Fly Fishing the McKenzie River:

The McKenzie River offers exceptional angling for wild rainbow trout (redsides), cutthroat, and summer steelhead, best experienced from May through October.  Summer Steelhead runs peak from July through September, targetable with spey rods or indicator setups.  The river is famous for its native "redside" trout, which are a distinct, prized sub-species of wild rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri) native to the Columbia River basin, including the McKenzie and Deschutes rivers.  They get their name from the brilliant, fiery red or crimson stripe running down their flanks and are renowned by anglers for being incredibly strong, acrobatic, and hard-fighting compared to hatchery-raised trout. 

Hayden Bridge to Armitage Park Drift

This 8 mile drift is open year-round, is rated as class I, and is the easiest stretch to drift/row.  There are plenty of opportunities for different fishing styles, including dry fly fishing, euro nymphing, indicator fishing, and swinging flies.  Shuttle service is usually arranged by club members, but if individual shuttle is desired, contact the Caddis Fly Shop for recommendations.

Bellinger Landing to Hayden Bridge Boat Landing Drift

This 6 mile drift has some of the best fishing on the lower McKenzie and is typically open from the fourth Saturday in April through October 31st.  However, it requires advanced rowing skills due to log jams, hidden strainers, and a short stretch of rapids (rated as a Class II+/III- drop). Checking for hazards prior to launching is strongly recommended--try the Boat Oregon Online Map/lower McKenzie site for the latest boating hazard updates.

Hendricks Park to Bellinger Landing Drift

This drift is short--just over 4 miles--without significant white water, allowing more intense fishing.   There are plenty of opportunities for different fishing styles, including dry fly fishing, euro nymphing, indicator fishing, and swinging flies.  It is typically open from the fourth Saturday in April through October 31st.  

Deerhorn County Park To Hendricks Bridge Drift

This is a 13 mile drift, the longest our club will fish on this river.  It is rated Class I-II and is appropriate for intermediate rowers.  It is higher in the river corridor, and often experiences low river flows in the summer.  There are plenty of opportunities for different fishing styles, including dry fly fishing, euro nymphing, indicator fishing, and swinging flies.  It is typically open from the fourth Saturday in April through October 31st.  

McKenzie River Hatch Schedule

Spring Hatches (March – May)

• March Brown Mayflies (April – May): Sizes 10–14; peak activity often occurs early afternoon during overcast or drizzly days.

• Blue Winged Olives (BWO) (March – May): Sizes 16–22; common on rainy, cool spring days.

• Caddis (April – May): Sizes 14–16; early-season caddis begin appearing in the surface film. 

Summer Hatches (June – August)

• Golden Stoneflies (June – July): Sizes 6–8; active along faster riffles and rocky banks.

• Caddis (June – August): Sizes 14–18; prolific morning and evening surface activity.

• Pale Morning Duns (PMD) (June – July): Sizes 16–18; emerging consistently on moderate days. 

Fall Hatches (September – November)

• October Caddis (Size 6-10): September 15 – October 31 (large orange-bodied dry flies trigger aggressive strikes)

• Blue-Winged Olive / BWO (Size 16-20): September 15 – October 31 (fishes best on overcast, rainy days)

• Midges (Size 16-22): Year-round (January 1 – December 31)

Shuttle Services:

Usually the club shuttles their own pontoons, but private shuttle services are available for $25-30.  Check with the Caddis Fly Shop for recommendations.