Some of the best fly fishing in Oregon takes place in the southern Willamette Valley. The blue ribbon McKenzie River and a large portion of the mainstem Willamette River offer over 30 miles of designated catch-and-release trout water as well as endless steelhead haunts which are ideally suited to fly fishing. There are enough different floating sections to fish an entire week without hitting the same water twice. Local motels, B&Bs, and camping are available for anglers looking to fish for more than a single day.

These large rivers are a challenge to access on foot. Two Dudes Fly Fishing owners Scott Nelson and Matt Ramsey offer you the unique opportunity to sight-fish to rising trout and swing flies for aggressive summer steelhead (often in the same day) from a fully equipped drift boat. Prolific insect hatches throughout the long season bring the native Redside Rainbows and Cutthroat trout to the surface in enthusiastic predatory abandon. These guides specialize in surface and near-surface angling for these hard-bodied trout. Your day on the river will be timed to coincide with the best hatch activity. Both guides are excellent instructors and very patient with new anglers. I have sent numerous beginning fly fishers with them, and they have all learned new skills, landed trout and had a wonderful day.

Hard-fighting Summer Steelhead are in the river from June through November. Your trip can be planned to target trout, steelhead, or both. While the trout fishing is open year round, Scott and Matt concentrate on March through November, due to water flows and weather. During the other months they guide steelhead fishing on the coast.