Fly Rods
Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod
A smooth, moderate-action rod that is forgiving for new casters and protects light tippet.
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The home of the McKenzie drift boat, with redside rainbows and clear Cascade water.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to McKenzie River for rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. The best months overall are Mar to Nov. In October, rainbow trout is in season, and Parachute Adams, Blue-Winged Olive and Pheasant Tail Nymph are a good place to start. There are 10 shops within 60 miles (6 fly, 4 bait and tackle); the closest is Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, 22 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. North Umpqua River is 58 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Mar to Nov
In October
Rainbow Trout
Methods
Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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F
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What You'll Catch
McKenzie River Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
9 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Parachute Adams #12-20
FlyDry Fly · Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyPat's Rubber Legs #4-10
FlyNymph · Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyWoolly Bugger #2-10
FlyStreamer · Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyBlue-Winged Olive #16-22
FlyDry Fly · Rainbow Trout · Overcast days.
Shop This FlyPheasant Tail Nymph #14-20
FlyNymph · Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyHare's Ear Nymph #12-18
FlyNymph · Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlySan Juan Worm #10-14
FlyNymph · Rainbow Trout · After rain.
Shop This FlyEgg Pattern #8-16
FlyNymph · Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyInline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz
LureSpinner · Rainbow Trout
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Rainbow Trout
Fly 9 ft 5 wt rod, weight-forward floating line, 9 ft 4X to 5X leader. Add a sink-tip and 3X for streamers.
Spin / Cast 6 to 7 ft ultralight or light spinning rod, 1000 to 2500 reel, 4 to 6 lb mono or fluorocarbon.
Cutthroat Trout
Fly 9 ft 5 wt rod, floating line, 9 ft 4X leader. Big foam dries and hoppers in summer.
Spin / Cast 6.5 ft light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 4 to 6 lb line.
Matched to These Species
Gear for McKenzie River
Fly Rods
Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit
A complete rod, reel, and line outfit that covers most trout water and small-stream bass.
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Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.
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RIO Gold Fly Line
A trout line that casts dries delicately and turns over nymph rigs.
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Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line
A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.
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RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet
Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.
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RIO Tapered Trout Leaders
Nine foot tapered leaders in 3X to 6X for dries and nymphs.
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Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.
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Within 60 Miles
Shops Near McKenzie River
Make It a Trip