Family Hike, With A Side of Fly Fishing Near Bend, Oregon

 

Our family was searching for a new place to visit and explore and we decided to head out to Oregon.  The main reason for this choice was because our daughter is working as a wild land fire fighter this summer, and is stationed in Salem, Oregon.  We knew it was a long shot that we would get to see her, but the only chance was to be in Oregon if she was on a break.  As luck would have it, she was!  It was a great bonus on an awesome trip to get to spend some time with her.  

 

 

Bend, Oregon is an awesome town and The Deschutes River runs through it.  We spend most days hiking, and the great thing about this area is that most of the great trails have a river right next to them.  I packed up a couple of our packable El Jefe Combos in our double fly rod tube, and attached our new VERSA Pack to the strap for a perfect hiking system.  I brought a 4 weight and an 8 weight.  Since I’ve never fished in the area before, I wanted to be prepared.  

 

 

Our favorite hike was at Smith Rock State Park.  This was a very popular place, and the scenery was amazing.  It get’s pretty hot out on the trail, so we were all happy we brought plenty of water.  This was more of a hiking adventure with a side of fly fishing.  

 

 

The Crooked River runs right though the park, and is quite beautiful.  When we arrived, I didn't see any one fishing which is either awesome or less than awesome.  Personally, I didn't really mind being the only guy hiking with a fly rod.  I quickly found some very small fish surfacing, and rigged up the 4 weight El Jefe with a small dry and dropper.  I used a GRIFFITH’S Gnat and a small miracle midge.  These fish looked pretty little!

 

 

It didn't take long and I started hooking up with these little fish.  I managed to get a few small brown trout, but caught some other little Whitefish as well.  White fish have tiny mouths, so going small was a must.  I’ve caught much larger whitefish in Montana and Colorado, and they had small mouths, just imagine how small the mouth is on a 6-7 inch fish!  

 

 

Our family had a blast hiking this amazing place, and if you are in the Bend area, Smith Rock State Park is a must stop.  I felt good knowing I can still get it done in a new place!  Bend, Oregon is on my list for a return trip sometime soon.  The emphasis next time will be fly fishing, with a side of other activities! 

 

 

Until next time, tight lines my friends!

Jeff