Greetings from Sisters, I am at the shop today working with Mattias and it has been steady today with anglers headed to the river, and fly tyers headed to the bench on this cold Saturday. Which would you prefer to do today? Tie or fish?
I have a lot of news to share in this report, almost all of it trending in a great direction as we start May. May is one of my favorite fishing months in Central Oregon. News of Salmonflies, boat ramps that are now accessible and other news for you below. Keep reading…

The Metolius River for the most part showed us good fishing days this past week and the trend is upwards and onwards from here until early July with some very good fishing days to look forward to.
On Thursday (5/1/25) the large flying carpenter ants made an appearance and the fish were looking up for them. I see we have some good warm days returning in the 7 day forecast, so I think that flying ant hatch might have fragmented today in the cool weather but should return for another couple of days when we get back to the warmth.
PMD’s (#16) have taken a strong hold on the hatch cycle here, but don’t overlook BWO’s (#18-20). Fish the cycle from nymphs, to emergers, add cripples because the fish in spring creeks like to key on the stuff that won’t get away easily, and of course duns and rusty spinners will complete the package.
Probably not enough Green Drake Duns on any given day to get truly psyched for “the Hatch” until Mid-May, but make sure to fish Drake nymphs and put a Film Critic and Sparkle Dun in your box just in case.
Usually sometime between May 15 and Memorial Day is when we expect more consistent Drake days, and it is worth noting that even if you don’t see a lot of drakes flying look for explosive rises (usually mid river where the drakes seem to prefer to emerge) and follow up in that area with your fly of choice.
The spring Drake emergence is about a 6 week process, with 2 weeks in the middle of the hatch offering the most intense action. The prelude and conclusion of the hatch often don’t show as many duns looking like helicopters hovering over the river, but you know it is happening because of the strong rises you’ll encounter later in the afternoon.
By far the best nymphs we’ve been using on the river lately are tan caddis pupa. Eggs, Golden Stones, Drakes, Red 2 Bits, Brown and Olive Perdigons, Fire Starters, PT’s and Micro Mayflies are going to be fish catchers throughout the river and throughout the day.

The Middle Deschutes is our beginning of the Salmonfly Season for 2025! We even saw a few bugs up to the Tumalo area yesterday but the main hatch is so far is closer to Steelhead Falls.
The next 2 weeks are going to be very dynamic to follow the hatch and we need to get consistent warm days back to not fragment the hatch so much.
PMD’s, Pale Evening Duns and reports from very very good Caddis hatches will be strong too. Don’t shy away from Purple Haze and Renegades through the middle river, and bring your Euro Nymphs.

The Crooked River. Damnit. Still in the 700’s. I believe it needs to be under 500 cfs for decent and safe access. The river inflow to the Reservoir is dropping and is currently lower than the outflow. That is a positive sign.

The Fall River has been good throughout the open areas of the river, and I say that to remind you that below the falls to the confluence of the Deschutes is remains closed until 5/22/25.
A lot of pressure in the hatchery stretch, so consider other parking areas to get away from the crowds. I will say this, that yes, certain areas where they stock trout like the hatchery and the campground seem to hold more fish in bigger pods, but consider this: Can you make yourself happier and a better angler by getting away from those 2 over populated areas? I think the answer is yes and here is why. Solitude. Fishing doesn’t need to be done in complete solitude, and in 2025 we can’t rely on that too much anyway. But not being shoulder to shoulder with half of Bend is going to make me a happier angler. And getting away from the recently stocked pods of trout and finding singles is going to be more rewarding and make you better at fishing. Play the game. It is more fun.
PMD hatches have been good most afternoons and there have been a fair number of #16 orange caddis out this week and fish have been eating them at the top. We have an Orange Missing Link Caddis and Orange Elk Hair Caddis that match that nicely. BWO #18-20 and some #20-22 Midges will be important mid day and Rusty Spinners in the evening. Strongly consider 7x tippet for all of these dries for more confident rises.

