Because now, there is LOTS AND LOTS of water. Here's a picture taken from the boat ramp at Chickahominy looking west toward what was the rocky point.

Yes, those are junipers in the water. And yes, the point has disappeared, as have every other rocky outcropping on the north side of the reservoir. 

Like I said, there is lots and lots of water! It's the highest I've seen Chick in the nearly 40 years I've lived here. 

I've had questions regarding Moon Reservoir. The water is RUSHING over the spillway. Silver Creek is still running high, flooding fields on its meander to Moon. And there is more water to come.

While the north end of Burns is slowly drying out, the Silvies continues to rise and fall, keeping some houses and properties surrounded by water, or very wet at the least. 

FISHING REPORT:
It doesn't seem to matter what waterbody is reported, the information is the same: water is high and fishing is slow from here to the Idaho border. A small sample of anglers are showing essentially the same numbers I'm finding - total fish caught seem to be about 1/8 of what was caught in the same number of outings last year after ice off. Fish populations seem to be fine, but high water, along with possible other factors, are adding up to a slow spring fishery. Hopefully things will be picking up as we move closer to the warmer months ahead.

With over 200% of normal snowpack in the region, it's safe to say that we have water....everywhere. Fields are flooding, rivers are surging, reservoirs are full or filling, and ice is leaving or has left our stillwaters this week. 

Chickahominy: The ice is completely off Chick as of the last couple of days. Add to that, the pond has more water in it than it did after it filled in 2023. It is quite off color, too. I did fish the open water three times this past week and will say that I found it was fishing much slower than it did as ice was receding last year. There is no evidence of a winter kill, and I did catch fish each time, just found it slow. No fish over 18" were caught, but I'm sure there are a number of 20"+ fish to be found. 

Blitzen:  The river is running at 153 cfs as I type this, but has been seen flows around 700 cfs this past week, and much higher earlier. Anticipate more high water to come. Check the USGS website or other river flow apps before planning a trip to fish the Blitzen.

Malheur River:  If you didn't hear, HWY 20 was closed east of Burns a couple of weeks ago for a few days due to flooding of the Malheur. Most of that water was coming from the South Fork, and now all forks are pushing water downstream as the gates are open on both Warm Springs and Beulah dams. Check flows before planning any trip to fish the river.

Beulah Reservoir:  Current reservoir level is 64% full. I did hear that there was still ice present a week or so ago. No recent fishing reports.

Owyhee River:  Current flow is 3,850 cfs. The last I heard, people were urged to stay out of the area... 

Krumbo: No recent reports. 

BLM Ponds: Most will be either iced over or inaccessible. Don't anticipate accessing "off road" or higher elevation areas for several weeks. 

While I'm not sure what the groundhog, or rock chuck, saw here in Harney County in regards to its shadow, I know for certain it had to dig out through some snow to take a peek outside of its hole. We have had a good 8-10" of snow locally the past few days, with over 2' in the Princeton area as well as in the forest north of town. Water will be forthcoming, folks!

With the cold temps a couple of weeks ago, ice thickness at Chickahominy did reach 5". A few people are ice fishing, however, reports on success seem to be "fair" for best. The Blitzen continues to run cold with slow fishing, and recent precipitation raising the flow from the mid 60 cfs range to over 200 cfs and rising this morning.

In other news, this past week while taking care of our ill 8 y/o granddaughter, during a period of feeling better I was asked by her if I'd help her tie a fly. Coincidentally, it is the same age that my daughter tied her first fly. So with some instruction, she tied up a couple black Woolly Buggers, one to sit alongside her momma's first one in a frame, the second in her fly box which is awaiting its inaugural use. 

​

And, the final product of her first fly wasn't too bad...I've definitely seen worse!
​

Her Papa is proud, and hoping she will someday helping me fill the bins here in the shop!

First off, apologies for not updating this site since last April. Lots of reasons, none of them good. So, starting off fresh for '25!

Yes, we have snow over here. The Snow Mountain snotel is showing the "Snow Water Equivalent" at 283% today. Note that just over a week ago it was over 380%, but having had no precipitation the past couple of weeks this number is quickly going down. Measurements on the two sites on the Steens are at 194% and 237%. While this sounds good, we have a lot of winter left and need more precipitation to maintain good water numbers.

