Spring Tick Season is Here - What Fly Fishing Anglers Need to Know
As Oregon's premier fly fishing season approaches, and fishing heating up on rivers like the Deschutes, Yakima, Crooked, Metolius, and Fall as well as our western river opening May 22nd, we need to be prepared for more than just selecting the right flies.
We just got off the Deschutes River on our Intro to Fly Fishing Class (looking to learn to fly fish, look no further), and it is apparent that it's time to talk ticks. Tick season coincides with some of our best fishing months, making awareness crucial for every fly fisher hitting Oregon's waters.
When Are Ticks Most Active in Oregon and Washington Fly Fishing Areas?
For fly anglers exploring Oregon and Washington prime fishing spots, understanding tick timing is essential:
- Primary Activity Period: March through June (coinciding with major hatches and prime fishing conditions)
- Peak Season: May through July (during optimal trout fishing)
- Secondary Activity: Fall resurgence (during steelhead season)
- High-Risk Areas: Tall grass and brush near popular fishing access points
Protecting Yourself While Fly Fishing Oregon & Washington Waters
Whether you're wade fishing for trout or exploring runs steelhead, follow these essential protection steps:
- Proper Fishing Attire:
- Light-colored clothing and shirts (makes ticks easier to spot)
- Tuck your underlayer pants into your socks
- Consider permethrin-treated fishing clothing
- Wear appropriate headgear (especially when pushing through riverside brush)
- Use Repellents While Fishing:
- EPA-registered insect repellents containing:
- DEET free Bug Spray
- Picaridin
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)
- IR3535
Post-Fishing Tick Check Protocol
After your day of Fly Fishing Oregon & Washington:
- Immediate Gear Check:
- Inspect waders and fishing gear
- Check fishing vest and packs
- Examine any sitting equipment used
- Personal Inspection:
- Behind knees (especially after kneeling for stealth fishing)
- Between legs
- Under arms
- Around waist
- In and around hair
- Any areas compressed by wader straps
What to You Do If You Find a Tick During Your Fishing Trip?
According to the Mayo Clinic's official guidance (Mayo Clinic - Tick Bites First Aid):
- Use fine-tipped tweezers (keep these in your fishing first-aid kit)
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure
- Clean the bite area with first aid supplies from your fishing kit
Local Oregon Fishing and Tick Resources
- Deschutes County Tick Information: www.deschutes.org/health/page/ticks-and-tick-prevention
- Oregon Health Authority Tick Page: www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/diseasesconditions/communicabledisease/pages/ticks.aspx
Stay Safe While Pursuing Your Passion
Don't let tick concerns keep you from enjoying Oregon and Washington's world-class fly fishing. Whether you're casting for trout on the Deschutes, pursuing steelhead on the Clackamas, or exploring our region's abundant smallmouth bass waters, staying tick-aware and prepared will ensure your focus remains on the fishing experience.
For more information about local fishing conditions and safety tips, visit our fly shop at 10910 NE Halsey St, Portland, or join one of our popular "Intro to Fly Fishing" classes where we cover both fishing techniques and safety considerations.