All Are Welcomed
The Oregon Fish and Hang is open to everyone and is not exclusive to women or fly-fishing. iFishiBelong’s mission is to advocate for all species, techniques, and people. The aim is to create a welcoming environment where diversity is celebrated and discrimination is not tolerated.
iFishiBelong’s Fish and Hang events offer attendees the chance to explore, engage in DIY fishing, and partake in social gatherings. Additionally, these events serve as a platform for highlighting local businesses and guides.
iFishiBelong has prepared an event checklist containing links to all necessary items. This checklist will help ensure that everyone is well-prepared and informed for the event. Print the checklist HERE.
Table of Contents
Weekend Logistics
Thank you for registering for Oregon Fish and Hang Weekend. This is an inclusive event where like-minded individuals can connect, empower each other, and have fun. The registration fee is instrumental in offsetting the costs associated with travel logistics, online platforms, the extensive hours dedicated to research, meticulous preparation, and the ongoing correspondence that happens behind the scenes to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
Participants fish during the day and hang out in the evenings, with various accommodation options available. The event takes place in Maupin Oregon, from May 30th to June 2nd, 2024. ** This webpage is a dynamic document, and we’ll continue to update it with additional useful links and information in the coming months. **
Event Questions
Please utilize this webpage and the OR Fish and Hang Facebook Group as most of your questions will answered. Otherwise email [email protected].
Facebook Group
Join the Facebook Group to network with fellow attendees, seek advice, and exchange travel and event photos/videos. Co-hosts will share further event details there. Join the Facebook Group HERE.
recorded Q&A Session
Dates
May 30th – June 2nd, 2024
Check-In Time
For camping, check in to Maupin City Park after 2:30 pm on Thursday 5/30/24 or anytime through Sunday 6/2/24. Refer to the weekend schedule for additional meet-up times.
Location
This event will be held in Maupin Oregon. The social hangout activities during the Oregon Fish and Hang Weekend will primarily take place at the Maupin City Park Group Campsite #2 or at the TroutFest location There is cell phone coverage in Maupin but not in the outlying areas.
- Maupin, OR
- Campground – Maupin City Park
- TroutFest Location – Google the Oasis Riverview Campground
What's Included
Thank you once again for registering for the 2024 Oregon Fish and Hang event. Below is a breakdown of what is included and what is not covered by the registration fee.
- This exclusive webpage was established specifically for registered Oregon participants. It includes event logistics, packing tips, fishing details, etc.
- Choice Between a Hat or Tee Shirt ($25 Value)
- Interactive Live Q&A Session
- Online Access to the “Summer Trout Fishing Techniques” Live 5/6/24 or Pre-Recorded Class
- TroutFest Festivites
- First Access to the 1hr Casting Lesson Registration on Saturday 6/1/24
- Nightly Social Events
- Friday Morning Fishing Social – Subject to BLM Approval
- Location & Fishing Research Compiled for Easy Participant Reference
- Dedicated Co-Hosts Focusing on Education, Community, Fun
- Commitment to Support Local Businesses and Highlight Women and Underrepresented Owners and Guides in the Region
- Community Initiatives & Contributions
- 20% Off TroutRoutes Pro Account
What's Not Included
- Transportation to and from Maupin, OR
- Accommodation/Camping
- Meal Arrangements
- Fishing Gear – Equipment Available to Borrow if Needed
- Oregon Fishing License
- SOLD OUT – 4hr “Fishing the Deschutes River” Workshop on Thursday 5/30/24
- Guided Fishing Opportunities
Tentative Weekend Schedule
- Thursday 5/30/24 – Arrive and DIY Fish or Workshop
- 10 am – 2 pm – 4hr Fish the Deschutes River Workshop Available
- SOLD OUT
- Social Evening at Maupin City Park
- 10 am – 2 pm – 4hr Fish the Deschutes River Workshop Available
- Friday 5/31/24 – DIY Fish and Evening Hang
- DIY Fishing or Social Fishing Time (Location and Time TBD)
- 6pm – Troutfest Evening Hang
- Saturday 6/1/24 – DIY Fish, Casting Lessons and DRA TroutFest
- DIY Fishing
- 9am – 11am – Donation Based Casting Lessons
- Register Available this Spring
- 12 pm – 5pm – Troutfest
- 5pm – 9pm – Evening Hang with Live Band
- Sunday 6/2/24 – River Clean-Up, Fish and Depart
- 9am – 10am – River Clean-Up Hosted by iFishiBelong and Deschutes River Alliance
- Fishing on Own and Depart
Fishing the Deschutes River Workshop Available
SOLD OUT – The “Fishing the Deschutes River” workshop provides participants with a deep dive into techniques and tactics tailored for this iconic river. Geared towards the advanced beginner and intermediate anglers. The techniques covered in this workshop will be dry fly, subsurface, euro and trout spey.
Workshop Topics –
- Deschutes River Access Points
- Intermediate Fly Fishing Knots and Leader Set-Ups for Each Technique
- Match the Seasonal Deschutes River Hatches
- ABCs of Fly Fishing and How to Approach the Water for Each Technique
- Searching vs Targeting and Mending Demonstrations
- Casting Drills for Each Technique
The workshop curriculum is being provided by Fly Fish Instruct.