The Lower Deschutes is ever so close to the Salmonfly season. I suspect that next weekends report will have some positive news to share, and what that means from your perspective is it is time to fish big black nymphs near the shore.
March Browns are still around, but light hatches are the clue they are about ready to wrap it up until next spring. Adios Rhithgogena’s, we love you and we will see you next April.
IN place of the MB’s are PMD’s and Pale Evening Duns. Caddis haven’t gone wild yet, but on the Deschutes that is just a matter of time with all the major caddis species that occur here. On any given day a #14-16 Tan Pupa, and #12 to 18 Olive Pupa is going to be great.
Euro style or indicator rigs will be equally good down there.

The McKenzie River is good and we had mostly good days on the river last river, some with more whitefish than trout, but still catching.
I think with the warm weather coming back next week the Flying Ants ought to be out and on the Mckenzie I have seen a frenzy of feeding when they hit the water.
FFP guides Troy, Steve, Tonn and Michael have all said they are seeing big salmonflies and have got fish on big chubbies.

Lakes Report

Crane Prairie over all has been off to a good start for the 2025 season. I had my first guide day there on May 1, and throughout the lake most everyone we talked to, or watched had a slow day, Finally about 2 the bite started and we had some bobbers down and got a few fish in the net. All on a Red Blood Worm called a Duct Tape.
Black Balanced Leeches, Olive Balanced Leeches, Ice Cream Cones (Black with Red Rib, and Red with Silver Rib)
Docks are out at Crane Prairie Boating Site, but new (NEW & Modern) docks are coming May 9th I understand.
Quinn River Ramp access is open now.

I know that Lava Lake and Little Lava Lake are both ice free now, but so far the roads in are not quite open.

Hosmer and 3 Creek Lake are both still snowed in and will be late May or early June at Hosmer and mid June or later at 3 Creek.

North and South Twin Lakes are both on the list for tubers and ever drift boats. Damsel Nymphs, Leeches, Chironomids are going to be your best flies, but Callibaetis ought to be getting started about now and take the rest of the season by storm here and at all the lakes in the coming months between now and September.

Paulina Lake Access is supposed to be open May 14th. Cross your fingers. I imagine the first 10 to 14 days only the resort ramp and dock will have access. They have been charging a $10 parking and ramp fee.

East Lake will probably be a bit longer, I am guessing close to Memorial Day….

Chickahonimy continues to be a great spot to head out to. Balanced Leeches are the hottest fly, with browns, blacks and olives working on most days. Add some Chironomids, Scuds and Prince Nymphs will round you out.

Haystack is good too, and certainly worth the trip as some of the high lakes are not open, or considering it is probably blowing snow showers across Crane today.
Balanced leeches continue to be the best choice here too.
Chironomids and Callibaetis and Damsel Nymphs are smart moves for the Haystack menu too.

I know with the other lakes opening up sometimes private lakes fall off the radar. Don’t give up on Justesen Ranch yet! May is amazing and the callibaetis hatch is on out there! Amanda has shares some great reports this week with anglers finding lots of mayflies and great dry fly action.
Leeches and Chironomids and Damsels will be on the list everyday in May too.

I have dates for the Blue Bonefish Hosted trips with me in Belize in January 10-16 and April 11-17 of 2026. We are just getting the 1st people to sign up but these dates will fill fill quickly so let me know if you want to be a part of Permitpalooza, or simply catch your 1st bonefish and have the time of your life in such a great lodge with the best staff I’ve ever seen.

I am also just putting the final touches on 2 great Argentina trips, my hosted trip to the Rio Carelafu December 6th to 13th will include a 3 day/ 2 night camp trip that can only be done at the December water level. followed by heading back to San Martin de Los Andes for day trips on the Rio Chimehuen, Rio Alumina and Rio Collon Curra. I have a list of people I am sending the invitation to this afternoon, so if you want to be one of the 7 on this trip let me know ASAP.

Finally, I have just 2 posts left for Chile the last week of February at the Rio Baker Lodge. We have a great group in the lodge already but I would love to fill the place with all FFP people, so who will be my last 2 to come and join the group?

Summer guide trip bookings here in Oregon have been coming in really well! Thank you for those of you who have already booked. Salmonfly dates are quite busy but May 10 to the 16 are really open still. Call us.

As always, thanks for reading and thank you for your amazing support of FFP and our team here.

Be well, and until next week when I have more reports to share GO FISH!

Jeff

5/3/25