PACIFIC NORTHWEST
How to do justice to the wealth and diversity of the Pacific Northwest's fisheries? In a paragraph? A page? A book? Frankly it is quite impossible. For the folks at Fly Water, these waters course a realm beyond words. The rivers have taught and inspired them and led them to advocacy. The folks at Fly
Water have been rewarded and enriched by these rivers in ways no other region ever will. From high desert streams carving the rim rock country to languid spring creeks meandering meadows, from noisy freestones downstream to the mossy banks of our great rainforest rivers, this is a region offering unmatched natural beauty, variety, and challenge. Brian, Kenny, and Rachel know the Northwest better than anyone. So call them before heading to the Northwest.
Clearwater House is located in northeastern California in the community of Cassel, which is four miles south of State Highway 299 and midway between Burney and Fall River Mills. Cassel is 70 miles east of Redding and 160 miles north of Reno.
Clearwater House is a quiet country inn on the banks of Hat Creek. It is located at the heart of California's finest wild trout waters. They cater exclusively to fly fishers. The famed slicks of Hat Creek flow right past the back door. Within a few minutes are the Fall River, the Pit River, the McCloud, and a number of lakes and smaller creeks.
The Deschutes has the distinction of being one of the West's best rainbow trout fisheries, as well as being a world-class steelhead river. Fishing for the famed "redsides" which range from 12-20 inches, can be good throughout the year. The steelhead fishing gets going as early as July on the lower river and peaks on the upper river from mid September through October. Typical flows range from 3,000 - 5,500c.f.s. Drift boats are used for transportation but no fishing is allowed from the boat. Wading is tough so be well prepared with cleated boots, wading belt and a good staff.
Running over 500 miles, the John Day is the second longest free-flowing stream in the United States. It is protected as a "Wild and Scenic" river under Oregon Scenic Waterways Act. The country is characterized by steep basalt canyon walls, juniper, and sagebrush dotted hills, abandoned homesteads, and petroglyphs. This is one of the most culturally rich river corridors in the state. Human presence in this system spans more than 10,000 years. For thousands of years the Northern Paiute lived on this river they called the Mah-Hah. In 1805 these canyon dwellers met their first Europeans, the Lewis and Clark expedition. The John Day River is truly the Grand Canyon of Oregon.
This river was also home to huge runs of Steelhead and the famous Columbia River Chinook Salmon, which averaged over 100lbs. At present, the system has one of the last all-wild runs of anadromous fish east of the Cascade Mountains. The John Day River offers some of the best Smallmouth Bass fishing in the country. In 1971, approximately 75 Smallmouth Bass were introduced to the river and since then they have flourished! Bass season is at its peak from mid-June to the end of August. It is not uncommon to hook in excess of 75 fish per rod per day.
