The trout bums have a contingency plan for this annual event: we take a road trip to the Deschutes River in Oregon. Our day started with a healthy dose of bacon and eggs. The bacon grease surging in our veins, we loaded the gear in Mark's Suburban, Goldie and drove like the wind. The trip to Maupin is only about two and a half hours. Dropping down the hill into Maupin from The Dalles you get your first glimpse of the nasty old Deschutes boiling down the canyon. It's big, it's fast, it's deep, the color is emerald green, you instantly recall the misery and frustration of fishing here, there is some hyperventilating. I used to have the same gut response cresting the road to the North Shore of Oahu and first seeing the surf at Haleiwa, surf bums, trout bums.

After buying a fishing license at the lumberyard we cross the river and make a stop at Canyon River Fly Shop. The owners John and Karen Smeraglio are both there to chat. I like these people and I have an idea John is a fine angler. The shop's inventory is no nonsense, just the good stuff. John gives us his usual vague, dreamy fishing advice. I understand, after all he is a fly fishing guide.

Here is what I know about fly-fishing productively on the Deschutes, you will be nymphing all day. Yes there are hatches and they can be fabulous, but mostly its deep water dredging, which I personally love. Real men Nymph. Fishing from a boat is illegal so you will be wading and walking all day. The wading is tough. Huge slimy boulders, deep pockets, fast currents and really steep ledge drop off's take there toll. As for the walking it's no picnic either. The Deschutes River canyon is perfect rattlesnake habitat. Unless you're from Australia most people I know find it a tad disconcerting to stroll among the vipers, bit dicey mate. Then there is the relentless wind howling through the bottom of the canyon, which is blessing considering the blast furnace air temperatures.

Why do we bother to fish here at all? I suppose its simple; this is great trout fishery that demands your full attention, skills, and respect. When you think you know something about trout fishing take it to the Deschutes and see how you do.

With all of that said this is the time (15th of May to the 15th of June) to be down on the Deschutes to fish the salmon fly hatch. Huge dry flies fished in the late afternoons, if you catch this hatch right it can make you look for real estate in Maupin.