The Crooked River has been the victim of some very unusual flows the last several months. For whatever reason, the flows are being manipulated and have been much higher than usual, after some flooding flows in the winter, and thus has been fishing lousy.  More experimenting by the Bureau of Reclamation, ODFW, et. al. is not helping any for the time being.

We have decided it makes more sense to conduct the outing on the Metolius River at Pine Rest Campground. This is a beautiful river with very nice camping and the reputation for being a tough river to catch fish. However, recent regulatory changes has permitted the use of split shot on one's tippet, which was outlawed in the past. This change has enabled some of us to finally get our nymphs down to the fish. Not a river that yields double digit days often, but even Stephen and I have had 20 fish days.

There are other fishing options in the area. Three Creeks Lake is nearby and so is the Middle Deschutes.  Sisters also makes a decent location to base camp for heading off to the High Cascade lakes or other rivers in the area a bit over an hour away.

I've selected Pine Rest Campground for the main HQ on the Metolius River. However, it is for Tent Camping only. I've chosen this site because it has a very nice gazebo that would be good for the cooking area and provide cover in the event of rain. It is the best site for managing our group. This site does not have potable water, but water is available at another nearby site. Alternatively, the Gorge Campground is less than 2/10 of a mile away;and is available for RV, or trailer campers. Both of these sites offer beautifully shaded, well maintained sites and are right on the river. None of the campgrounds on the Metolius River offer reservable sites. However, I will go to Pine Rest in advance of the outing and pitch tents to hold at least three sites. Each site is large enough to accommodate at least two tents. There are numerous other camping sites on the Metolius, but none have a gazebo or other "group" site set up like Pine Rest.

NFA will provide all the meals for the weekend from Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch. Saturday dinner will be available between 6 PM and 10 PM. Bring your own beer, wine, and hard stuff. The outings fee is $25.

To see pictures from previous outing, click here.

• Oregon fishing license.
• Fishing equipment: four or five weight rods, floating lines, 3-X and 4-X leaders, and strike indicators (for nymph fishing). 
• Camping gear: tents, sleeping bags and pads, and flashlights. Folding camp chair. 
• Suitable floating devices include: pram, float tubes, and pontoon boat (no motors).
• River flies: beadhead nymphs (12-18s) and elk hair dries (12-16s). 
• Lake flies: green, brown, and black woolly bugger and mayfly dries (14-20s). 
• Water bottle. 
• Camera (in Ziplock bag).