Farewell Deschutes River 2014..

The Polar Vortex arrived last week in the Columbia River Gorge and with it my season came to an abrupt end. Currently we are under seige by single digit temperatures and long term snow and ice. My first guide day on the Deschutes was May 8th, trout fishing, and my last day was November 11th. It was cold, windy and the fish sent us home defeated. Well, I can take a hint, the weather and the fishing will let you know when it's time to move on and I'm moving on until next May.

Thank you to everyone who got in my boat this season and helped make 2014 happen. I also want to thank the folks that have locked in their camp dates for 2015. I know it's a long way out and I appreciate your dedication.

I look forward to seeing everyone again next year, some of you this winter.


WINTER STEELHEAD 2015

January 15 through April, Sandy River, be there! I look forward to cold, wet, miserable days in search of the "one". Seriously, this is my favorite time of the year to swing for steelhead. These fish are the real deal - hardbodies, chromers with sea lice! Best to be on "will call" for this. The best days will be after a high water event; El Nino is in the forecast, so it should be a good time. My calendar is open but it's best to call and pick my brain before booking a date.

SALMON FLY HATCH 2015

This is six months away which means right around the corner. We are booking three-day camp trips and prime dates will fill very quickly. If you fish for trout, this trip should be on your bucket list.

More info can be found on my website:(http://steelheadoutfitters.com/deschutes-trout-trips.html)

You will need to call or email me to book these trips.

Sam Sickles
541-400-0855
samsickles@gmail.com

November

The Deschutes in November, translation, alone time.  Let's face it, there are better things to do than swing dry line bugs for snowbelly steelhead.  Much like July, this is a numbers game.  The fishing is still aguably better than winter steelheading under the best conditions anywhere.  The fish are bigger, meaner and more agressive in the 55 degree water temps we currently enjoy.  Catching isn't hard, it's the finding them part.  As long as the flows stay under 6000 cfs fishing should continue to be fair to excellent through Thanksgiving.  We will continue to fish through the 21st and there are some days open between now and then.

I'll be adding scenery and fish shots as the month moves along.  Cheers!

SS