All this said, here is where we are in terms of water bodies:

Chickahominy: There is about 2" or so of ice covering the reservoir. While daytime temps are mild this week, we are expecting single digits at night this weekend, so could see that thickness increase. In terms of water level, it's essentially the same as it was in October, and about 5' lower than it was at the high level a couple of years ago. Still plenty of water in it, and anticipating a decent amount coming at runoff....we hope.  There were some "legals" planted in the reservoir this fall (I believe 1,500...?) so we should see (at least) three different sizes/age classes of fish this spring.  

Krumbo: There were no decent reports of good fish or lights out fishing last fall.

Blitzen:  The flow on the river has been all over the board the past few weeks, as anticipated, given temps and such. As always, check the USGS website for current flows (and water temperature) prior to any trip.

That's about all there is to currently report! Fill those fly boxes and enjoy any winter fishing you can find, and enjoy your time on the water in 2025!

Now that ice has cleared and snow is melting, there is access to a few more fishing areas. Local reservoirs are seeing more activity from out of the area anglers, so realize you may not have the serene desert or forest setting that you were having here a few weeks ago. PLEASE NOTE:  there have been recent reports that ticks are thick and rattlesnakes are out and being seen around the small BLM reservoirs!!

Yellowjacket: Now accessible. No reports, but should fish 'ok' for carry over trout.

Delintment Lake: The road may still be blocked with snow in areas. Accessibility  is questionable. No reports.

Chickahominy: I ventured out last week and noted about 8 camps and twice that many vehicles....mid-week. It is still fishing well when stripping leech patterns. Scud patterns retrieved slowly or hung under an indicator could produce, as well. I did note some insect activity, but the glassy smooth lake showed no surface disturbance. 

Moon Reservoir: No reports of trout caught, but apparently there are plenty of chubs and shiners in the system. A chance that it may become a warm water fishery....

Mann Lake:  There is water in the lake! ODFW has plans on stocking the lake once they overcome a few barriers.

Beulah Reservoir:  96% full. No fishing reports.

Warm Springs Reservoir:  99% full. No fishing reports.

Blitzen: Recent melting and thunderstorms has the river running over 400 cfs today, and that's down from over 500 cfs last night. It has been on a steady rise for a week, with midnight seeing the highest flow. The lowest flows occur late afternoons/early evenings.

Malheur River:  Hydromet shows that the river is running around 1,000 cfs below the reservoir, and nearly 1,500 cfs once the N. Fork joins. No fishing reports.

Owyhee River:  A week ago the river was running OVER 8,000 cfs. At the time of this writing it's showing just under 4,800 cfs. It sounds like it could be running over 1,000 cfs through May,

It's been a nice few days here in the high desert, and people are getting out on the local waters. Unfortunately, the cold weather is making a comeback this weekend and will linger for a few days. This past week saw a number of individuals fishing at Chickahominy. While the water is in excellent condition and fish are being caught, up until a few days ago it was the fly fishers who were hooking the most fish, followed by those throwing hardware, while bait fishers seemed to find the catch rate a bit slower. That said, the fly fishing has slowed down to a "good" pace from the frantic "strike a cast" fishing which is normal right at ice out. Bead headed Prince nymphs, olive buggers and small black leeches and Wooly Worms have been producing at Chick.

Water levels continue to improve at all (accessible) reservoirs. There have been no reports from the lakes in the forest due to accessibility, but that should be changing rather soon.

For those of you who are adventurous and like poking around the desert, a reminder that this time of year many of the roads are soft, even if they look dry on the surface. Even some of the graveled USFS roads can be hiding sink holes, as I learned first hand last spring. Be careful out there. 

Blitzen:  No recent reports. The river is currently flowing at 157 cfs, and has been as high as 500 cfs this past week. 

Owyhee River:  The water was rushing out of the dam at nearly 800 cfs this past week, but the gates are now allowing just over 250 cfs of water to hit the lower river. Keep an eye on the flow before planning a trip there.

BLM Ponds: Most, if accessible, should be fishing well. Nymphs such as Princes, Hare's Ears and smaller dark Wooly Worms are often productive here in early season. If there is a slight chop, those who like fishing under an indicator my try small balanced leeches and nymphs tied on jig hooks. Not many chironomids have been noted yet this past week.

Local reservoirs are starting to shows signs of ice out. Chickahominy is currently ~10% open. Higher elevation water bodies will be a bit longer to become ice free, with some not yet accessible. Projected temperatures for the next two weeks show lows in the low 20s to low 30's, with highs in the 40's. A couple warmer days with the inevitable spring winds will open up waters, however, may cause some turbidity once the protective ice is off. 

