Big Y Fly Fishing Blog
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Read nowThe Sandy River is close to Portland, but it is hard to tell when you are on the river. This is the closest river to our home base that we can easily float in a raft and chase a winter steelhead. It is certainly our favorite winter steelhead river to float in the area. The scenery is outstanding and the chances of catching a chrome winter steelhead are good enough that I am willing to get into a raft in sub-freezing temperatures in the middle of the winter. -
Read nowWhere to Fish in the Hood River area - Klickitat River
The Klickitat is lovingly referred to as the "Klick" by locals. This wonderful stream meets the Columbia River about 11 miles upstream of Hood River on the Washington side, near the town of Lyle.
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Read nowWhere to Fish in the Hood River area - White Salmon River
The White Salmon is a very unique river in the area. Extremely cold, clear water are not actually as commonplace here as we wish. The Hood and the Klickitat can become too muddy to fish during the summer, and the Deschutes can reach dangerously warm temperatures. Having a little cold, clear stream is nice during the hot summer.
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Read nowWhere to Fish in the Hood River area - The Hood River
The Hood River is a small stream that begins in three different forks, flowing off of Mt. Hood. The mountain is 35 miles to the south of the river's confluence with the Columbia River in the town of Hood River. This picturesque river is one of the places that we fish the most, and here is what you might need to know if you are visiting.
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Read nowWhere to Fish in the Hood River area- Eagle Creek (near Cascade Locks, OR)
Eagle Creek is one of the prettiest creeks you will ever see. A famous waterfall called Punchbowl Falls (a different Punchbowl than the one on the Hood River) lies about 3.5 miles upstream, accessed by a popular trail that follows the creek. The trail allows some excellent access to the creek, plenty to keep someone busy for a day. Eagle Creek drains out of Whatum Lake, which is also a favorite mountain lake in the Hood River area.
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Read nowWhere to Fish in the Hood River area - Lowland Trout Lakes of the Gorge
Part of our series on fishing locally in the Hood River/Columbia Gorge area. Species: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, perch, bream Seasons: Check regs, there are 2 different states, but typically it something similar to this: 4th Saturday in April - October 31, AND: Friday after...
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Read nowWhere to Fish in the Hood River area - Lost Lake
Lost Lake is one of the most photographed, iconic lakes in the country. There is a good reason for that. Mt Hood dominates the scenery, at least from a good chunk of the lake. The lake can be extremely busy during the summer, but there is a good reason for that too. Cold, clear water, good views, good fishing and the amenities of a resort allow the entire family to have a fun, safe day at the lake. -
Read nowWhere to Fish in the Hood River area - The Mighty Columbia River
The area between Bonneville and The Dalles dams has opportunities for some great fishing. Many anglers show up in town thinking that we are fly fishing for steelhead and salmon on the Columbia River, but that is typically not the case. -
Read nowBelize Trip 2024 Reviewed
Sometime last fall, I was sitting on a mountain discussing the universe with my friend Jory. In the depths of that conversation came the reality that we are getting older quicker than we think, and all of these things we want to do in life are not going to manifest themselves. We are not going to see faraway exotic locations if we don't do anything to make it happen... -
Read nowIs Pink Fluorocarbon Really Better?
I will tell you right now that I went full-in on Umpqua's Big Game HD Pink fluorocarbon tippet. I have seen the advertisements and the pictures where you just can't see it once it hits the water. It looks and is advertised as a bit of a game-changer. I had to...
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Read nowFavorite Trout Fly Lines 2024
We have been busy at work testing all of the new lines, rods, reels and more. Lets start with the fly line basics. The two major brands are Scientific Anglers and RIO. These two brands make up 95%+ of our line sales and for good reason. Both make quality lines...
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Read nowFavorite Trout Rods for 2024
We are gearing up for spring fishing and are looking over our favorite rods for trout fishing. Here are some of our favorite 9'0" 5wt rods for trout fishing:
Entry-Level: That is a can of worms to say entry-level. How about rods under $300? "Entry-level" rods usually mean "as cheap as they come". These are some quality rods that don't cost a ton.