A change in scenery, Maupin and the nuances of flyfishing

After three gorgeous days of warm sun, strong winds and friendly faces, Dan, Will and I left Hood River with a feeling of excitement. The original plan was to ride into Portland, but with several suggestions from local outfitters along the Columbia River, we decided to change the route.

Our excitement was for the day’s 65-mile ride. Our destination:  A tiny river town by the name of Maupin, which is built around the Deschutes River. Will and Dan would be meeting with some great fly fishing, rafting and kayaking guides in the area.

Greenery is replaced by desert shrubs as I look out across a canyon near the Columbia River.

On July 8, we rode along a smooth highway. Approximately 10 miles out of Hood River, the scenery abruptly changed from lush green trees and cool winds, to dry, wheat-colored grasses and measly shrubs.  We first encountered the Deschutes River nine miles from Maupin. We were able to find a flat place to sleep along the river bed as the grey-blue twilight sky was replaced by flickering stars in the blackness of night.

Maupin is a quaint town with a population of approximately 400 people. After a hearty breakfast at a local eatery, Dan and Will set out for their meetings. Will signed Deschutes Angler and Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop, while he met with Sylvie’s Fly Fishing Guide Service, who he is continuing to work with on getting on board. Dan spoke with Sage Canyon Outfitter, who signed up immediately, and All Star Rafting, Kayaking, Fishing and Lodging, who’s excited at the prospect of partnering with SWAE.

A fly fisher flicks his wrist and lets loose his line, searching for Anglers in the Deschutes River

While Dan and Will spoke with outfitters, I got the chance to spend the day riding around town, taking photos and talking to the locals. In the evening, I rode a few miles out of Maupin to take photos of fly fishers along the Deschutes. I have never been much of a fisherman. In fact, I haven’t touched a fishing rod since I was 12 years old. But as I sat on the banks of the river, I found myself captivated by the peaceful concentration which these people had as they waded in the cool-running waters.

Every movement these fishers made had purpose. Every tug of their lines, every flick of their rods, was an attempt to mimic the movement of an angler’s evening meal: a midge, a mosquito, or some other tiny river bug. As they searched the rolling currents and still waters for their intended prey, these men and women seemed most at home when they fished. It was inspiring to see others who were so at home in the outdoors.

Eduardo Macias, a local of The Dalles, has been fly fishing for over eight years along the waters of the Deschutes.

Something which I have found commendable and reassuring about small towns like Maupin, is the symbiotic relationship they have with their environments. Not only are local adventure guides able to make a living out of playing outside, they promote the preservation of their natural surroundings. Whether it’s flyfishers preserving angler populations, or campers continuing the practice of “Leave No Trace.” It’s important not only to enjoy your surroundings, but also to help keep them naturally beautiful for the next generations to come.