I don't know how long I've been a member of SFC, but I joined sometime around 1991 or so. This was my first outing, and also my first time fly fishing for bass. Before I go too far, I would like to thank Ron Henderson for making it possible for me to go. From what i understand, this was one of the best turn outs that we have had in recent years. Somewhere between 12 and 14 people made the trip to the Umpqua. Everyone met at the RV campground in Elkton on Friday night. As Ron and I pulled in, we were greeted by the earlier arrivals and a little rain, but nothing was going to dampen my spirits, or anyone else's for that matter. It rained just enough to let you know what it could do if it really wanted to. Friday night was full of joking, cards, and just good fun.

Saturday morning came early for me. I had strung up my rod the night before. Trying not to wake anyone, I got dressed and headed for the river early. I wasn't trying to be polite, I just wanted the whole river to myself, if the truth be known. The morning was overcast and gray, but comfortable. Due to my vast knowledge of bass fishing, I soon found out that bass aren't early risers, ether. I did manage to hook one small fish, but then I gave him the "Oregon Long-Line release". Oh, well, back to camp. Most everybody was up by this time, and the smell of pancakes was in the air. As for me, it was Diet Coke and Ding Dongs, you know, the breakfast of champions. Eventually, everyone was gathered up, and to the river we went! It took quite some time to get everyone floating. There was a problem with one pontoon boat, but fortunately Jerry Gibb had an extra float tube, so everyone was able to get underway.

My day started well. I was the first to hook a fish and land it. "So this is what a smallmouth looks like!", I thought to myself. He wasn't too big, but he was really scrappy. It looked like black wooly buggers were going to be the fly to use. Ron caught the next two fish, and from there on, I lost track. There were too many fish being caught, and besides, I kept losing flies. Apparently, my knot tying had become rusty, also. It's a good thing I brought lots of flies.

As the day went on, the weather got grayer, and the fishing spottier. Finally, the rains came. I'm not saying it rained hard, but I think I've been drier standing under a waterfall. The fish didn't seem to like it, ether. As it usually goes in Oregon, it didn't last long, and it really wasn't too uncomfortable, seeing as how I'd forgotten my rain gear. Then the fishing came back to life, better than ever. I changed my fly to an "Umpqua Greenie". I don't know if that's the fly's name or not, but I don't know what else I can call it. Whatever you call it, it seems to work, and work well. The majority of the fish I caught were in the half to one and one half pound range. I caught several, and all was right with the world.

I took this trip in a float tube. Float tubes in rivers and not the smartest thing you can use. In fact, they are downright dangerous: get upside down, and you can drown. The Umpqua is a large, slow moving river, at least the part that we drifted. Still, there are some rapids. They're not large, but still, nothing to fool around with, ether. The only thing dumber than floating the river in a float tube is to try to run the white water in one. They made me walk around the first set of rapids I came to, but by the time I got to the second set, I was tired, and it looked shallow. I went through just fine. The next set looked innocent enough. If you have ever run a drift boat and hit bottom, you know the noise it makes, and the damage it does. In a float tube, when you hit bottom, it's your bottom that ends up upon the rocks. This can create more than you bargained for, and we will leave it at that!

For my first outing, I picked a good one. This is one of the best times I’ve had fishing, ever. I had an absolute ball. I hope to see you there next year. Thank you , Ron, and everyone that made my day so great.

-Harry Gross-

Fly Pattern: Umpqua Greenie

Hook: Mustad 9575 Size 6 to 8

Thread: Light Olive

Body: Light Olive Chenille

Legs: White Rubber

(Heavily Weighted)

Lay down thread base, cover with lead wraps. Cover lead well with thread. Tie in chenille at the back of the fly, then begin to wrap thread forward. Tie in 3 sets of legs by cutting of rubber material twice as long as finished legs will be. Tie rubber to hook in the middle (of the rubber), which will then make 2 legs each time. When you are finished with the front 2 legs, wrap the chenille forward and tie off at the head. Whip finish and glue head.

Now, go fishing!!!