Читать книгу Fly Fishing Central & Southeastern Oregon - Harry Teel - Страница 19

The Chewaucan is not a big river, but it is enjoyable to fish with a fly rod. It’s a pretty river, off the beaten path, and not very crowded. If you are in the area fishing the Ana or Lake of the Dunes and want a more forested setting or a change of location, give the Chewaucan a try.

The Chewaucan flows out of the mountains and heads for the Great Basin, where it dissipates into the Oregon desert. As you go upstream from Paisley, you enter the Fremont National Forest. Much of the fishable river lies in this pine-studded drainage. The numbers of redband trout have gone down due to recent low-water conditions, but the fly fishing is still pretty good. Don’t forget mosquito repellent. You’ll need it!

To get to the Chewaucan, drive to the small town of Paisley near Summer Lake, on Highway 31. You’ll need to turn to the south just west of Paisley to access the best part of the river. Paisley is a good rest stop when traveling through this rural area.

The Chewaucan River provides an uncrowded alternative. Photo by Matt Johnson.

Types of Fish

Predominantly planted rainbow trout from 8 to 12 inches. Some nice fish in the 14- to 16-inch range are taken on a regular basis.

Known Hatches

Mayflies, midges, and caddis.

Equipment to Use

Rods: 3–5 weight, 7–9 feet in length.

Reels: Palm drag.

Lines: Match floating and sink tip to rod weight.

Leaders: 4X and 5X, 9 feet in length.

Wading: Felt-soled hip boots are OK, but you’re better off with lightweight waders with felt-soled wading shoes.

Flies to Use

Dries: Pale Morning Dun, Adams, Renegade, Royal Wulff, Mosquito, Comparadun, Elk Hair Caddis, H&L Variant, X Caddis, Humpy, CDC Caddis and Madam X, Blue-Winged Olive.