Ribbon map roll-out
Ribbon map mojo and the Maupin Meetup, casual casting practice in PDX, registration for PCC Summer Term, and more
CFStronauts,
We're in the thick of it. There's a ton going on around here, so dig in and get involved.
Maps are here!
Ribbon maps are flying off the shelves here at CFS HQ. Launch week was successful, which felt great.
If you've bought a map already, THANK YOU! We’ve already raised almost $2,000 for the Deschutes River Alliance. If you haven’t seen it yet, we made a little film to celebrate the maps.
On Saturday I dropped a batch of maps at the Deschutes Angler with Amy Hazel, the owner. Amy has been a huge champion of this project, and when I first showed her a prototype map a few months ago her enthusiasm was all the proof I needed that this strange little idea had a place in the world.
Amy immediately volunteered to sell the maps in the fly shop, and to hang a map in the shop, which is a), a great idea, and b) kind of an incredible feeling. Having a thing you made become a functional part of a place you care a lot about feels really good. Tell Amy hi from me if you’re rolling through town and stop for a map, flies, or whatever river info you need.
If you haven’t bought a map yet, why not? It’s $20, plus six bucks for shipping, and you’re supporting a great cause. Act now before they’re gone!
Six feet long, with hundreds of features, the Lower Deschutes Ribbon Map is your passport to adventure on one of Oregon's blue ribbon fisheries.
100% of every map sold goes to benefit the Deschutes River Alliance!
Maupin mojo
Of course I went down to the river after visiting the fly shop, and although we’re on the back end of the salmonfly hatch, the river is fishing beautifully.
I was drawn back to the scene of my epic faceplant last year to see if the fish I had unsuccessfully encountered was still in the same place. Lo and behold, after a few casts, I found its baby cousin, at least: My first nice redband from the Deschutes this season.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Pound-for-pound, wild fish from the Deschutes fight harder than any I’ve caught in the Lower 48. This one gave me a run for my money, and a chance to feel the river’s hard-charging vitality through my 5X.
I couldn't help but think there was a little bit of karmic resonance, but it may have just been the happy energy I was bringing to the party.
This weekend: the Maupin Meetup for TroutFest
I'll be back out in Maupin starting Thursday with some CFS pals for our Maupin Meetup around the DRA's TroutFest.
Try and come out to fish in Maupin next weekend. There’s something for everyone, at every ability level.
You don’t need to stay for the whole weekend: If you’ve got a free day next Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, come out. We’ll be holding it down at Maupin City Park if you want to stay over.
The TroutFest schedule will not disappoint. Some highlights:
Casting instruction
Master casting instructor Mary Ann Dozer will be in the house all weekend, offering private lessons and snack-sized tune-ups to work out any hitches in your giddy-up. Together with some other instructors I’ll be joining the Casting Doctor session from 10am to noon on Saturday, acting as physician’s assistant to help Mary Ann tune up folks’ casts.
Seminars and demos
Bug identification, fly selection, two-handed instruction, and general beginner introductory classes will be happening all weekend to help any level of angler juice up their Deschutes experiences. Industry representatives and non-profits will also have booths to introduce themselves and demo their wares.
Fun and frolics
Evenings at TroutFest mean a turn toward entertainment. The CFS team took first place in Grayling Education’s TroutFest Trivia last year, so on Friday evening we’ll be looking to defend our title.
On Saturday there’s also a cornhole tourney and the chance to be crowned First Ever West Coast Driftboat Launch Champion, where foolhardy participants will attempt the only maneuver more harrowing than tying knots or distance casting in front of an audience: Backing up a drift boat trailer around a series of obstacles.
Live music from The Takes and The Greg Haller Band, and food and drinks from vendor partners will provide the foundation for all our fishy fun.
Check out the full TroutFest schedule for all the details.
Lisa Amato working with caster Erika
PDX casting sessions
We held our first casual casting session last Friday, and had a great time practicing various casts at Hall Pond, the dedicated casting pond at Westmoreland Park in Portland. (Should we call these “Study Hall”?) There are accuracy rings in the pond, as well, (see that first picture) so there's the opportunity for some fun casting games.
June 5: Casual Casting
Join us at at a free Friday night casting practice co-hosted with fellow CI candidate Lisa Amato. All are welcome, and rods will be provided.
Our next session is Friday, June 5 from 5-7pm. It's free to join, and open to everyone. Come by if you’d like to practice your fly casting and knock some of the rust off as the season starts. Or play a game of casting HORSE. ("OK, off-side, roll cast, to the middle red ring. Nothing but net." IYKYK)
PCC Summer Term on sale this week
Spaces in our PCC Intro to Fly Fishing class for Summer Term go on sale this Wednesday, May 27 at 07:00. This is our most popular offering, and typically sells out in a matter of hours.
Set a reminder to register and save this link if you’re looking to join us June 23, 25, and 27th to get the basics of fly fishing, casting, and a fishing experience at our fly lab at St. Louis Ponds.
That's it that's all! Current Flow State is a weekly newsletter from me, Nick Parish.
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