There is a way however, if you are so inclined, to make some good money for doing nothing more than catching fish, by taking part in the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) funded Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Program, part of the Northern Pikeminnow Management Program.

Here's the deal. You register at one of 20 stations, located throughout the Columbia River system, get on the water and catch squawfish. Turn 'em in and get paid anywhere from four to six bucks a piece.

Started ten years ago to help reduce predation of salmon and steelhead smolts, the program has paid out millions of dollars to anglers for helping to lower the Northern Pikeminnow populations in the Columbia and Snake River drainage's. Upwards of 2,000 fisher-folk register each day and are paid for any squawfish measuring 9" or better.

Can you make a living? A handful of anglers do - but don't quit your day job. The program runs to the end of September. More info can be found at www.pikeminnow.org.

Here is what's happening in Central Oregon:

Deschutes River
Not yet in full swing, the summer run of steelhead are defiantly here. Fly angling is picking up, but the lure tossers are getting the bulk of the action. Close to 2,000 steelies a day are making their way over the Bonneville Dam and with an anticipated run of 200,000+, we should see the fishing get better as we progress through the month of August. Fishing pressure is still heavy, so be prepared to move to find some solitude.

Steelhead patterns for the Deschutes should include: Green-Butt Skunk, Purple Peril, Freight Train, and Skykomish Sunrise, in hook sizes 2-6. Number 4 Mepps and Blue Fox spinners in chartreuse are the standard for lure casters.

At Maupin, dry fly purists are having some good days floating Caddis patterns, but your best bet is nymphs under an indicator in the back eddies or right along the shoreline. Fly selection for a trip up here should include Humpy, Elk Hair and Tent wing Caddis in sizes 8 -12 which will provide some good dry fly action.

Crane Prairie
The trout bite has slowed again, but the bass angling is dominating. I would like to publicly thank the frickin' IDIOT who decided on their own to turn this world-class trout destination into a warm water fishery. Yes, I do love to catch Bass, while Bluegill and Crappie are wonderful entertainment for the kids...HOWEVER; you're still an idiot.

Bass can be found throughout the reservoir in the trees and brush piles near the bank. Soft plastics are the rule, while jerkbaits and spinnerbaits will produce during lowlight conditions.

With the warming water, look for trout near the inflow and deeper water near the Rock Creek and Quinn River Campgrounds.

Davis
ANOTHER trophy trout lake invaded by Largemouth Bass. But they are there, and we've got to live with it. The water temps are in the high 60's and the fish (both trout and bass) are starting to congregate near the Odell channel where the water is cooler. Callibaetis and leach patterns are the ticket for some great action - try the Westside of the lake for some peace and quiet.

Well that's it for this week. If you would like a personal report for an up coming trip, feel free to email me at - Oregonsportsman@cs.com.

Have a safe weekend and See you on the water!
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