rapidly intensifies, with its central pressure dropping at least 24 millibars in 24 hours. This process, called bombogenesis, typically happens when warm and cold air masses…
Northwest River Forecast: What to Expect in the Wake of the Bomb Cyclone
November 20, 2024 As the Pacific Northwest continues to grapple with the aftermath of a devastating bomb cyclone, communities are bracing for more impacts in the coming days. Southern Oregon and the greater Northwest region face significant changes to river conditions, including rising water levels, flooding, and increased debris. Here’s a closer look at what to expect. The Current Situation The bomb cyclone delivered torrential rain and winds up to 75 mph, causing power outages, structural damage, and life-threatening conditions across the region. Rivers across the Northwest, especially in southern Oregon, are already showing signs of stress as they handle…
How the Bomb Cyclone Will Impact Southern Oregon Rivers
November 20, 2024 The recent bomb cyclone that ravaged the Pacific Northwest is set to have significant and lasting effects on rivers in southern Oregon. As this powerful storm delivers relentless rainfall to the region, local rivers face heightened risks of flooding, erosion, and changes to aquatic ecosystems. Rising Water Levels and Flood Risks The heavy rainfall brought by the bomb cyclone is expected to cause rapid rises in water levels for major southern Oregon rivers, including the Rogue, Applegate, and Illinois Rivers. Flood warnings have already been issued for low-lying areas near these rivers, and residents are urged to…
Exploring the Economic Impact and Future Sustainability of ODFW Hatcheries
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has embarked on an in-depth economic analysis of its state-owned fish hatcheries, providing critical insights into their financial sustainability, economic contributions, and potential funding solutions. This comprehensive study highlights the essential role these facilities play in supporting Oregon’s fisheries while addressing challenges such as climate change and aging infrastructure. One of the key aspects of the analysis focuses on the operational costs of Oregon’s hatchery system and the economic benefits it delivers. Beyond direct financial outputs, such as revenue from recreational and commercial fishing, the report also explores non-market benefits. These include…
Restoring the Rogue: Conservation Wins, Modern Challenges, and the Path Forward (1951-Present)
Restoring the Rogue: Conservation Wins, Modern Challenges, and the Path Forward (1951-Present) By the mid-20th century, the Rogue River had undergone immense transformation. After a century of exploitation and settlement, the river’s ecological health had deteriorated, and fish populations were in serious decline. This period saw the rise of organized conservation efforts aimed at restoring and protecting the Rogue, which, by 1968, would earn a place in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. From conservation triumphs to the ongoing challenges posed by climate change, this era has been defined by both the resilience of the Rogue River and the…
Transformation of the Rogue: Gold Rush, Settlements, and Conservation Efforts (1851-1950)
Transformation of the Rogue: Gold Rush, Settlements, and Conservation Efforts (1851-1950) As the Gold Rush hit Southern Oregon in the 1850s, the Rogue River entered a turbulent era of transformation. What had been a pristine waterway and a cultural heartland for Indigenous tribes became a focus of settlement, resource extraction, and, ultimately, conflict. During this period, the Rogue River witnessed waves of prospectors, loggers, and farmers who reshaped the landscape. The environmental impacts were immense, and the era also saw the beginnings of conservation as people began to recognize the need to protect the river’s resources. The Gold Rush and…
The Untamed Rogue – Indigenous Cultures and Early Encounters (1800-1850)
The Untamed Rogue: Indigenous Cultures and Early Encounters (1800-1850) The Rogue River has long been a vital lifeline in Southern Oregon, supporting communities, ecosystems, and cultural practices well before the arrival of European settlers. Between 1800 and 1850, the river flowed through a relatively untouched landscape, where Indigenous peoples lived in harmony with its abundant resources. This era marked a period of traditional life for the region’s Native tribes, punctuated by the first encounters with explorers and traders that would eventually alter the course of the Rogue’s history. Indigenous Life Along the Rogue River For thousands of years, Indigenous communities…