Crooked River – Page 7

January 16, 2022January 16, 2022

Picnic in January

This week we had a picnic lunch. That’s not unusual, for us, but we’ve been holed up inside for so long it was a really nice break. The winter weather we’ve been posting about faded, as did the snow banks.

It was JQ’s birthday, we packed a lunch and headed up the Crooked River. Occasionaly we take a thermos with lunch or heat something on the cook stove. This day it was cold leftovers and slices of apple. There is always hot cocoa, mocha or coffee, often with a splash of whisky or brandy being added to warm the meal.

There wasn’t much of a break from the overcast sky or gusty winter wind. We’re layered up but still we don’t linger at the table for long. Tip has his own food but devours it quickly and then spends his time nosing around the table for shares. Guess this wouldn’t work if it wasn’t successful.

There are an abundance of robins this winter.

Winter fishing is pretty much just a wade and cast session. Even in the bitter winds of January, standing in a stream clears your head. A break in winter with a hint of spring-like days will mean more trips in the coming weeks. This will be a welcome change to our recent home routine.

December 12, 2021December 11, 2021

Holiday Prep

This week we finally embraced the Christmas season. A couple of things keep full holiday regalia at bay in our house , . . the first is cats, the second is a lack of Santa believers. Yup, I finally gave up on the jolly old elf.

Seriously though, we did manage to find cedar garland, a wreath and a small tree that weren’t moments away from shedding their needles. Got the exterior decorated just before the snowfall started. And strung some tiny lights on the tree. Fire up the holiday play list, cue the snow, and let the season begin.

Jack and Tip exploring Big Bend on the Crooked River

The first part of the week was a trip to the Crooked River. Seemed like we were the only ones there. Perfect time to wet a line at an area that is usually filled with RV’s, trucks and fishermen. The river levels remain low, even for winter flows, but the fishing was good. There is a reason this spot draws a crowd.

Didn’t see any raptors, but spotted loads of magpies and robins.

Winter migration is in full swing and flocks of birds filled the trees. Tip had a great time roaming the bank and keeping us company. The sun even poked out a couple of times to take the chill off. However, it is definitely winter fishing season.

We don’t go full on holiday decoration anymore. A fullsized Christmas tree is out of the question as our cats do enough damage around here already. Not really the best idea to set up a climbing post covered in shiny, breakable orbs.

We settled for a live pine tree, potted and perfect for the counter. Outside we strung some garland over the front window, hung a wreath and trimmed them with a string of lights. It may not measure up to some lightshows in the neighborhood . . . but it is festive enough for us.

November 21, 2021November 19, 2021

Talking about Fishin’

This week found me standing in the Crooked River’s turbid water. As the afternoon sun slipped behind the canyon wall I was trying to get in one more cast. Fishing was slow and I didn’t seem to have the right combination of bugs.

However, the day was sun drenched, temperatures pushed into the 40’s and the wind wasn’t pushing down the canyon, so it was a great day to be fishing.

It is already Mid-November and the shift to winter season has started. We’ll see less sunny days for the next month or two. Daytime temperatures have dropped and rarely get above 50, with morning temps regularly in the teens. For us, that means layers … hats, gloves and scarves become part of the kit. We’re also a bit more weather report conscious.

Within an hour’s drive there are waters that remain open to fishing with drivable access year around. The Forest Service had controlled burns near the Metolius in late October, but we’ll head up there in the next few weeks. The Fall River gets fewer fishers in the winter, so that is also a spot we’ll check out. Like I said no shortage of destinations for our weekly fishing outing.

Much of the west coast has been drenched in fall rains, the Cascades are snow capped and promise an early start to the ski season. On the High Desert we’ve seen a light dusting of snow and brief stints of rain, but more often wake to sun on morning frost.

Cooler days will eventually give way to shoveling snow from the driveway. Right now we are making the most of late fall days with short trips out into the sage and basalt river canyons.

October 31, 2021October 30, 2021

A Quiet Day on the River

Parked at our favorite site on the Crooked River

Took advantage of a break in October’s stormy weather and headed up to the Crooked River. Fall weather seems to clear out the campers so we had the place to ourselves.

Set up the chairs in the sun and enjoyed the day. River levels are still very low but the fishing was great, actually. As the temperatures drop, along with water levels, the dry fly fishing wanes but that means we break out the long rods and Czech-style or Euro nymph.

Tight line swings on a rod rigged with two flys off a light weight 10 foot long rod. This combination allows you to feel the takes, or bumping along the river bottom. In the end, if done right, there are a lot more hook-ups than on a standard wet fly rig. This day that proved true as we saw a lot of fish action, even with the Crooked’s murky and shallow waters.

The day was perfect, temperatures in the low 60’s, lots of sun and only minimal wind.

The lack of other human presence seemed to increase the bird activity. In all, it was a very pleasant day on the river.

October 10, 2021October 9, 2021

Falling into fall

A gnarled western juniper thrives in the arid climate of the high desert

This week we continue to embrace the fall season with short road trips. We are taking advantage of the cool mornings and warm afternoons without smoke laden air.

At winter levels the Crooked River has exposed rock and weed beds.

One downside of the shift to winter is the river draw downs.

To get reservoirs back to capacity for the next irrigation season, dams on the upper Deschutes and Crooked river restrict flows, basically lowering river levels. The Crooked River is down to what seemed like a trickle and it’s water was too turbid to fish. However, that didn’t deter Tip from exploring.

The other activity was pizza baking … from scratch.

This Ooni is heated by gas but cooks more like a wood fired oven.

We’d picked up a gas pizza oven at the end of summer and have been playing with recipes. There is a bit more involved in making pizza, rather than heating up frozen or just carry out. There’s a learning curve and failed attempts, but we are starting to dial in the best cooking method and the last few pies have turned out great.

Scratch-made gives you a delicious pie with total control over the ingredients.

The Ooni oven will be great for other “wood fired” baking jobs. Flat bread is on the list to try.

For now, we’re working on tweeking dough recipes to fine tune our pizza crust, very important, as there are a surprising number of variations possible.