Friday's Featured Fly

Bugs have arrived, and the fishing is only going to get better!  The Salmon Fly Hatch is one of the most famous hatches known to anglers from all around.  We are lucky enough to have this right in our backyard.  The Deschutes Redside trout are hungry, big, and fun to catch.  We created our own Go to Dry Fly Kit so you don't have to think about it.  Our favorite flies for the famous hatch.  

Friday's Featured Fly RIO's Juicy Stone - Everything is lining up to have an excellent salmon fly season on the Deschutes River.  If you do not have these bugs in your box, we suggest you get yourself some.  We even created a kit for you, one-stop shopping with all of our favorite flies.   Deschutes Salmon Dry Fly Kit

Balanced Leeches are a critical part of any stillwater angler's arsenal.  Just in from our friends at Solitude, the Tungsten Balance Leech in Phantom.  Doesn't get any better than this one!  This is also part of our GFS Kit - Trout Stillwater Balance Leech kit.  

Friday Featured Flies are a tray of Mattioli's Trout Spey Buggers by Aqua Flies.  These flies are on their way to our friend in Great Britain.  We just updated our Trout Spey Rod Guide.  Here we break down trout spey rods, what size is the right size?  Plus, more questions are answered for you here.   Happy Spring!  Of course, always give us a call if you have questions.  541-386-6977

Today's featured fly is a new one coming in from Aqua Flies.  Stu's Barred Ostrich Intruder.   This fly is tied with Barred Ostrich, which is arguably the most successful steelhead colorway.  Send these baddies on your next Steelhead Adventure.  Need a Steelhead Rod for that next adventure?  Check out our Steelhead Spey Rod Buyers Guide

This week's Friday's Featured fly is coming to you in the form of a "Happy Meal"!  Well, kind of....meet our newest fly kit.  Our favorite Trout Stillwater Balanced Leech Kit.  The flies come in our logo pucks and are perfect to drop into your pack/bag or waders.  

Beck's Sili Legs Lite is undoubtedly one of the best bonefish patterns of all time. Call it a Gotcha with the huge bonus of rubber legs.  The "lite" version is tied with bead chain eyes for skinny water.  Don't go to the Bahamas without a fistful of these!

About what any steelheader needs.  A fistful of good leeches!  This one checks all the boxes.  Not too big.  Not too small.  Little bit of flash.  Hot cone.  Send it!  Aqua Flies Bunny Hare Leech in black/blue.  In stock now.  

All this dark weather means Blue Winged Olives!  The RIO's Film Critic is one of our favorite emergers.  The upright wing is just big enough to make it visible on gray days.  Fish it alone or trail it behind a bigger dry that you can see well.  If you are getting ready for Sping, check out our Five-Weight Buyers Guide

Catch Dirty PT Hot Pink Jigged - What doesn't this Nymph have going for it? A jig hook, soft hackle, Pheasant Tail, and a hot bead. A fantastic prospecting pattern that has a little bit of everything. We carry them in sizes 16 and 18

Some of the most effective bonefish flies could be described as "plain with a little pop".  Bonefish prey tends to be stealthily camouflaged to match the bottom and avoid detection.  This is where the "POP" comes into play.  RIO's Bone Doctor has an overall tan color scheme with just enough flash to draw attention.  This one works

Doesn't it look like it's about to crawl away!?  Here's RIO's take on the Flexo Crab in tan.  Made quietly famous in the Seychelles, this style of crab has caught the attention of Permit and other crab eaters across the globe.  Guides on Christmas Island love this one for triggers.

It's hard to beat a good cheeseburger!  The fly version has all kinds of great crabby characteristics.  Feczko's Cheeseburger is quietly one of the best bugs for Triggers.  Fun trick fly to try for Permit, too.  

Signature tyer of this fly, Jeffrey Feczkko, reached out to us and shared the story of how this fly came to life. We would love to share it with you.  6 or 7 years ago, in the middle of an atol in the middle of the Indian Ocean, he created what would end up being one of the best flies for trigger fish.  Jeffery is very humbled by the popularity of his fly and appreciates RIO for reproducing this fly.  To note Charlie tried bringing this fly in last year but was sold out!  We are excited to now have it in the shop.  

