Blue Den Lake

The club's Blue Den (week-long) event is an opportunity for Santiam Flycaster members who are not members of the Oregon Fishing Club to fish one one of their premier private properties. Blue Den Lake and Ponds are located on the grounds of the Blue Den Ranch, a multi-generational family owned farm and timber holding. It is located in Scio, about 35 minutes SE of Salem. The upper lake is 9 acres in size, has a maximum depth of 12 feet and a small gravel launch. Fishing from a float tube, pontoon, or small boat is recommended. The lower pond is 0.75 acre and is fished from shore. OFC plants with triploid rainbow, which are aggressive and grow quickly. Fish size ranges from 12" to 24".

The club tries to time this outing to coincide with the onset of the lake's Callibaetis hatch. This is a prime opportunity to catch a 20+ inch fish on a dry fly. In general midges work early in the day, mayfly imitations work best late-morning to early afternoon, and streamers work best late afternoon.

Techniques: Dry Fly

Good patterns during the Callibaetis hatch include: Adams, parachute Adams, Callibaetis foam extended body, Sparkle Dun, and soft hackles.

Here is a link to my article about imitating Callibaetis, which includes techniques.

Techniques: Midges and Nymphs

Indicator fishing with midge pupa is very effective, especially early morning/early evening in the spring and summer, and all day in winter and early spring.

Nymph fishing in spring/fall is effective both with a slow intermediate line (such as a Hover line) or under an indicator. Both Pheasant Tail and Hare's Ears patterns are effective, in addition to damsel nymph patterns.

Techniques: Streamers/Buggers

Effective methods include:

Balanced leeches under an indicator
Weighted flies on a dry line
Unweighted streamers on a full-sink intermediate to type III full-sink line
Effective patterns include buggers, Peanut Envy pattern, and various olive streamer patterns

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