Friday Social Fishing Day
We’re in the process of securing Bureau of Land Management (BLM) permits to facilitate our social fishing day on the Deschutes River. Further details about the Friday social fishing day will be provided during the Live Q&A session and will also be posted on the reserved website.
TroutFest
We’ve intentionally coordinated our Oregon Fish and Hang event with the Deschutes River Alliance (DRA) Troutfest, happening on the evening of Friday, May 31, 2024, and continuing on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from noon until evening. This provides everyone with the opportunity to participate, learn from industry experts, and come together to celebrate the Deschutes River. The Troutfest promises a day filled with community, informative clinics, delicious food, refreshing beer, and live music.
Donation Fly Casting Lesson
Be one of the inaugural participants to sign up for an hour-long fly-casting lesson guided by industry experts on the morning of Saturday, 6/1/24 . The session includes both a beginner and an intermediate/advanced segment, taught by some of the best casters in fly fishing. Registration opens to the public on 4/29/14.
Before registering for the casting lesson, please evaluate your casting skillset and knowledge to ensure you meet the requirements. If you’re unable to register for the lesson or if you’re brand new to the sport and have never picked up a fly rod, we invite you to visit the Simms/Winston and Echo booth during Troutfest. Heather Hodson will be available to guide you through the basics.
Beginner Casting Lesson –
- 9:00 am – 10:00 am – Beginner Casting Lesson with lead instructor Tom Larimer and co-instructors Heather Hodson and Justin Bubenik.
- Requirements: We ask that those taking the beginning lesson know how to set up their fly rod and have some casting experience.
Intermediate/Advanced Casting Lesson –
- 10:15 – 11:15 am—Intermediate/Advanced Lesson with lead instructor Tim Rajeff and co-instructors Eric Neufeld and Mary Ann Dozer.
- Requirements: We ask that those participating in the intermediate/advanced casting lesson have a solid understanding of fly casting fundamentals and the ability to adjust their stroke and arc to modify their loop according to their fishing needs.
- If you don’t know what a casting stroke or arc is, then we ask that you register for the beginner casting lesson.
Camping
To locate the campground, you can search for “Maupin City Park” in Google Maps or click on this link HERE which will take you directly to the location in the app.
- Check in to Maupin City Park after 2:30 pm on Thursday 5/30/24 or anytime through Sunday 6/2/24
Please go to the Maupin City Park website to see if they have any campsites available. Click HERE.
Lodging
If camping isn’t your preference, there are alternative lodging choices available. We suggest booking accommodation in Maupin, Oregon. Secure your lodging now, as availability is limited and spaces are expected to fill up rapidly. Need help with lodging? Click HERE.
Food
You’re in charge of your meals. There is a Dutch Oven cook-off happening on Friday at 5pm. It costs $5 to sample all the dishes and vote for your favorite main dish, side, and dessert. Additionally, on Saturday, food and beverages of choice will be available for purchase at the TroutFest location.
It’s advisable to visit a grocery store along the way. Although Maupin Market provides basic supplies, its selection is somewhat limited, and we want to be mindful of not depleting a small town’s grocery store. For a wider range of options, consider shopping at Safeway locations in nearby towns like The Dalles and Madras or the Fred Meyer’s in the Tri-Cities. Additionally, Maupin has several restaurants and laid-back bars for added convenience.
Education Opportunites
- Engage on Facebook:
- Join the Oregon Fish and Hang Facebook Group.
- Pose your questions; our co-hosts and community members will help answer the questions.
- Co-Host Guidance:
- Our co-hosts will be available throughout the event.
- Get answers on topics like knots, leaders, flies, and prime fishing locations.
- In-Person Workshop Opportunity: SOLD OUT
- Participate in the “Fishing the Deschutes River” Workshop.
- Led by Amy Hazel and Heather Hodson.
- Duration: 4 hours
We’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to ask!
iFishiBelong has initiated research on your behalf and compiled various area resource links pertaining to Maupin, Oregon, for you to explore prior to your trip.
- Maupin Oregon –
- The Great Escape to Maupin Oregon
- Travel Oregon – Maupin
- Travel Oregon – The Dalles
- Travel Oregon – Bend
- https://traveloregon.com/places-to-go/cities/bend/
Fishing
The Deschutes River provides fishing opportunities for native wild Redband trout. We chose this time as Salmonflies, Golden Stones, PMDs and Yellow Sallies should be on the menu. Read more about the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River.
Water Safety
May and June signify the runoff season, potentially leading to elevated water levels during the event. Checking the Madras Oregon water gauge station can be helpful. We will also provide ongoing updates on the conditions to ensure everyone’s safety. Regardless of the weather, this event will proceed as planned.
Fishing License
Oregon’s traditional Free Fishing Weekend falls on the first weekend in June. During this time, no fishing license is required for Saturday, June 1, or Sunday, June 2. However, if you plan to fish on any other dates, all anglers over 18 years old must purchase a fishing license. Purchase HERE. Older anglers may be eligible for a Pioneer or Senior License. Veterans and Active members of the armed services may also be eligible for license benefits.