We want to personally thank Jeffrey for reaching out and sharing his story behind the scenes of this incredible fly.

RIO's Banana Stand. This little gem is slightly flashier than other Shrimp Patterns is a great pattern in less-than-ideal conditions for bonefish and redfish. Tied with materials that are subtle yet have a tad of flash, resulting in a highly visible and enticing fly for murky water and low-light conditions

It's dark and rainy here in the PNW.  Some warm Flats Fishing sure sounds good!  Today's Friday Featured Fly is RIO's Smelling Salt.  This one was originally intended for laid-up Tarpon, but works equally well for all things that live in mangroves! 

Big Bonefish in certain destinations love big Flies! These are a few of our favorites for the Bahamas and beyond. Saltwater gear sales have picked up recently.  Weather changes increase the desire to find warm tropical water.  Searching for the big fish that call it home.  If you have not hunted for Bonefish before, you should put this on your bucket list.  Check out Sage's Limited Edition Grand Slam Salt R8 rod paired with a Sage Enforcer limited edition reel.  Our crew has a ton of Saltwater experience.  If you have questions, give us a call. 

No doubt about it.  Some of the best trout spey flies come in natural color schemes.  Aqua Flies' Trout Spey Intruder is a scaled-down, unweighted pattern tied in an intruder-style.  Buggy and wiggly.  This one gets it done!

Cooler fall weather has our minds wandering to the Caribbean. Salt season is upon us! Here’s one of Andros Island’s unofficial official bonefish flies.  The beefy RIO's Gotcha Clouser in size 2.  Simple and deadly!

It's getting deeper into fall, and many of the rivers in the northwest are filling up with coho.  If you're looking for a fly to strip on a single-hander or jig throughout the swing, check out the Starlight Leech Pink.  Heavy eyes to get down and work the twitch that love.

The Deschutes River Salmonfly Hatch

There are few events in Western fly fishing that generate as much anticipation as the Salmonfly hatch on the Deschutes River. Big bugs, aggressive wild Redside trout, explosive dry fly eats, and some of the most scenic water in Oregon all come together during a short but unforgettable window each spring.

If you’ve never experienced the hatch, it deserves a spot on your bucket list.

The hatch typically begins in mid-May and progresses into early June, starting downriver and gradually moving upstream as water temperatures rise. Alongside the famous Salmonflies, anglers can also expect Golden Stones, with the occasional Green Drake and PMD mixed in depending on conditions.

Stoneflies spend the majority of their life underwater as nymphs, often for multiple years. When they finally migrate to shore to emerge into adults, the river changes quickly. These bugs are famously clumsy once they hatch, often falling or getting blown back onto the water from shoreline grasses and bushes. The trout know it, too.

During the hatch, Deschutes Redsides slide tight to the banks, under alders, against grasses, and along rocky edges waiting for an easy meal. The takes can be violent and unforgettable. Even when you don’t see obvious rising fish, trout are still looking for stoneflies if bugs are active along the banks.

One of the biggest mistakes anglers make during the hatch is fishing too far from shore. Focus on likely holding water close to the bank and be prepared for fish to eat in very shallow water.

Timing & River Sections

The most consistent Salmonfly action is generally found from Pelton Dam downstream to Sherars Falls, though productive fishing can be found throughout much of the lower river during the hatch progression.

Popular access points include:

• Warm Springs

• Mecca Flats

• Trout Creek

• South Junction

• Maupin area access points

The Warm Springs to Trout Creek stretch — commonly referred to as the “Day Stretch” — sees the heaviest fishing pressure during the hatch, but it also holds some outstanding fish and incredible dry fly water.

Below Trout Creek, angling pressure often lightens somewhat, though the hatch still attracts anglers and outfitters from across the Northwest. The float from Trout Creek to Harpham Flat is one of the iconic multi-day floats in the West, winding through the heart of the wild and scenic Deschutes Canyon.

This lower section is remote, rugged, and beautiful, but it should not be underestimated. Whitehorse Rapids is a serious Class III+ rapid and demands experienced boat handling skills.

Gear Recommendations

For many of us, Salmonfly season means putting away the indicator rods for a while and committing fully to dry flies.

