Sometimes I think I encounter a bit of anxiety when choosing where to fish – with so many options near Bend, Oregon – it can be very difficult to make up ones mind.  So this morning when I set out to fish, I had enough gear to accommodate a visit to a lake, or a stream ( or both ).

Today was different though, I had my little furry friend along for the ride, so I wanted to go somewhere we could be alone and he could run free.

Sampson

So I decided mid-drive to head towards a spot on the Middle Deschutes that doesn’t see too much traffic, and as we hiked into the canyon, I got to enjoy a great view.

The Middle Deschutes

If today was any indicator of what the balance of the summer is going to be like – I’m pretty stoked.  Solitude, eager trout, and a good friend by my side – days really can not get much better than that.

Pretty Trout

The other magical thing about the day was all methods produced.  Nymphs, dries, streamers – just about anything cast to the right spot on the river and game was on.  No hogs by any stretch but playing wild trout on a scenic river with nobody else around is a little slice of heaven.