reviews

Fishing in Oregon, Ninth Edition

Reviewed by Scott Richmond

Fishing in Oregon, Ninth Edition by Madelynne Diness Sheehan. Published by Flying Pencil Publications, Scappoose, Oregon. 358 pages in an 8.5 by 11 inch format. 100 maps, over 100 black-and-white photos. $24.95; available in tackle shops and bookstores throughout Oregon and on-line (google the title and author).

he ninth edition of Fishing in Oregon the guidebook to all of the state's fishing waters, is now out.

If you fish in Oregon, you undoubtedly know about Fishing in Oregon. Some people still call it the "Henning's Guide," after the late Henning Helstrom who first wrote and published it. Actually, Henning ceased his involvement with the book almost two decades ago. The last four editions have been put out by Flying Pencil Publications of Scappoose, Oregon.

Flying Pencil is Madelynne (Maddy) Sheehan, and she has written and published the last two editions of Fishing in Oregon entirely on her own. Every five years, Maddy spends months on the road, scouring the state for fishing information. She talks to biologists, anglers, and fisheries managers . . . . and she fishes. The result is a complete update on all the fishing waters in the state.

Anglers have come to expect high quality from Maddy Sheehan's editions of Fishing in Oregon, and the ninth edition tops them all. From Richard Gorst's beautiful and evocative cover photo to the highly useful appendices, this is a quality book. The layout, typography, artwork, text, and maps are all excellent. But above all, it is a practical book, one that tells you how to get to each fishery, what to expect when you arrive, and how to catch the fish that swim there. Sheehan explores Oregon's fisheries with a sensitive touch and a strong conservation ethic. She slights neither fly anglers nor bait fisherman.

The ninth edition has 358 pages, an increase of 78 pages over the eighth edition. It also has 36 new maps, bringing the total number of fishing maps to 100. A new feature of this edition is the identification of the state's best fishing opportunities, a kind of starting point of places to explore. "I did this primarily for newcomers," says Sheehan. "It can be daunting to face 358 pages and a choice of more than 1,200 fisheries."

Are there any secret fishing spots among those 1,200 fisheries? Not many. I've worked sportsmen's shows with Maddy Sheehan (we have published several books together). Time after time, anglers would come to our booth and pick up Fishing in Oregon. "I'll bet you don't have lake so-and-so," the angler would say. "It's my secret spot. Nobody knows about it." Then they'd find the lake listed in Fishing in Oregon, complete with detailed directions of how to drive there, what lures or flies to use, and comments like "Excellent fishing for 12-14 inch rainbows."

That brings up something that amazes me. Oregon anglers are always asking someone to tell them about good, new places to go fishing. Yet Fishing in Oregon has details on all of them. With less than an hour's effort, and angler could scan through the listings for a major chunk of Oregon and find all kinds of "new" waters. But it seems like few people actually do this. That's why I say--with my tongue only partially in my cheek--that anglers need to buy three copies of this book: one to keep in the fishing truck, one to put on the nightstand for bed-time reading, and one in the bathroom. Just scan through it during an idle moment; you'll come up with lots of great places to go fishing or helpful tips about an old favorite.

Another thing that surprises me is how many anglers are still using old editions of Fishing in Oregon. There are folks out there that are relying on 20-year-old books. So much changes in just five years--regulations get more complicated, roads close, fish management policies are altered, new fisheries become hot, old fisheries cool off. How could any serious angler be without the new information?

I've seen a lot of fishing guidebooks for other states, and none of them compares with Fishing in Oregon. Oregon anglers are blessed to have a book of this caliber. Pick up the latest edition and use it to plan your fishing trips, explore new waters, and learn how to be a better angler.

Bottom Line: Must-have book if you're fishing in Oregon. Reviewer Rating: 5

Scott Richmond is Westfly's creator and Executive Director. He is the author of eight books on Oregon fly fishing, including Fishing Oregon's Deschutes River (second edition).

Uploaded 07/05/2000.

User Reviews

5=tops  3=average  1=low

Rated as 5 by The Moons on 02/20/2008

Comments: I love this book. I have a map case that is starting to resemble "The Blob" and I always keep the latest copy of "Fishing in Oregon" in it. I have past editions going back to the "Henning" era, but they just keep getting better and better. With my map case and "Fishing in Oregon" book accompanying me on my trips afield. I can move from one location to another much easier and with more confidence. Though I have found a few obscure details to be wrong. I have not bothered to bring these to anyone's attention and believe it benefits me not to mention there is a road into that lake now. Or that the ODF&W have not stocked that Species in the last few years and that they are now stocking another. No indeed I give this book the highest rating available. I would not be with out mine, and if you are with out one. Then you are going to be lacking when it comes time to find and fish new waters here in Oregon. Moon

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