Fly Fishing Central & Southeastern Oregon. Harry Teel

      Contributor Jeff Perin on the Lower Deschutes with a beautiful Deschutes redside. Photo by Matt Klee.

       Foreword

      You are holding the updated, newly designed, and most current edition of the first book in the No Nonsense Fly Fishing Guidebooks series. More important, the information and ideas here are the sum of a devoted angler’s 65-plus years of experience fly fishing his home state. Harry Teel’s direction is very valuable if you want to fly fish or explore our stomping grounds here in central and southeastern Oregon.

      The way this book came about is worthy of note. At the onset of his second retirement from a “real” job, Oregonian Harry Teel decided to leave information for his children regarding fly fishing in Oregon. His second job, by the way, was starting and operating The Fly Fisher’s Place, a fly shop in Sisters, Oregon. This is where many of us enjoyed learning fly fishing, were pointed in the right direction, and dropped a bundle: the essence of a great fly shop.

      But back to the book. Mr. Teel then wrote down all his firsthand knowledge of Oregon fly fishing, acquired as an angler and outfitter. He even drew and annotated maps showing where to fly fish these waters. Dee, Harry’s wife, fly shop partner, and angling companion, carefully organized Harry’s thoughts and entered everything into their new home computer.

      In 1992 my then neighbor (and friend) Harry was asked by close friends if they could get a copy when the book was completed. Harry then contacted me and asked if I would like to make a book out of his manuscript and drawings. I found that Harry’s Marine Corps training and his education and career as an engineer came through in his manuscript. It had precision, parsimony, and a nuts-and-bolts approach to a hobby that is often portrayed and perceived as complicated. I remarked that the approach was a lot like him: no nonsense. Then, as they say, a brand was born.

      At that time, there wasn’t a fly fishing guidebook to our area. Over time, and thanks (very much) to our devoted readers, this book became popular. It has been reprinted five times. The fourth printing was a new edition, updated and with new waters highlighted by Jeff Perin, the present owner of The Fly Fisher’s Place.

      Now, as central Oregon has grown, the region has become something of a Northwest fly fishing focal point. Oregon has tons of great fishing waters, but the central and southeastern part of the state, Harry’s old turf, seems the most amenable to our hobby. Please use and enjoy this guidebook and tread lightly on our territory. I know you’ll enjoy finding out what Harry wrote down those many years ago. Give him some thanks next time you see him.

      David Banks

       Preface

      I am very fortunate in many ways. In relation to fly fishing, I’m fortunate that I was born in Oregon, and that my father and his friends introduced me to fly fishing at a very early age. These circumstances allowed me to pursue trout, steelhead, and salmon fishing nearly continuously for the better part of 65 years.

      Fly fishing has been an important part of these 65-plus years, as both a form of recreation and a business. There have been only two interruptions in my quest for full-time fishing. The first was my tour of duty in the South Pacific and China with the Marine Corp during World War II. The second was working for 30 years with CH2M Hill, Engineers. The latter was much more enjoyable than my first diversion from fly fishing. It also enabled me to support my wife and five robin-mouthed offspring. These years also provided me the opportunity to work in close association with the finest professional and technical people in engineering.

      After retiring from CH2M Hill, and finding retirement somewhat boring, I opened The Fly Fisher’s Place, a fly shop in the central Oregon town of Sisters. Running the shop was a most interesting, enjoyable, and rewarding experience. It allowed me to meet hundreds of wonderful people, fish with new friends, travel, explore fishing opportunities in other locations, and fulfill my lifelong dream of being involved in fly fishing on a full-time basis. I’ve also been able to record my fly fishing adventures in Oregon and now, through this guidebook, can offer you the benefit of these years of fly fishing and note taking.

      The central and southeast regions of Oregon, (the high desert region) are the origins of some of the most beautiful and pristine lakes and streams to be found anywhere in the world. Each region has its own distinct character and splendor. Old-growth forests of pine and fir bound some waters, while ancient junipers and desert vegetation surround others.

      It is at times difficult to keep your concentration on casting your fly to a rising trout when the vistas beyond your quarry are the snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Mountains, the desert’s wonderful rim rock canyons, or the sheer magnitude of Steens Mountain. The scenery is a photographer’s dream and a fly angler’s haven.

      The central and southeast regions also offer many opportunities for solitude. In most areas a short walk will take you into territory that is nearly undisturbed by human endeavors. Taking a break in the high desert country is a wonderful way to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body.

      I believe you’ll enjoy the fly fishing in this magnificent part of Oregon. More important, I think your fly fishing experiences in this area will always occupy a special place in your memory.

      Harry Teel