- Columbia River Basin Endorsement is not needed if you are only fishing for trout on the Deschutes River.
- Tribal Fishing Permits –
- A tribal fishing permit is required for fishing or boating access for the waters of the Warm Springs Reservation. Read More HERE.
Fish Species
These are the fish species tha you might encounter while fishing the Deschutes River.
Wild and Native Redband Trout
Hire a Guide
We recognize that not everyone wants to DIY Fish and may prefer the expertise of a fishing guide. In our commitment to showcasing local businesses and guides, we’re pleased to provide a list of area guides who have registered on the Fish and Hang website, demonstrating their support and alignment with the iFishiBelong mission.
- Alysia Aguilar – Little Leaf Guides
- Guiding the salmon fly hatch on the Warm Springs reservation side of the Deschutes River.
- Mia Sheppard – Juniper River Adventures
- Sequoia Hoffstetter – The Fly Fishers Place
There are several great guides on the Deschutes River. Click HERE to learn more.
Mark your calendars for the Live Q&A Session on April 24th at 5:30 pm PT, where we’ll explore weekend logistics and share local fishing information. The Fish and Hang events involve some preparation and proactive involvement. To provide attendees with the essential information for a successful weekend, please utilize this website outlining the weekend’s logistics to assist in crafting your fishing itinerary.
Lower Deschutes River maps
Click HERE to view Bureau of Land Management (BLM) river maps.
DIY Fishing Blogs/Books
- Deschutes Angler Fishing Report
- Deschutes Angler River FAQ
- Fly Fishers Place Deschutes River info
- Fin and Fire Lower Deschutes Report
- Fly and Field Lower Deschutes
- Deschutes River Flows * Current Conditions
- Destination Fly Fishing Guide – Lower Deschutes River Oregon
- Hatch Guide for the Lower Deschutes River
Borrow Equipment
Each angler is expected to bring their own equipment and flies. We have rod/reel setups, boots and waders available for borrowing on a first-come, first-served basis. Please fill out the “Borrowed Equipment” form by May 15th if you wish to borrow equipment.
The Lower Deschutes River is big water. It’s important to be aware of conditions as they can change daily. A few things to remain conscious of:
- Slippery rocks and uneven footing, use a wading staff.
- Fast, deep water in sections, use a wading staff.
- Poison Oak – Leaves of three, let them be!
- You are in rattlesnake territory so a wading staff can be helpful to warn critters of your presence.
- During the spring and summer, we do see ticks in the area.
- Wear your bug spray, waders and protective clothing. Always check clothing after fishing to ensure you’re not bringing anything back to camp with you.
Clothing
- Waders are recommended for safety.
- Studded felt or studded rubber boots are best as rocks can be very slippery and uneven.
- There is not a lot of shade in the Deschutes Canyon so sun-protective clothing and sunscreen are a must, along with a good hat.
- It can be windy on the Lower Deschutes so be prepared to tighten your hat down or use a cord to keep it in place.
- Everyone should have a pair of polarized sunglasses for eye protection and to see fish and your obstacles under water.
- It’s always recommended to bring a rain jacket.
- Fly Rods – 5wt – 6wt.
- Rod Length – Average 9’.
- Fly Lines – Typical Floating Fly Lines
- Leader – 9’ 2x – 5x
- Tippet Spools – 3x – 5x
Deschutes River Flies
- Stoneflies
- Golden Stones (Dry and Nymph)
- Yellow Sallies
- Salmon Flies in Various Sizes and Patterns
- Chubby Chernobyls in Various Sizes and Colors (Black and Purple, Tan and Brown)
- Mayflies
- Pale Morning Dun (PMD) Light Yellow Bodies, Size #16
- Pale Evening Dun (PED) Born on Top, Pale Yellow Bellies, Size 12
- Green Drakes
- Dark Brownish Green, Dark Grey Wings, Size 10
- Caddis
- Nymphs
- Green Rock Worms
- Olive and Tan Caddis Pupa
- Dries
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Nymphs
Leader Examples
Local Fisheries
The main river that most anglers will be fishing during the Oregon Fish and Hang will be the Deschutes River. There are several fisheries that you can try on your way into Maupin Oregon.
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
- Fall River – Deschutes National Forest
- Metolius River – Camp Sherman Oregon
- John Day River
Safety Policy
For the safety of all, if you show any signs of illness or have a positive covid test result, kindly remain at home. Stay informed about the weather, dress for the occasion, and stay alert to any shifts in water conditions.
Weekend Disclaimer
We aim for a memorable weekend, emphasizing community for everyone present. Educational resources will be available, and connections among anglers encouraged. We expect a drama-free setting and clarify that while co-hosts will be around, the weekend is self-guided. Attendees can coordinate fishing plans with other participants via the Facebook Group. This is not an exclusive women’s weekend. Partners, friends, and family are encouraged to join.
Questions
Please utilize this webpage and the OR Fish and Hang Facebook Group as most of your questions will answered. Otherwise email [email protected].