A 9’ 5-weight is the standard setup for most anglers, though a 6-weight can be a great choice when afternoon canyon winds start blowing. Pair it with a quality weight-forward floating line and don’t be afraid to fish heavier leaders than usual.

Large foam stonefly patterns turn over much better on 1X–3X tippet, especially during windy afternoons. Leave the light tippet at home until later summer hatches arrive.

Fly Selection

No single fly pattern dominates every day of the hatch. Conditions, pressure, and fish mood all play a role.

That said, reliable staples include:

• Chubby Chernobyl

• Norm Woods Special

• Golden Stone patterns

• Smaller Salmonfly variations

• Oversized foam attractors

Bring a range of sizes and colors. Sometimes downsizing your fly slightly can make a major difference, especially on pressured fish.

And when a trout eats your fly — give it a moment. One of the hardest parts of Salmonfly fishing is resisting the urge to trout-set too quickly after an explosive take.

Why It Matters

The Deschutes Salmonfly hatch is more than just great fishing. It’s one of those seasonal moments that defines fly fishing in the Northwest.

Big dries.
Wild trout.
Canyon winds.
Cold mornings and warm afternoons.
Long floats through desert scenery.

It’s the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year.

Guided Deschutes River Trip Options

If you’re looking to experience the Salmonfly hatch with experienced local knowledge, guided trips can make a huge difference — especially during a hatch that moves quickly and changes daily.

Day Stretch Float Trips

Guided day trips typically cover the famous “Day Stretch” from Warm Springs to Trout Creek. This roughly 10-mile float features some of the most productive dry fly water on the river along with the chance at larger-than-average Deschutes Redsides.

It’s also one of the busiest stretches during the hatch. Fish move constantly with pressure and changing bug activity, which makes local knowledge incredibly valuable when trying to stay on active fish throughout the day.

Multi-Day Camp Trips

For anglers wanting the full Deschutes experience, multi-day camp trips from Trout Creek to Harpham Flat are hard to beat.

These 3–4 day floats travel deep through the wild and scenic canyon with mobile camps moving downriver each day. Camp setups are handled for you, allowing anglers to focus entirely on fishing, relaxing, and enjoying the canyon atmosphere.

Expect comfortable tents with cots and pads, quality meals, riverside camps, and long days spent fishing classic Deschutes water during one of the most exciting hatches of the year.

The lower river canyon offers incredible scenery, lighter pressure, and some of the most memorable dry fly fishing in the West.

Trip Information

For guided Deschutes River Salmonfly trips:

Sam Sickles
Steelhead Outfitters
541-400-0855

Availability during Salmonfly season is limited and dates typically fill quickly during May and early June.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - April 20, 2026

Deschutes Trout

Spring is happening on the Deschutes.  There's green in the canyon, and you have to get that while you can!  After a handful of cold nights, the current extend forecast is showing nothing but beautiful spring weather.  Now to answer seemingly everyone's current question....what's going on with the stoneflies!?

With all the early heat we've had, that's a very valid question.  Yes, we've heard some rumors of a stray golden stone or salmonfly, but not too much to report on the big bugs just yet.  That said, it's certainly time to be ready for it.  If the current forecast holds, things will likely be ahead of schedule by a bit this time around.  Be sure to re-stock your flies, terminal tackle, floatant and dry shake.  Luck favors the moderately prepared and some of these small but crucial items can become scarce in a hurry during the peak of the hatch.  

Stones aside, the fishing is coming on rather strongly right now.  All standard sub-surface techniques are working well.  There are still some March Browns and BWO's.  Caddis are making a daily appearance to some degree or another.  The river is really coming to life and things are happening!

One approach worth mentioning is prospecting with a dry fly.  Especially on some of these warm afternoons.  You can go dry/dropper with a small chubby (or something along those lines), but it can be even easier than that.  Try fishing shallow pocket water with a well-greased Elk Hair Caddis in 14 or 16.  You'll be amazed at what you find!

Mt. Hood Lakes

Stillwater season is upon us.  Be sure to check the regulations to verify the opening day of your favorite lake, but some of the best ones on Hood open 4/22.  We have excellent conditions on the lakes for this time of year with water temps that should be a bit above average.  Expect to have excellent leech fishing with intermediate lines or balance leeches under indicators.  The chironomid fishing should also be very good with great opportunities to fish on the surface in the later half of the day.  Best of luck to all the anglers trying the lakes this week!

