Oregon’s North Umpqua River is the quintessential Cascadian River – steep, swift, crystal clear, and incredibly beautiful. It is also an iconic American classic that has captured the souls of countless anglers and drawn them back year after year to test their skills against one of the most challenging and rewarding races of steelhead in the world.
To share this marvelous venue we've teamed with Dillon Renton of Renton River Adventures. Dillon is not your average steelhead guide. At 27 years of age, he is younger than many but when you factor in that he caught his first steelhead on a fly at age eight and began professionally guiding at 16, it doesn't take long to figure out that he has had more practical experience than many guides twice his age. Dillon grew up in an outfitting family and following in the footsteps of father David, along with mother Debbie and younger brother Knut, the Renton family have created Renton River Adventures through hard work and true attention to detail. The Renton family will host up to four guests at their comfortable lodge style home just minutes from the best fly fishing water on the North Umpqua river. From there guests will depart each morning to either float a beat on the lower river or walk and wade the "fly only" section of the river upstream of the lodge.
Location: The Umpqua Basecamp is located approximately 30 miles east of Roseburg, OR
Fishing Program:
Guided days at the Umpqua Winter Basecamp are a mix of walk and wade and drift boat fishing. Depending on the plan for the day, you may start your day swinging the home water, up river in the fly only section or down river where you will launch the drift boat. Walk and wade days are fairly athletic, requiring sometimes difficult wading and multiple trips up and down the riverbank. Drift boat days can mix of indicator tactics from the boat and swinging flies with two handed rods, the choice is yours and the guides will discuss options upon your arrival. Swinging flies in the winter will generally involve some combination of heavy sink-tips and/or large heavy flies. The rigging and presentation might be slightly different than what you’ve encountered on other rivers. Your guide will walk you through the whole process and make sure that you’re fishing the correct presentation in prime water. Indicator tactics are simple rigs designed to dead drift egg imitations through the many slots and ledges of the North Umpqua.
Winter steelhead on the North Umpqua range from 5 – 15 pounds, with the average steelhead coming in at 6 – 9 pounds. Like most steelhead fishing an angler should consider 2 good “pulls” or encounters a good day on the water. These are extremely hard-fighting steelhead that swim in a swift, steep river so the fish you do hook are always memorable and rewarding.
Accommodations and Meals:
Your lodging will be at a riverside home close to the prime waters of the North Umpqua. Strategically located, the Umpqua Winter Basecamp is designed to provide hot and hearty meals, shelter from the elements, and a comfortable nights rest in between fishing days. Guests will sleep in their own beds and have shared bathrooms and shower facilities. Anglers will be treated to high quality food-- meals are an important part of the Umpqua Basecamp program and the hosts can accommodate any dietary needs whether it be allergies or preferences. There is a large deck off of the house with a hot tub, creating a great place to enjoy the evenings off the river. If the rain holds, an evening fire or soak in the tub is the perfect place for a night cap.
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Link to remaining March 2019 availability:
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at lodge in the evening (about 5PM), dinner and overnight.
Day 2 - 3: Full days of guided fishing. All meals and accommodations included.
Day 4: Full day of guided fishing. Breakfast and lunch included. Depart after fishing and prior to dinner.
Rate: $2250 per person for a 3 night / 3 day package
Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, guided fishing, rods/reels, flies and/or terminal tackle.
Not Included: Transportation to/from the accommodations, waders and studded boots, alcohol, staff and guide gratuities.
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