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The number of great places to fly fish for the beginner and the seasoned fisherman are tremendous and are found in a surprisingly number of different types of country. However there are some that seem so fantastic that people are breath taken, regardless of how they define great fishing places.

Since the definition of what makes a place great for fly-fishing is so important, we should spend a moment to look at some of the factors related to this.

First, there must be fish. This goes almost without saying, but if there are few or no fish, the place isn't going to be worthwhile for the fly fisherman under most circumstances.

The river or lake should also be readily accessible. Some people may have no problem with walking miles to get to a fishing lake or stream, but most of us would prefer a little more ease in getting to where the fish are. Many people can't walk far to get to the fishing site.

The fish should readily strike at a fly, and yet not too easily. If it is too easy to catch them, it removes much of the thrill of the catch.

There should ideally be scenery or other benefits that will make the trip worthwhile even if the fisherman is luckless in catching fish.

Many other things can enhance the attractiveness of a particular place for fly-fishing, but the above are of extreme importance. There are happily many places that fit this definition, and then some. One of those is the Chewaucan River in Southeastern Oregon.

The Chewaucan starts in the mountains to the northeast of the town of Bly and follows a generally eastward then southward course. With the influx of numerous tributaries, the stream quickly grows into a fair sized river, up to 50 feet across and over 5 feet deep in the lower reaches.

Some of the best fly-fishing can be found in the intermediate reaches, within 20 miles of the town of Paisley. In this area of the Chewaucan, pines, firs, cottonwoods and occasionally aspen trees line the river, adding to the scenic beauty of the place. Wild animals including many birds, deer, pronghorns, porcupines, and otters frequent the area.

Rainbow and brook trout can be found in large numbers, and even an occasional brown may be caught here. They rise well to a fly, yet the water is so clean and clear that the fish can often be a challenge to catch for the fisherman.

Some of the best luck can be found by wading in the river, upstream, and casting the fly near or under brush or trees lining the bank. In the intermediate reaches, the water seldom gets more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which also makes it almost perfect for hot summer days, for wading.

Fishermen using a California Mosquito have the greatest success, though the fish will also rise well to Royal and Bucktail Coachman. The best fishing times are dusk and dawn, though fish can be caught at any time of day.

Among the other appeals of the Chewaucan river is the fact that relatively few people fish it. This makes it an especially great place to fish if you want to get away from crowds. Watercress also grows in the river, so you can catch dinner and collect a side dish of salad makings as well.

There are simply few places that are better and nicer to fish than the Chewaucan (pronounced 'She-waa-can'). If you are looking for a truly outstanding place to fly fish, this is one of them. Good luck to you, and happy fishing.

Learn more about this author, Rex Trulove.
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