Pacific Region
The Pacific Region has some of the most beautiful rivers in the U.S. This area has all varieties of trout but also big steelhead and salmon fishing. These “anadromous fish” – born in freshwater and live in salt water swim back up the rivers to spawn. Fishing during this migration can bring you a fish of a lifetime. The Sierra Nevada mountain range can provide some awesome fishing with solitude.
Location: Lake Tahoe area – Truckee, California
Specific Location: Truckee River
Where to Stay: Numerous lodges and VRBOs in the area
Fishing: Rainbows and Browns, dry flies and nymphs
Guide Services: Check with local fly shops
Location: Yakima River
Specific Location: Upper River
Where to Stay: Best Western or The Lodge in Cle Elum, WA
Fishing Info: Wading possible but drift boat recommended to cover more water. Bank of river lined with Ponderosa pine and cottonwoods. Smaller river and not as deep as lower reaches of the Yakima. Trout species – Native West Slope Cutthroat trout and Rainbows. Typical set up with point fly (dry or nymph) in 12-14 and small beadhead nymph as dropper (18-20).
Specific Location – Lower Canyon
Where to stay: For more upscale lodging along the river – stay at Canyon River Ranch
Fishing Info: Wading is not recommended and the river is large/wide Western river in an open canyon. High bluffs on both sides of the river and high flows typical. Trout species include West Slope Cutthroat and Rainbow.
Guide Service:
Half a dozen fly shops in Ellensburg, WA – two recommendations below:
Troutwater Fly Shop – Guide Service Questions – 10 guides on staff email info@troutwaterfly.com Tel: 509-962-3474 or 509-674-2144
Red’s Fly Shop – Guide Service Questions – (509) 933-2300 or email staff@redsflyshop.com
Location: Deschutes River
Specific Location: lower Deschutes River
Where to Stay: many places in Bend, Oregon to include local cabins
Fishing: Redband rainbows, rainbows, cutbows, also steelhead when migrating, Can be very crowded during salmon fly hatch. Dry flies and nymphing with flies depending on hatches.
Guide Services: many in Bend, Oregon. River Bourne Outfitters has cabins away from the city and are close to the river