I recently dug up some very old fly fishing gear that belonged to my mother's 1/2 brother. He was sort of a father figure to my mother, and she kind of worshipped him. She loved this gear, but, though she fished, she never fly fished. When I dug it out a few months back I shared a photo on facebook, asking if I should take up fly fishing.
 |
| Old fly fishing rod and reel |
The feedback was a resounding YES, and one response was from a local friend I knew many many years ago, who offered to teach me. His guiding credentials are impressive. I had to take him up on this offer.
After a few months of getting reacquainted, and some good casting and gear lessons, he offered to take me fishing on the McKenzie River in his drift boat. This was special because, 47 years ago he took me on the McKenzie River.
 |
| 1974, on the McKenzie River |
So this past week, we did just that. I took Waddles, he took his boat, and we met up for camping and fishing.
 |
| Ready for adventure |
The McKenzie River is spectacular. The water is clear. There are lazy sections, and adrenaline sections. And the fishing is good. Day 1 we put in at Silver Creek and took out at Goodpasture.
 |
| Ready to launch |
 |
| A lazy section |
 |
| A house being rebuilt after the 2020 fires |
 |
| My first ever rainbow trout caught on my uncle's gear!! |
 |
| Fresh trout for dinner! YUM |
Day 2 we put in at Quartz Creek, and took out at Silver Creek. We only had 1/2 a day because it was, sadly, time to head home.
 |
| Captain Mike |
 |
| Beauty in the River |
 |
Fish On!
|
This area was devastated by forest fires last year. A lot of the forest, and many many houses were burned. Now there is a lot of salvage logging going on and houses are being rebuilt. I can't imagine what the residents are going through. The entire town of Blue River was burned, except for the school and the post office. What I know, from working for the Forest Service for many years, it this will grow back, but it takes a very very long time.
 |
| There used to be a house there |
 |
| Goodpasture Bridge |
 |
| Eagle Rock |
This wonderful trip had to end, but there was one more trout dinner with my brother when I got home.
 |
| Yum! |
I think I'm hooked on Fly Fishing! If you need to hire a guide, I know where there is a good one! Wy'East Expeditions
Looks like a great outing, with delicious results!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize you would be drifting through the burn area. I drove through several weeks ago - very sobering.
Congratulations on a new retirement hobby. Judging from WyEast's website, looks like you had a uniquely experienced and excellent guide.