Chasing Rainbows in Central Oregon
Fly Fishing. I love the sport. It is like a ballet performed on a stage of some of the most beautiful landscapes across the world. Standing knee deep in the crystal clear waters of the Fall River in Central Oregon, I stop my rod at 10 0’clock, let the line stretch out behind me, then with a quick stop at 2’clock the line rolls out to my front with a perfect loop as the delicate may fly pattern lights on top of the water in front of me and drifts the seam. The water was clear and I could see the sleek Rainbow Trout silhouetted against the white sandy bottom. I had seen a fish rise in this area a few minutes earlier. I complete the drift and cast again, letting the dry fly gently light on the water to complete another drift. This time as the fly drifted over the waiting fish, I saw a flash as the fish rolled and came to the surface and took the fly. Fish on. Deep bend in the rod as my quarry makes a run up river and upon feeling the tension turns and makes a run in the other direction trying to take cover beneath a log in the stream. I continue this dance, rod in my right hand, landing net in the left. So goes the wonderfully choregraphed ballet, the Rainbow makes an admirable dancing partner as it jumps to make a perfect pirouette on the surface of the water then slides back under the surface. Eventually the beautiful creature tires and I am able to guide her into the beautiful hardwood net, deep bend in the rod held high over my head. I admire the beauty, a colorful red stripe running down the sides, the body long and sleek, glistening in the sunlight through the translucent waters. I gently remove the barbless hook and let it regather strength then watch my dancing partner slide out of the net and back into the river to take her position, pointing up stream waiting to start another dance.
We were on a four-day fly fishing adventure in Central Oregon and fished the Fall and Deschutes rivers, and several of the local lakes. I took my son Mason as I try to pass on to him the love of the sport. Fly fishing is one of those pursuits that can be enjoyed for a life time and it is something that you begin a journey of learning and discovery that is never completed. It can be enjoyed as a youth and in old age, it can be enjoyed as a solitary sport or with close friends. We were hosted by my friend of 20 years, Gary Lewis, who literally wrote the book on Fly Fishing Central Oregon. We spent four days chasing Rainbows in various settings, all spectacular scenery, usually with some snowcapped mountain as a backdrop or in deep rock rimmed canyons. I love to breathe in the air in this country as the smell of Juniper and Sage is always in the air. Nights were cool as we enjoyed a fire on the shore of Lake Simtutus as we laughed and recalled the adventure of the last few days. As I lay on my bunk each night and recalled the day’s events, a big Brown Trout caught under an undercut on the banks of the Deschutes that morning, Mason standing in the River thigh deep making a perfect cast downstream, I am reminded of how blessed I am being able to participate in this dance. My prayer is my Son can pick up this mantel and carry it on through more generations. It is the simple pleasures that are the most impactful, free from the stress and distractions of our busy society.
