Tucked away in Eastern Oregon twisting it's away along red rock cliffs and pinnacles is a small tailwater fishery that is a big brown trout playground. This river, that comes alive in the alpenglow light on the canyon walls is an oasis amongst the sage. This is the Owyhee.
Off the beaten path, it is a great, easily managed walk and wade fishery. Low gradient, with lots of riffles, runs and channels to explore along a dense riparian zone that quickly gives way to the high desert that is Eastern Oregon. There are prolific hatches and the alligator jawed browns that call it home are willing and prolific targets. Prime time hatches include late winter/ early spring blue wing olives and the Skwala Stonefly hatch. The Skwala hatch is one to hit. Big dries and slurping browns. Summertime will bring PMD,s, midges, large trico hatches will be your wake up call. Pods of smudging trout to work over is the norm. With the lush willows and grasses late summer brings hucking hopper and terrestrial patterns along the banks.
