Trout on the McKenzie River  Salmon & Steelhead

Oregon’s McKenzie River

This beautiful Northwest river offers many trout fishing drifts that are each unique in their variety of scenery, water, and fishing experiences. Our specialty is fly fishing for rainbows. We offer fully guided trips with experienced, licensed Oregon guides.

Fishing The Middle McKenzie River

The middle section of the McKenzie River holds a mixture of wild redside rainbows and hatchery rainbows, as well as an occasional summer steelhead. They are all beautiful fish and an absolute joy to catch.

This is our most popular section of the river. From Blue River to Leaburg Dam there are several drifts, which are all characterized by a variety of trout fishing water. Each of these drifts have a multitude of riffles, long runs, boulder-dotted sections of great pocket water, and some deep pools. This variety is what makes this stretch of the McKenzie so appealing. Whether you are a beginning angler or a seasoned veteran, you will have an excellent fishing experience on this part of the river.

Fishing The Upper McKenzie River

From Ollalie Campground to Blue River is the most scenic and challenging stretch of the McKenzie River. The drifts on this part of the river offer fishing for wild redside rainbows, with typically only one fisherman per boat. The upper river requires experienced fly fishermen and skilled boatmen working as a team to fish the pockets of trout holding water that come up quick. In addition to the fishing you will enjoy the beautiful crystal clear water, a variety of rapids, and old growth trees with an occasional osprey nest at the top. If you enjoy challenge and excitement with your fishing experience, this is a section of the McKenzie River you will love.

Fishing The Lower McKenzie River

From Leaburg Dam to its confluence with the Willamette River the McKenzie widens and slows to a quiet relaxing pace. There are long flats and runs separated by riffles that hold both wild redside rainbow and native cutthroat trout, as well at hatchery rainbow trout from Leaburg to Hayden Bridge. Summer steelhead and Spring Chinook salmon are also present seasonally. This is a part of the McKenzie that anglers of all ability levels enjoy.

Boating the McKenzie River

You will enjoy the comfort and safety of fishing from a McKenzie River Drift Boat on its namesake river. These boats are specially designed for fishing and running the type of water that the McKenzie and other Northwest rivers have to offer. Our guides are skilled boatmen, as well as knowledgeable fishermen. They are equally adept at negotiating the various rapids on the middle and upper stretches of the river, as well as finding great trout holding water.

Due to the variety of the fishing drifts to choose from, the upper and middle sections of the McKenzie River can give you the unique combined experience of fantastic trout fishing and running exciting whitewater.

Meal Options:

Our fishing day trips include a stop for a riverside lunch, which includes delicious deli-style sandwiches with all the trimmings (soft drinks included). Cookouts and fish frys are available upon request. For large groups we can arrange for cookouts and custom-designed meals, complete with Dutch oven camp cooking tailored to meet your needs.

fish@castersguideservice.com

Large Group Multi-day Camp and Lodge Trips

Lodging is available at the many inns, B&Bs, and cabins situated along the river. See our links page in order to check out the various lodging opportunities. We can also arrange for cookouts at some of these lodges.

Caster's Guide Service has access to a private camp just off the river that can host up to 32 people. Beautifully situated, this camp gives you the real backcountry camp feel without all the hassle of packing the gear. All you need to bring are your clothes, personal items, and a sleeping bag, and we do the rest. There are several open cabins with built-in bunks, a covered campfire area, and a camp kitchen. There is no electricity, but we do have running water and even hot showers. We take care of all the meals, which are prepared over wood fires while you relax and enjoy some of our delicious dutch oven camp cooking. Due to the many recreational opportunities in the area we can also design a multi-activity trip that can combine whitewater rafting, hiking, hot springs, or golf, along with your fishing.

Booking early is recommended for both the riverside lodges and the camp, as they tend to fill quickly. For these multi-day camp and lodge trips please contact us for a quote.

Women Only Fly Fishing Trips

Women only camp and lodge fly fishing trips have been extremely popular. We work with you to custom design a river experience that best meets the needs of your group. Those just starting or wishing to improve their fly fishing skills, often wish to include an instructional workshop as a part of these trips. These workshops can include casting instruction, fly tying, fishing skills and techniques, and more. We teach these skills in a friendly non-threatening environment where we encourage you to learn at your own pace and have fun. You can improve your fly fishing skills, relax and escape to the outdoors and simply have fun with friends. On our women's trips your job is to relax and enjoy yourself and let us take care of the work. These women’s trips easily become annual traditions.

Book a McKenzie River Experience

The McKenzie River’s scenic beauty, great fishing, and fun whitewater combine to give you an excellent Northwestern river experience. Call today and book a fantastic day to remember.

Reservations & Pricing

fish@castersguideservice.com