Good early spring patterns include leech patterns (traditional and balanced), and I've had the most success in dark or black colors. Don't overlook scuds, chironomids or snail-impersonating flies, too, which can be accomplished with Prince nymphs and small Wooly Worms. Fish slow, and throughout the water column.

Get ready to layer up for early spring fishing!

And by we, I mean water in southeast Oregon! The winter of 2022-23 provided some much needed water in our local streams and reservoirs. Stillwaters were re-stocked this past spring, and trout growth was everything we hoped it would be. Waters were mostly rested, in that they weren't hit hard by trout fishers while the fish grew. Several local reservoirs  produced fish to 17"  for those who did go out before they froze over. This coming spring should see good fishing, with fall fishing for 20" trout a strong possibility. 

The Blitzen showed signs of what I'm calling "recovery" after the low water and high temperatures of the past few years. 

While this winter has seen a slow start in terms of snowfall, we are to get several inches this week. Here's hoping that the watersheds see a good amount of snowfall in the coming weeks, and even spring rains to maintain, or even increase, current water levels in our beloved stillwater fisheries. 

With this said, and our local fisheries making a comeback, check back this spring for updated fishing reports.

Until then, Happy New Year!

With the weather finally showing some improvements, at least in the short term, it's time to get out and start hitting the local waters. That said, options remain limited due to a variety of issues. Here's an update of what's going on around the area.

Chickahominy - DRY

Mann Lake - DRY

Blitzen - This is the system of most concern. Besides spending 4 hours fishing various sections of the river a month ago during ideal conditions, I have spoken with over a half-dozen anglers who have fished multiple days on the river and I have yet to hear of a fish caught, or even seen. ODFW has concerns, and will be doing some creel surveys and other studies on the river this year. There are MANY variables which can affect this stream, so narrowing down the issue may be difficult. Two years of over a month each of 70 degree water temps has undoubtedly affected the population and recruitment, along with other possible factors. As info comes forth, I will pass it along.

Beulah- Currently 47% full, and receding as water is being released. I have heard of one trout caught, that by someone fishing spinner baits for bass. (Yes, bass have 'somehow' been introduced into this water body....). With over 400 cfs of water being released from this reservoir, we will see it dropping rather quickly, as just under 200 cfs is coming into the impoundment. 

Warm Springs - At 16% full and nearly 400 cfs being released versus 120 cfs entering the reservoir, Warm Springs will be short lived. No fishing report from Warm Springs.

Malheur - Up until the release of water from Beulah and Warm Springs, the only water flowing in the Malheur was from the South Fork, with under 20 cfs being reported for a flow. Fish did survive in much of the main stem below the South Fork, however, I have been told by ODFW that they anticipate losing this fishery this summer.

Krumbo - Due to requirements to maintain a minimum pool, Krumbo should fish ok as conditions allow. No recent reports.

Yellowjacket/Delintment - Each of these carried over this past winter. Yellowjacket is fishing the best and undoubtedly has the higher population of fish. Cooler temperatures should delay the annual "weeding" of Delintment (although that is major contributor to the prolific damsel hatches witnessed at that small reservoir).

That's a quick rundown of what's happening in the county. Other small BLM reservoirs may have carried over, but no reports, and it's inevitable that with the conditions, any little water body will most likely go dry or see very high temps by mid to late summer. We are also finding perch in some of the small reservoirs which have held only trout in the past. Some people just can't seem to help themselves....

Things are slowly starting to thaw out here in Harney County. Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot to thaw in terms of snow which will make it to our local reservoirs. Chickahominy will remain essentially dry this season, it appears, and with that, no fish will be introduced. Before it went dry last year, ODFW did capture a good number of fish from the reservoir and transplanted them into other local waters. With that, time will tell if the other lakes and small reservoirs in the area carry over.

Reports:

Blitzen:  Currently running at 44 cfs, anticipate the flow to increase as the weather warms and the lower elevation snow melts. Only time will tell when this will occur, and how significant the increased water levels will be. Fishing was reported to be unusually slow through the winter. Standard nymphs (GRHE, PT's, Princes) and streamers stripped in the deeper pools would be the go to patterns. 

Krumbo Reservoir:  Krumbo has been seeing some significant fishing pressure the past couple of weeks, with some fish in the 12-15" range being caught. It is ice free. Slow stripped leech patterns and chironomids should provide some success. Be aware that many roads in that area are turning soft.

No reports on current ice amounts or ice conditions at Yellowjacket, and doubtful that Delintement is reachable due to snow drifts.