Umpqua and North Umpqua River, Oregon
Steelhead and bass photos
All images are by Dave McCoy unless otherwise noted and are all under copyright protection.


The chosen one.


In the days of single handing! Photo Mike McCoy


Mike McCoy bids the day a farewell after swinging through his homewater on the North Ump.



Ryan Smith taking a swing at a fish up in the Fly Only zone.


One of many thousands of steelhead to make the arduous journery to the upper reaches of the N. Umpqua.


The Big Bend Pool on Steamboat Creek where the bulk of the wild steelhead in the Umpqua spawn. No angling has been allowed in Steamboat Creek since the 1940's.


A closer look at the head of the same pool. At the time of this shot, there were around 450 steelhead in the pool which is looked over and counted daily by a steward who camps at this spot the whole season.


While not a traditional pattern, this fly will catch steelhead in every river of the US.


Mark Freda lays one out across the run at Whistlers Bend Park.


Mike McCoy, watches as his line swings towards the bucket.


Mike McCoy brings another to hand.


Mark Freda briefly sticks a hook in one. Photo Mike McCoy


First steelhead of 2007 for Mike McCoy. Hopefully he only catches a couple more! Photo Mike McCoy



View of the legendary water just before sunset.




Mike McCoy surveying the run before wetting his line. Water is in perfect condition!


Mike McCoy misting the air with a double spey.


For every sunset like this you witness, you live a day longer, in addition to every day spent fishing. Photo Mike McCoy


Mark Freda and Brian Paige holding Marks' first ever steelhead.


Marty Sheppard cackhanding a Snap T. Photo Mike McCoy


Ryan Smith waking a fly across the last run of the day.


A close look at a spring fish. Photo Mike McCoy


This is typically a sign that it is time to get off the water for a moment and rest the run.


Lichen and moss on a wall in the Fly Only zone.


Fish on!


Spotting fish from Mott Bridge, just above the Camp Water and Steamboat.


The lower portion of the North Umpqua looks much different than the fabled Fly Only zone. Many braids, smaller runs and more difficult access leave this water rarely fished. But the fish must come through here first to get to the Fly Only water.


Mike McCoy with a very large and colorful buck from the lower portion of the N. Umpqua.


Mike McCoy with a bass on. This was a bad day of fishing, only landing about 50 or so fish!


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