Located at the headwaters of the world famous Williamson River, Yamsi Ranch is one of Oregon’s premier fly fishing destinations for trophy Brook Trout reaching 24” and Rainbow Trout stretching up to 31”. The Williamson is fed by six springs, five of which are located on the ranch, producing 45 cubic feet per second year round. The springs stay a consistent 42 degrees and are not affected by snow melt or summer heat. The eight miles of frontage offer a wide variety of habitat. The deep pools and undercut banks created by this slow meandering stream, along with fallen trees, rocks and weeds offer incredible habitat for monster rainbow and brook trout. The river ecosystem lends itself to fine dry fly fishing and excellent nymph fishing. Their main hatches are the Black Drake in June, the Hexagenia in July, the hoppers in September, and the October Caddis. Throughout the year there are prolific hatches of other mayflies, caddis, and terrestrials.

The late season sportsman can experience the brilliant colors of spawning brook trout in the morning and then hunt waterfowl on the same water that evening.

The Williamson is suitable for wade/walk fishing for the beginner and intermediate level fly fisherman, yet challenging enough for even the most experienced. All anglers are given an orientation of the ranch waters, and there is daily guiding and professional instruction at all levels available at additional cost. The non-fisherman can walk the banks of the river, canoe the lake, or relax on the porch with a good book, while hundreds of birds fly through the valley.

Hyde Lake, located 15 miles from the main house, is 300 square acres and home of hard fighting, line stripping, knuckle busting Rainbow Trout reaching upwards of 33”. The lake is stocked every spring with 7”-10” trout and the abundance of leeches, damsels, mayflies, and other aquatic life helps them to almost double in size their first year. The south end of the lake reaches depths of 50 feet when full and shallows up to about 5-10 feet on the north end.

John Hyde has lived on the Yamsi Ranch all his life and started fishing the waters of the Williamson River when he was 5 years old. He has a deep love and understanding of the river, its aquatic life and the lands that surround it. He has a lifetime of knowledge of where the fish are hiding and how to fish for them. John has a Federation of Fly Fishing (FFF) casting instructor’s certification and enjoys teaching and helping all levels of anglers. John can handle most groups that arrive, and if additional guides are needed it can be arranged.