What’s wadeable these days?

[yearofthescud]

Like many of you, I’m itching to get back out and fishing regularly in spite of the cool, rainy conditions we’ve been having. (Not a complaint - more water is good for the fish, after all!)

As a wading trout fisherman, what’s my best bet this weekend? The McKenzie certainly looks high, as does the Middle Fork. Maybe the smaller streams up by Oakridge, or is the runoff going to be too much? I’m considering the Metolius, too, but am unsure how the passes will be coming from Eugene.

Many thanks - will report back on whatever I find!

 

[GaryP1958]

Fall River all year long!

 

[olshiftybiscuits]

Fall and Metolius will be most consistent with the snowmelt coming. The small streams up high are probably your worst option, they’ll be absolutely unfishable. Look for bigger rivers where you can fish the swollen flows close to the bank, like the Lower Deschutes. Also look for stretches of river controlled by dam releases, like the Crooked and Middle Deschutes.

West of the Cascades, it’s going to be a minute.