Western Oregon has seen more than its share of precipitation this Spring. There have been some high water, but in the last several weeks very fishable conditions. Higher than average flows and cool water have scared off a lot of anglers, but the fishing for nice native trout on the upper McKenzie has been good.
With the water back up again over the last couple of days, nymphing tactics continue to find most of the big fish, although there have been some good afternoon mayfly hatches have brought some nice fish to the surface, particularly on warmer days.
Over the next couple of weeks, the water should drop and the surface fishing will improve. Golden Stoneflies will appear on the menu, while Green Caddis and Green Drake hatches will continue.
It is remarkable how little pressure I have seen up there. Just before Memorial Day, I went 7 days straight guiding the upper McKenzie, saw neither another boat nor angler, and enjoyed some great fishing.
Ethan Nickel Outfitters 