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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Limited Deschutes Trips with Sam Sickles

Spring Spots Available with Sam Sickles: Lower Deschutes Dry Fly Trips at an Early Booking Rate

Spring in the Gorge means one thing for a lot of us—Deschutes trout season is calling. If you have been thinking about getting out on the Lower Deschutes with a seasoned guide, now is a great time to lock in a trip with Sam Sickles of Steelhead Outfitters. Sam is offering limited spots for Gorge Fly Shop customers for early bird bookings.

A word from Sam...
The birds are chirping, the grass is growing and giant stonefly nymphs are making their way to the bank.  Spring in the Gorge means trout fishing on the Deschutes.  I’m offering an early booking rate for Gorge Fly Shop customers, 10% off ($585) if you book by April 15th. Along with a killer boat ride and a fabulous lunch I will show you the five most important tips for dry fly fishing on the Lower Deschutes!  

SteelheadOutfitters.com

Sam Sickles 

PO Box 115 

Hood River, OR 97031 

samsickles@gmail.com 

(541) 400-0855

Gear Up

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  GFS Fly Kits |  Contact Us

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - March 27, 2026

Winter Steelhead

We're nearing the end of the season with just a few more weeks left.  Time to search out your grand finale!  The first couple weeks of April can produce some excellent fishing, and the crowds will start to thin.  And it's just a wonderful time to be giving it a try.  There are plenty of notable signs of spring throughout steelhead country, but they're especially evident on the coast.  The plants are exploding and a lot of the spring birds are showing up.  The salamanders are filling up pools along the rivers and the water temps are staying in a very favorable range.  The steelhead will be making their last big push here.  Time is no longer on there side and Spring Chinook are not too far behind them.  If you want to get a few more cracks at winter fish, get out there sometime in the next couple weeks while there are still chrome fish to be had.  

Deschutes Trout

Certainly wouldn't call it busy out there and the reports we've been hearing are quite good.  The river is at a very nice spring flow and the water temps are good.  Still a pretty mixed bag of bugs on any given day, but one worth focusing on is the early caddis.  They may not be present in big numbers every day, but the fish have certainly been into them.  If you're nymph fishing, but sure to try a caddis larva behind your standard larger point fly.  Larva patterns with some green in them have been very productive.  Beyond that, the streamer fishing has been periodically off the charts!  If you get to try it on a cloudy day, hope for some surface activity, but push the streamer fishing in between.  This is a great time of year for some amazing streamer fishing if conditions line up.      

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - 3/16/26

Winter Steelhead

The second major "Atmospheric River" passed recently passed through the Pacific Northwest, and it was a dandy.  Most rivers that see winter fish were at or approaching flood stage.  It seems like we've received about 70% of our winter precipitation in two different rain events this time around.  Things are going to be on the high side for a few more days but we have a fairly dry extended forecast. 

The good news about all the water is that it is sure to move a ton of fish around.  We have approximately one month left of the season and these last few weeks can be the best of the year. The stage is set for a great finale!

From a tactical standpoint, focus your efforts on doing whatever needs to be done to get below the fast surface currents, hold your fly at depth and swing it slowly.  High water is one of the situations where multi-density Skagits truly shine.  Sinking your head below the surface chop dramatically slows your swing.  Some of our favorite options for this are the RIO Pickpocket in F/I/S3, S3/S5/S7, OPST Commando Groove, and on longer rods, the Airflo F.I.S.T.  There are fish to be caught in the high water.  You just need to get your fly down to them and hang it in their face long enough to convince a grab.      

Deschutes Trout

The weather did have an impact on the lower Deschutes, as well.  The White River went from ~370 cfs to ~3700 cfs.  The water from the confluence down to the mouth will definitely be some shade of off-color for a bit.  That said, the Deschutes above the confluence of the White is looking much better.  

A few different things happening in the bug department out there right now.  BWO's, caddis and midges are the most abundant, but be prepared for some "others".  There are a few skwalas and early March Browns out and about, too.  Hope to get lucky and see a little surface activity, but it's predominantly going to be a nymph and streamer program until the flows go down a bit more.  The elevated water is a great time to nymph fish with large/dark stonefly patterns!  Dark leeches work great, too.    

