Thursday, May 9, 2024

May 8 meeting recap and Where to go fishing - 2024


This evening President Dave called our last meeting of Spring 2024 to order at 7:15. We had 10 members and guest in attendance. 
Without a scheduled program for the evening this meeting was rather brief. 
Treasurer Doug is currently out of the country, so Dave informed us that our bank account has $1644 in it.
Dave brought a fly rod (9 ft / 4 piece / 5 weight) - with Orvis reel - and fly line that is currently being raffled by the veteran's group Project Healing Waters. Tickets were sold this evening and if you are interested in a chance to win this fly rod - please contact President Dave  <stemmerdr@hotmail.com>.



We had a round table discussion of the most current fishing experiences by those in attendance...
Tom had been on the Yakima River with the TroutWaters guide service -
Gayle and Diane had spent recent time in Montana on the Big Hole River - playing with Brown trout
Dave and Jerry have had very successful days on the Snake River piercing bass lips. 

Above is a map of the Walla Walla River Basin, which holds many trout fishing opportunities for a day full of ~ or an evening out catching fish.
NOTE: with spring runoff from the Blue Mountains, all these water are cold, and many are running fast until mid-June.
Until that time you might consider a visit to Bennington Lake, a few miles east of Walla Walla - which is reported now being filled and well stocked. 

sunset on Bennington Lake


an early spring creeling from Bennington Lake


There are also the high Blue Mountain lakes that are usually accessible mid-June when the snow-pack melts off the roadways.

Penland Lake near Ukiah, OR


Julibee Lake - Tollgate, Oregon
The road to Jubilee Lake is usually opened by the end of June,
and is rather poorly maintained thereafter.

an early July creeling from Jubliee Lake



Wallowa Lake - Joseph, OR


Deer - Deer - Deer are everywhere


Ron Campbell with his World Record Wallowa Lake Kokanee


A day of Kokanee fishing



Bull Prairie Reservoir - Spray, Oregon




Harris Park - Milton-Freewater, OR

Walla² Fly Fishers

Rattlesnakes - this writer has encountered more Rattlesnakes on the So Fork of the Walla Walla than any other fishing area of NE Oregon - they will usually let you know that they are laying there. Listen for the tail BUZZZZZZZZZ



Anthony Lake - Elkhorn Mtns, OR 
At 7,100' it is Oregon's highest drive to lake
Gunsight Mountain



Anthony Lake triploid-Rainbows

A delicious stillwater catching fly
Elevation 7,100' ~ Oregon's highest drive to fishing lake
https://www.google.com/search?q=Oregon+Elkhorn+mountain+range&gs_ivs=1

McKay Reservoir - Pendleton
8 miles south of Pendleton, Oregon on U.S. 395 


Crappie, Bass and Trout habitat
8 miles south of Pendleton, Oregon on U.S. 395

Touchet River - Dayton, WA


This evening's raffled fly boxes were won by Duane and Noel.

Now, if you are one that does not wish to explore new Pacific Northwest fishing waters on your own - there are these "local" guide services. 
 ~ https://www.fishingwithladin.com/

With all said and done, this evening's meeting was adjourned at 7:40.


We are now on our Summer Fly Fishing break and will return for our next meeting in September...
watch you Emails for details.

Respectfully submitted,
Dale McKain
Club Secretary - Blog-master

https://www.facebook.com/lovePNWsteelheading



Tight lines and good fishing