Owyhee "The good ole days"

David Downs nice brown! (click image for detail)

 
You have heard it said many times "remember the good ole days"? Or, "you should of been here last week". We have all heard both sayings many times. I am here to say that I know a place where the good ole days are still alive! That place is less than a short hour away just on the other side of the Oregon border. Secret for years this hidden teasure is getting out. The Owhyee river is a magical place with pianted cliffs, chuckers everywhere, deer, elk, an occasional turkey and yes, browns average 18-20 inches.

The first time I visited the Owyhee river fishing was not that important, the experiece of the surroundings had engolfed me and I knew I was hooked for life. It also helped that I hooked and released many fish that evening which just added flavor to the moment. Moving from Alaska, I was asked many times" have you been to the Owhyee? I had wondered what was all the fuss about. I now know and have had an on going love affair ever since.

If you are looking for a clear, spring fed creek this not the place for you. The Owhyee River is a tail water fishery that will rival any fishery in the Pacific Northwest. Here you will enjoy year around oppertunities to feed your passion, fish seem to always be interested in what you are offering, public access is a breeze, and hatches occur all year long oh yes, did I mention browns average 18-20 inches with some getting up towards 35 inches.



The complaint I hear is the river is becoming too crowded. There is no dought that traffic has increase over the last few years, but with a little effort you can find a secluded spot that you can enjoy all day without be bothered. I have located just the spot and I have yet to be distrubed with over twenty days spent on the river last season.

If you go bring plenty of PMD's, Midges, Callibaetis, streamers, nymphs, buggers in assorted patterns. Midge patterns dominate hatches from fall till spring. Skula Stones, March browns early in the spring followed by the Pale Morning Dunns, Baetis, Callibaetis, a few Caddis throughout the summer. Streamers, buggers seem to work just about anytime.

Good equipment is the order of the day here. A quality rod that will cast with ease and a reel that has a smooth drag and balanced to your rod will go along way to a fishing experience that is rewarding and comfortable. Use a 5 x or a 6 x leader, in simple terms Rio products rates these leader as 5 weight and 3.4 weight test line. You would be surprise the fish that you will bring in with these leaders and with a bit of patience and you will have memories that will last a lifetime. WF5F line, this is a floating line designed for my rod. This line is designed for "loading" my rod and creating tight casting loop and a postive turnover of your fly. My weapon of choice is a 9 foot 5 weight rod that will handle those light tippets yet will defeat any lunker that I may have the pleasure of meeting. be sure to have a net that will handle fish you will be faced with. I use a catch and release net that will not harm the fish and release carefully for the next angler to enjoy.

Rugulations are pretty simple. Catch and release must be practiced with all Browns, two rainbows may be harvested. Since rainbows are rare I encourage all fly fishers to release them also.

To get there from Boise take I 84 till you get to the Homedale turnoff, highway 19, procede on highway 19 until you get to Highway 95. Make a left and head to Homedale, after crossing the Snake river go right into Homedale. Procede into Homedale and head towards Adrian. Once there purchase your Oregon license, $10.00 for the day. Keep heading north just outside town you will see the Owyhee junction. Have a good time