Pacific Northwest
The North Umpqua is the crown jewel of the Cascadian steelhead rivers. Photo: Ken Morrish
Oregon W
ith some of the finest summer and winter steelhead rivers in the lower 48 and high-desert rivers teaming with trophy trout, Oregon is one of those sought-after, yet laid-back, places that simply has it all. The following is a peek at of some of our favorite multi-day trips in the state we love and call home. Williamson River Fish Shack Southern Oregon’s Williamson River is home to the largest average trout of any Oregon river. A river of many moods, the Williamson often requires anglers to use every trick in the book. The rewards are worth it: most fish exceed 20 inches and catching wild specimens upwards of 10 pounds is possible. To best fish this remarkable system, we have paired up with one of our favorite guides, Paul McDonald. Paul is a Kiwi who guides winters at Poronui Lodge on New Zealand’s North Island and guides in Southern Oregon the rest of the year. He is a top-level predator, a great all-around guide, and a true pleasure to be with on the water. For anglers looking for no-frills riverside accommodations, simple meals, and long hours on the water, this two-person program is a gem. Rate: $1,300 per person for a 2 night/3 day package Owyhee Basecamp Tucked away in eastern Oregon, not far from Boise Idaho, Oregon’s finest trophy-brown trout river flows discreetly through desert rim-rock and sage. It is a relatively small river but its honey-colored browns are anything but small, averaging 16 to 20 inches with significantly larger fish present. The Owyhee has 96 PAGE 96
a long season and a rich progression of vibrant insect hatches. Now, thanks to longtime guide Cory Godell, it has a full-service program perfectly suited to visiting anglers. With comfortable tents furnished with cots and pads, anglers can enjoy a great riverside experience near prime water. Cory will prepare all meals and serve them up in a dedicated dining tent. If big browns on dries and small nymphs are something you want to experience, this is the very best Oregon has to offer. Rate: $1,250 per person for a 2 night/2 ½ day package Neahkahnie Steelhead Lodge NEW Located north of Tillamook Bay, Neahkahnie Steelhead Lodge is a deluxe new four-person winter steelheading operation headed by Jeff Hickman and his guide associate Barrett Ames. Guests have access to five unique rivers, all within an hour’s drive, where they will float in rafts getting out to swing prime runs. Additionally, this operation boasts truly incredible accommodations with stunning ocean views, single occupancy rooms and exceptional meals. Located a mere two hours from Portland International Airport, this January-April venue is not to be missed. Rate: $2,400 per person for a 4 night/3 day package Umpqua Winter Basecamp From January through March, Oregon’s famed North Umpqua River transforms into a brilliant winter steelhead system that is home to some of the largest anadromous specimens in the West. To help share the wonders of this impressive river with guests, Renton River Adventures has secured a large rental home where up to four guests can enjoy single-occupancy rooms and
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