You Will Not Be Disappointed
Fishing at the Big K is simply amazing. Nearly 20 years ago, "Big Al" Kesterson committed the business, the guide service and the family to a "Catch and Release" policy, which has helped build one of the best smallmouth bass locations not only in Oregon but the entire West. This fishery, known by many as "The Loop", also boasts runs of Chinook, Silvers and American Shad. Fly-fishing for Smallmouth Bass is distinctly effective and active on this ten mile section of Oregon's Umpqua at the Big K Ranch.
Fishing Report
July 7
The Smallmouth Bass are starting to livin' up with the warmer days. They are finally starting to follow the boats and come out of their post spawn mode. We are looking forward to a good July & August. Call now to book a trip! Scott Wolfe 800.390.2445
Fishing Newsletter - May 2008
Hi there, it's the Big K newsletter again! For all of you adventurous clients, you already know what that means. Fishing fun, hunting fun, horseback riding fun and lets not forget a whole lot more fun!
The Kesterson family will be celebrating its 100th year on the ranch and what a year it will be! Once again we are expecting a busy season. The cancer recovery groups Casting for Recovery and Reel for Recovery will be back which is always an incredible experience at the Big K. Glen Hall, the host of the TV show Hawg Quest, will be hosting a fishing derby at the ranch on August 22nd through the 24th. It will be a lot of fun. We will have a maximum of 24 teams so don't wait around to get signed up. And don't forget about our 4th Annual Big K Timber Days Show! If any of these events excite you please call us for more info and availability.
Well, lets talk a little bit about our fishing fun this year. We are hoping for a better Spring Chinook run. There have been fish caught the last couple of weeks but the catching has been an off and on affair. I also wanted to make sure that all our clients understand that the Salmon closure along the west coast DOES NOT mean that the rivers are closed. The ocean has been closed to Salmon, but we are still able to fish for them in the river so our Spring and Fall Salmon fishery will continue as normal. Fishing was slow for salmon this past year but we managed to catch at least one fish on all but a few of occasions. The Steelhead fishing this year was very good as we had good success on all of the systems we fished this season.
We've been doing our combo trips when the river is in shape. For those who don't know, on our combo trips we start out for the Spring Chinook in the morning then we play with the Shad and pre-spawning Smallmouth Bass in the afternoon. The Shad and Bass usually provide a lot of fun while the Chinook make us work a lot harder at times, but are a worthy foe. They are very exciting to catch and are a delicious meal. The Shad this time of year are very fun as they average about 2-3 lbs. and are a blast on a fly or spinning rod. On a good day we can catch 30-50 fish per rod.
The Smallmouth fishing is exciting this time of year. We use a lot more lures right now like crank baits, spinner baits, jerk baits, and even some surface stuff if possible. We don't catch the numbers of fish this time of year that we do in our summer months, but we do catch a lot more of the big fish as they are getting ready for the spawn. It won't be long though, and June will be here and our Smallmouth season will be in full swing so call us ASAP if you want to ensure a trip this season.
We are looking forward to seeing all of our returning friends in the coming months and can't wait to welcome and get to know all of our new guests. Come and experience the Big K along the beautiful Umpqua River where a great experience for the whole family and a lot of memories are made.
Tight lines,
Scott Wolfe
Fish Species
Smallmouth Bass
With the arrowy rush and vigor of a trout, the untiring strength and bold leap of a salmon, and the fighting tactics all his own, the smallmouth bass is inch for inch and pound for pound one of the hardest fighting fish that swims. The Big K offers secluded drifts on the beautiful Umpqua River where you are sure to hook into one of these smallies. The ranch offers a variety of ways to catch smallmouth bass including spinning and fly fishing gear on a full day or half day fishing trip. Come and see why the famous "Umpqua River Loop" at the Big K is recognized as one of the premier smallmouth spots in the country.
Season: April-End of September
Peak Time: End of June-End of August
Technique: We practice catch and release and use only artificial baits on these bass. We use Ultralight rods, 6lb. test, plastic worms, top-water lures, spinner and buzz baits, etc. Our fly-fishing gear includes 4-6 wt. rods, floating line, and various flies like ugly bugs, wooly bugs, girdle bugs, and minnow patterns.
American Shad
Shad are the most under-fished game fish in the Umpqua River. When you hook a 5 lb shad, the ensuing battle will rival that of a 12 lb steelhead. Not only is the American shad a fine fighting fish, but the roe is considered a rare delicacy and when smoked or canned the meat is superb.
The Umpqua River shad run starts early May and extends through the end of June. The average fish weighs 2 to 5 lbs. The Big K offers excellent fishing trips for these fiercely fighting fish. It is not uncommon to hook 50 fish per trip.
On the ranch we offer secluded holes from a drift boat. When your arm tires from battling these productive fish, you can always try the smallmouth bass. We use Ultra light rods, shad darts, etc., 6lb. test.
Season: April-June
Peak Time: Early May-Mid June
Average Size: 2-3lbs.
Winter Steelhead
These fish are one of the most sought after in the Northwest. They are extremely hard fighting and very acrobatic. Winter Steelhead are plentiful during the peak time. Their migration up the river can make the number of fish caught, vary from day to day.We use spinning and casting rods, 7½'-8½', 8-12lb test. Techniques used are side drifting, back trolling, bouncing bait, bobbers, etc. We are also doing indicator fishing with fly rods as well.
Season: December-April
Peak Time: January-March
Average Size: 8-10lbs. Some over 20lbs!
Summer Steelhead
Steelhead are an extremely hard fighting fish. They will do anything to get away.
They take long runs, jump frequently, and try to break your line on rocks or brush that may be in the river. These fish migrate up the river to spawn, so numbers of fish are much more unpredictable. We usually boat a couple of them a day. We use 8' rods, 8-12lb test, side drifting, plugs, etc. Techniques used are side drifting, plugs etc. We also fly fish for these great fish with 7-8 wt. rods.
Peak Time: End of August-October
Season: June-October
Average Size: 8-10lbs. Some over 20lbs!
Fly Fishing
Smallmouth Bass - 5-7 wt. fly rods.
We use mostly nymphs and some top water poppers throughout the season. A floating line with a 9' 4x to 3x or longer works well. Most of the nymph fishing is sight fishing. You will literally spot and target fish then watch them inhale your fly. These fish are extremely hard fighting fresh water fish. Flies and technique change during the season so if you want more specific information for a specific time of year you can call or email and we will get you information directly from one of our guides.
Shad - 6-8 wt. fly rods.
A 20' to 25' shooting head with 300 to 400 grain striking line with a shooting line backing is the most effective. A full sinking line works but is not as effective. We use a 7' to 9' 4x to 3x leader. When the shad are in, fly fishing is very effective. These fish average 2 ½ lbs and many in the 3 to 5 lbs range. These fish are some of the hardest fighting fish you will see with many aerial displays. We use a variety of shad flys. Call for more specifics and we can get you directly in contact with a guide.
Steelhead - 7-8 wt. fly rods.
Fly fishing can be very effective for steelhead from July through September. We fish both above and below the fly water zone on the North Umpqua. We strictly fish the North Umpqua above Roseburg for summer steelhead. Since techniques change drastically below fly water and above fly water zone it is best to call for information.