Smallmouth in Oregon

[Richard]

I just got back from the Big K on the South Umpqua and here are some of the results. The fly is an invention of mine that in Oregon is known as the Oregon DUCK. First fly I ever "invented" that actually works.

Those are two fish out of many caught and released. People who were counting fish (I don't) were giving numbers around 100 a day.

[Scott V]

I fished the South Umpqua last August and had crazy numbers as well. You couldn't keep the fish off on every cast. But the local guides told me that was a big problem there, just way to many smallies taking over the river.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Over 10 years ago I floated that stretch which is a big loop with Al Perryman and we camped that night mid-way.

Early AM and late PM was great for top water with small/medium size light colored poppers. Mid-day you could use Clouser Minnows.

We caught 'tons' but none over 2 pounds. It was great.....

The Lower Umpqua River, John Day River and Lower Grand Ronde River all have great Smallmouth Bass fishing in the early summer.

[Richard]

There appears to be a different technique for catching the larger fish. Nymphing with a fly such as my Oregon DUCK seems to catch lots of small to medium size fish. Larger fish seem to key on crawfish patterns IF you can find a good one. Another technique for the larger fish seems to be stripping something that resembles the lampreys. I had some good success with that until I tore up the only decent pattern I had with me.

[Hairstacker]

Man, that sounds great Richard, good for you! Some great looking fish you got there.