The news today is that the Lower Deschutes was closed this morning on the Warm Springs to Trout Creek section. So for the foreseeable days we won’t be able to guide there. Usually these are mostly grass fires but of course some trees get lost. The desert rivers go through these fire cycles every year or two.

It’s a bummer but not the worst news other than no trips for at least a few days.

At the shop, the whole city of Sisters went to level one this morning. Due to how quickly level one neighbors went to level 3 (leave now) yesterday we decided today to empty our most valuable inventory and store it in a safe place outside of town. Files and the office computer were taken last night in an abundance of caution.

FFP has a legendary fly selection, and to lose it would be the worst case scenario if the fire reaches my building. We also removed rods, reels, waders, boots, glassses and many boxes of accessories. So much thanks to Mattias, his mom, Chris and Anita, Phil and Sandy! I’m emotional thinking about their love of this little shop and our community.

As of now Mattias is still at the store, taking calls, canceling trips, rescheduling trips, or even booking trips for future days we all know will get better.

For now, hang tight and know that me and the FFP crew are thinking about you, we care about our friends and family and our guides and employees that are affected by this fire.

If you still want to go fishing and hanging out in Bend or Redmond or Sunriver you have some options….

Places you can fish include East and Paulina, the crooked (it’ll likely be smoky) the fall, the headwaters of the Deschutes, upper Hosmer. Watch water temperatures. At the lakes, check in the morning and at lunch. Quit at 67 or 68.

I’d be careful about going out to the Metolius because if the fire makes it to the highway and they close the road you’d have to go to Salem and over Mt Hood or Willamette Pass to get home to Bend or Sisters.

If you’re heading up from the valley consider fishing the North Santiam or the upper McKenzie. Clear lake is cold as can be and I hear plenty of fish in there this year.

This is all a bummer in the busy season, it’s bad for our business, tough on the guide industry and sad for people who have vacation time and just want to be on the water. We will get to a better place soon.

With lots of love,

Jeff “bugs” Perin