Explore remote Oregon river with Fly Fishers’ presenter

Local residents are invited to join the Fly Fishers of Davis on Tuesday, Oct. 30, for a program by Steve Cooper on fly fishing in eastern Oregon.

“High Plains Adventure: Owyhee River Journal” will take attendees on a journey to the Owyhee River, a blue-ribbon fishery that offers anglers opportunities to stalk wild brown trout against a backdrop of stunning high desert scenery. The program includes a gallery of photos compiled from Cooper’s numerous trips to this remote river.

Cooper was born and raised in Stockton, where he lives today with his wife and youngest son. Growing up in a fishing family, his passion for angling began at a very early age. His father, Carl, helped pioneer the Monterey Bay blue shark fishery in the early 1960s.

Steve, a fly fisher at heart, began to develop salt water fly fishing strategies and, by the mid-1980s, he owned his own boat and was guiding for a number of offshore species. His reputation as a guide and knowledge of the central coast salt water fishing scene earned him a spot on the Budweiser national fishing team, and attracted national sponsors such as Sea Ray boats and Mercury outboard motors.

Currently, Cooper is owner/operator and head guide for The High Plains Drifters Guide Service, devoting most of his summers to exploring the remote regions of eastern Oregon and Washington, taking the roads less traveled to explore rivers and streams often overlooked by the general angling population.

The Fly Fishers of Davis normally meet to swap lies at 7:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month. This month’s meeting is in the indoor commons at Emerson Junior High School, 2121 Calaveras Ave. The meetings are free and open to newcomers and guests.

“If you’re interested in learning to fly fish, come to the meeting and ask anyone about our Fly Fishing 101 course. The club is also working on a program for young fly fishers (under 16),” a news release said.

For more information, call Lowell Ashbaugh at 530-797-6722 or visit www.dcn.davis.ca.us/go/ffd.