Gazette-Times contributor

Surprisingly, the interest continues for more fly fishing streams and lakes on the east side of the Cascades. You may notice that I'm attempting to provide several locations within the same area. It's how we've been planning our trips for several years now - less trips and longer stays. This is because of ever-increasing gas prices and, though we still desire the escape from civilization, the ever-strengthening feeling of misgivings as our vehicle slurps non-renewable resources and spits out pollutants.

I'm really hoping the research on alternative fuels will begin to be emphasized as more folks feel the economic crunch, and realize those sunny days really aren't as bright as they used to be (particulates/pollutants in the atmosphere may be reducing sunlight reaching ground level by up to 15 percent, according to one study) 20 years ago. I'm also hoping the new generation of vehicles will be affordable. I'm a dreamer? Probably. I hope I'm not alone.

Head East toward Silver Lake. A good place to camp is Thompson Reservoir. Large Ponderosas, surrounding the campground, yield plenty of shade to ease the summer heat. You can fish the lake for trout or hybrid striped bass. Silver Creek right below the dam, provides small rapids, pools, and beaver impoundments filled with wary trout

The stream fish are exceedingly fond of size 10-12 Muddlers, as well as Bucktail Caddis (Light body) and bucktail Coachmen in similar sizes. They prefer to feed in late afternoon and evening but, in shady spots, could develop an appetite even in mid-day. Fish up to 18 inches are not uncommon, and a real thrill in a small stream.

If catching lots of energetic trout in the same spot actually bores you, not over 15 miles from Thompson Reservoir, the Sycan River gurgles across the flats above Sycan Marsh. The lower section has numerous holes and lots of undercut banks which provide hiding spots for rainbows up to 20 inches and, at times, some large browns that apparently wend their way upstream to spawn.

This lower section seems to contain either very large or very small trout. I've rarely caught fish in the 6-12 inch range. Find the road that takes you toward the headwaters, on the backside of Winter Ridge; you'll find lots of rainbows and browns from 6-10 inches. This section is a series of cascading rapids and pools. You need to hike quite a bit to find fishable waters but the altitude, silence, and view will make the effort worth your time.

The best fly I've found for the lower Sycan is a size 8 Muddler. The upper waters yield trout to Caddis, Muddlers, Coachmen, Wulff, Professors, and March Browns in sizes 10-16. Take lots of other patterns too because there are many, besides my favorites, which can be productive in eastern Oregon streams and lakes.

Duncan Reservoir, just out of Silver Lake, yields some nice trout on flies - if it hasn't gone dry recently. While there, try Anna Reservoir, and Anna River, just toward Summer Lake, from Silver Lake. The Reservoir has trout and hybrid Stripers finning through its waters. It's small, and the critters in it can be pretty finicky about striking. Best time of day is evening. Large streamers occasionally tempt both trout and stripers.

Anna River exits the reservoir in a steep-sided ravine. There are grassy cut-banks, and pockets lurking in the bends of this short stream. The fish are extremely wary and there is no cover for fishermen/women to hide behind as they approach the stream. My best approach has been to work downstream, very slowly, at water's edge. Watch for snakes, and large trout, they are there.

If you want a shorter trip, turn right - off the Silver Lake cut-off road - at the east edge of Upper Klamath Marsh. Using your map, showing both public and private lands, wend your way, through jack pines, toward the Williamson River; it really is down there, somewhere. Take Black Drake nymph imitations, and other types. You may find there's no need to go farther eastward. There are no, nearby, campgrounds. The only amenities?

The rushing silence of the winds. Some of us prefer that.

Bill Barker can be reached at billbarker@comcast.net.