We kept that one for a barbecue the next day. I endured the wind and released several more rainbows during the next half hour. I expect to find this year, when catch and release trout fishing is finally allowed again, after several years of closure. Few people realize that, besides great Steelhead fishing, the North Umpqua contains large Rainbows and a small population of German Browns in the fly-only area that runs from Rock Creek to Soda Springs dam. Rainbows are abundant but Browns are most numerous from Steamboat to Soda Springs.
Browns usually remain invisible until sun is off the water.
This explains why so few fishermen seem to realize they exist. Most people go back to camp just when fishing for them, and big Rainbows, is at its best. Though the Diamond Lake highway parallels the river east of Glide, providing easy fishing access, crystal clear waters and timbered canyons overcome the intrusion of cars. Most county and state campgrounds, set next to the rushing river, are shielded from traffic noise. The national forest office, at Glide, provides a great pamphlet showing hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular water falls.