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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Time to Get Salty - Limited Edition Sage Salt R8 and Enforcer! UPDATED

UPDATE 3/11/2026: All remaining stock is now discounted on this Limited Edition Sage Salt R8 Grand Slam and Sage Limited Edition Enforcer Grand Slam Fly Reels

These things are hot, folks!  In stock now, the limited edition Grand Slam Series of Salt R8 rods and Enforcer reels.  Rods available in 9' 8, 9 and 11 weight.  Enforcer reels in 7/8, 9/10 and 11/12.  Get them individually or dial up a fully-custom outfit!  The staff at Gorge Fly Shop has a lot of experience with these products.  Here's the rundown:

Salt R8 Rods

"Easy-Casting" and "Saltwater Rod" are two things you don't often here together, but the Salt R8 broke the mold there!  Let's face it.  Most of us get to go on a flats trip once a year or less.  It's always super windy and you will likely have to make some casts that are a bit out of your comfort zone.  So many failed shots occur because it's difficult to deliver the fly in these demanding conditions.  The Salt R8 truly excels by the fact that it's caster-friendly, but not wimpy.  It will not turn an average angler into a super hero, but it does let most folks deliver in the wind.  It has the low-end power you need, but is not so stout it barely bends.  It casts well in close, but has the punch to send a long one.  It's a great saltwater option for flats anglers of any experience level.    

Enforcer Reels

This reel has been wildly successful for Sage.  It's a sturdy build that can take a beating in a skiff or panga.  They have a minutely adjustable drag system and ample backing capacity.  For those that fish salt and do some spey fishing, the Enforcer balances out Spey rods extremely well.  Many of these reels owned by the GFS staff have gone from the flats right onto Spey rods and back again!  They nailed the aesthetic on the Grand Slam series.  The details are great, but they're not gaudy.  Very tastefully done! 

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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Grundens Boundary Zip: rugged feel without the stiffness: My Take

"I’ll be straight, I didn’t expect to like these as much as I do."

I have tried enough waders over the years to know how this usually goes. You put on something new, you want to like it, and then a few trips later you are back in whatever you trusted before.
That was not my experience with the Grundens Boundary Gore-Tex Zip Wader.

What got me to try them in the first place was simple. Grundens already has a reputation for rugged gear in the commercial fishing world, and that matters to me. When a company earns its stripes in that arena, I pay attention. I wanted that same “built for work” confidence in a zip wader that I could wear for trout and steelhead.

From the first step into the Boundary zip wader, I felt confident. It was new and different, but it did not feel like a gamble. The fit and movement felt natural right away. They move with you instead of against you. They feel rugged, but not stiff. That combination is hard to describe until you have it on your body for a full day of walking, climbing banks, kneeling down, and doing all the awkward stuff that comes with actually fishing.

One thing that surprised me is how protective they feel. Not in a bulky way, more like the material and build give you a little extra peace of mind. I also found them feeling warmer in cold trout water. I am not claiming they are insulated, it just felt like a better barrier than what I am used to.

I will be honest, I was not an automatic fan of the brown color. In photos it did not grab me. In real life, it makes more sense. The more I use them, the more natural they look in the environments I fish. They look better than pictures can capture, and they have grown on me fast.

After several days out in them, I do not even consider going back to other zip waders in the same class. That is the part that surprised me most. I expected “these are good.” I did not expect “these are what I reach for now.”

Boundary Zips are now my "go to". The fit, the feel, and the confidence let me worry less about protecting my investment, and let me enjoy the reason I wear waders in the first place.

Takeaway: If you want rugged without feeling boxed in, these are worth a real try.


Q: Are the Grundens Boundary Zips stiff like some heavy-duty waders?
A: In my experience, no. They feel rugged, but they move naturally when you walk and fish.

Q: Did the brown color grow on you?
A: Yes. I did not love it at first, but it looks more natural on the water than in photos.

Q: Why did you switch from other zip waders in the same class?
A: The fit and “confidence” factor. I spend less time thinking about the waders and more time fishing.

What else would you like to learn about? Leave a comment.
Buyers Guide to Waders

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist

 

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  GFS Fly Kits |  Contact Us

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