A gorgeous, panoramic view of the Cascades with two herds of deer grazing off to each side. . . that's the way to the 'pond."
We had a spectacular day, 3 adults and 2 teenage boys. The boys had never flyfished and what a perfect place to get turned on. The size of the trout, the "sight-fishing," and catching them on "dries" was so exhilarating! Unlike some 'stocked-pond' rainbows, these fish are fighters and leapers.
There was no way we were able to quit after fishing the 1/2 day that we had booked.
Convinced that the "true" flyfishing experience is on a river or stream, I was amazed at the lure of fishing Alder Creek Ranch.
The average trout we four fisherman caught that summer morning was probably 24 inches with nothing under 16 inches and some over 30 inches! AND, these fish were runners, requiring skill and patience to land.
The takes were very interesting, slow and deliberate, likened to Yellowstone Cutthroats. A "too quick" response meant spooking these wary trout. These fish are as selective as Metolius rainbows, in regards to type, size and presentation of fly. They're also vividly-colored, plump and healthy as wild natives.
There are many hatches on the pond and we had good luck with both mayflies and caddis patterns, on the small side, size 14-18. We were using 4, 5 and 7# rods, with the smallest tippet reasonable for these fat, energetic trout (4-6 lb.)
Fishing was challenging and great fun - we keep going back.
