After last Friday's trip on the Lower McKenzie, we're considering adding "osprey-fishing tours" to the offerings here at Two Dudes Flyfishing. Central California coast surfers, Andrew and Bryson Lino, joined me for a fun day of trout fishing on the McKenzie. The trout were keyed-in to the big dries throughout the cloudy morning. As we neared the section of the river where Charlie Greenwood had his memorable encounter with an osprey (see previous:"Summer Steelhead and Trout" 7-12-08), I noticed what appeared to be the same bird watching the action intently from a nearby tree. He shadowed us down the river until we neared Greenwood's Riffle, at which point, the bird appeared to fly away over the trees. Andrew quickly hooked a nice 10-inch hatchery trout and was bringing it to the boat when, "boom!" The osprey dove on the fish not 15 feet from the boat. Off it flew with the squirming trout, peeling line from Andrew's reel. "Grab the reel!" I said. Andrew did, and the fly popped off as the Osprey flew off out of sight. We all shared a collective "wow! I can't believe that just happened" moment.
Imagine our surprise when the opsrey returned about a half-hour later to watch us fish another productive riffle. Again as Andrew reeled in a trout, the osprey came in boldly, snatching the fish within 6 feet of the boat. Again it flew off, the reel screaming until the pop-off. Amazing! Clearly this bird has figured it out. I don't imagine that we're the only boat that has had this experience with this bird. But I haven't heard this story from any other guides as yet. Who knows if this will keep happening?
Now booking: "Osprey-Fishing Adventures" Call the Dudes for details.
Here are some photos from the Lino's adventure:
