Let's fly fish the beautiful North Umpqua River together!

My name is Brian Jones.

"The North Umpqua!" Just saying the words excites fly anglers across the globe. Often referred to as the "finishing school for fly fishing" this always spectacular river is appealing to every level of angler.

We fish for wild and hatchery Steelhead throughout the 31 mile stretch of "fly fishing only". Several miles below as well, depending on the time of year, water levels, and numbers of fish. It is not uncommon to spend the day fishing pools and riffles in all of those miles. Highway 138 parallels most of this stunning "Wild and Scenic" river, granting outstanding access.

So, after meeting at dawn, we wader up, jump into my car and head out. Chasing the dream fish, we jockey for position. With over 160 named pools, runs, and riffles, it still can come down to who gets the best pools first. With that said, every pool will feel like it's going to be the one. The one that has that fresh, eager, easily agitated lunker. That native Steelhead, which if it has seen any flies at all, hasn't seen my "Oregon Duck" skated dry fly. Hasn't seen the twitch we give it, a twitch which is unique to all anglers. And if we're lucky, if that curiously territorial fish does decide to strike, it will change your life.

As we continue our day, either half or full, you will be guided through pools which were once fished by Jack Hemingway, Zane Grey, Clarence Gordon, Dan Callaghan, and many other world class anglers. Of course, Frank Moore still graces these banks. The names of the pools and riffles on the N. Umpqua came from these greats and have been passed down through the years. We take these names very seriously, Tony Wratney, Jeff Carr and I adhere to them with the mental map we created over the last 2 decades of wading around this magical place. Printed maps cannot show you where to stand, where to land the fly, or where the fish are holding.

But there is more to a guided fly fishing trip with me. In addition to enjoying the inherent beauty and rich history of the N. Umpqua river, you will learn appropriate techniques for the time of year, water level/temperature and time of day. Without question, during the summer months, the skated dry fly is my preferred way of hooking one of these beauties. However, in the winter, this just isn't an option. Sink tips on Spey rods are more in order. The water is higher then, has more color, and is butt ass cold! I'm a little bit "old school" in that I still prefer the single hander over the two handed Spey rod for my personal fishing, and I try to allow the beginning angler to experience both.

Every pool and riffle on the N. Umpqua has its own character, its own personality. Each one requiring a slightly different casting angle, a certain hesitation just before mending or perhaps a well timed second mend. This is where I come in again. I'll teach you not just the basics, but also the finesse involved to create a better drift. You may be a competent caster who just needs a few tips on the "roll cast" or where to set your anchor for a river left "snap 'T'".

A few words of warning: This is a challenging place to catch Steelhead. This is a walk and wade experience which may not be for the unhealthy. Many of the banks are steep and the river bottom is always slippery. I require all clients to wear studded sole boots. However, with some common sense and patience, even a less mobile person can spend a very rewarding day on the beautiful North Umpqua river.

More about a day with me.
We will determine a meeting time and place.
I run either a 5 hour half day or a 10 hour full day.
The half day begins either at dawn or 5 hours prior to dusk. One or two anglers $250.
The full day begins at dawn and can either be run straight through or be split (summer months). One or two anglers $400.
I provide rods, reels, lines, leaders, and flies. There will be coffee with fruit and snacks in the A.M. and soda or water with chips and snacks in the P.M. Lunch will be included on straight through full day trips.
You will need to have your Angling License/Steelhead Tag and studded sole boots and waders. Studded boots and waders can be rented from Steamboat Inn for a reasonable fee.

I look forward to meeting and fishing with you.

Brian T. Jones