JURASSIC FLATS CARP CLAVE
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
This is a FREE event, no registration needed!
Join House of Fly and Fly Project on Saturday, April 20, 2024, for the Inaugural Jurassic Flats Carp Clave at the Sage Center in Boardman, OR.
Want to learn about flats fishing in the Northwest? The Inaugural Jurassic Flats Carp Clave is the only place to do it. Learn about the Carp flats of the Columbia and tactics for fishing them from the industry's leading anglers, professional tiers, and the best brands supporting the movement.
The days not over when the presentations end. Although fishing the Columbia River isn't part of this event, we encourage you to explore the area and find out what makse Boardman, OR such a unique fishery. After spending some time on the water join us, the presenters and our brand reps at Two Barrels Taps and Grill from 6pm-10pm.
WHAT'S IN STORE FOR 2024?
The Inaugural Jurassic Flats Carp Clave is all about things flats fishing and of course carp. We've teamed up with our friend Bill Marts from the Schmoots Clooper Invitaitonal Tournament to not only educate about the Columbia carp fisheries but to bring the fun of the Schmoots Clooper to this clave. Spend the afternoon with the Fly Project and House of Fly as we welcome the industry's best anglers, tiers, and brands. Presentations kick off at 9am and roll through 3pm with a 1-hour lunch intermission at noon.
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FAQ'S
WHY FISH FOR CARP?
We're glad you asked. Carp are the fish of the future friends. These special fish are commonly found everywhere from urban areas to mountain rivers and everywhere in between. This means opportunities to target them are available almost anytime, anywhere. Not only this but these fish are resilient, hoot owl proof and have very low pressure (for now).
If you have ever dreamed of casting at Bonefish, Redfish, or Permit the best practice you can find is on a carp flat. You can use much of the same equipment commonly used for targeting the forementioned saltwater species for carp.
WHY BOARDMAN, OR?
We have found this special fishery to be the best in the transitional period just before runoff. If you wait too long, the sight casting opportunities are taken away from the Yoohoo colored water. After that, the runoff clears up and the weeds roll in. Early spring is the best time to fish these flats.
We chose Boardman because it got straight F’s on its report card, Flats, Forage and, Fish (for once F’s are good).
Flats: The section of the Columbia River that runs through Boardman boasts miles of flats. These flats are both walk-wade accessible and easy to run with a polling platform or a trolling motor as well.
Forage: The abundance of food is apparent from the moment you glance at the banks of the water near these flats. Clam shells litter the beaches and the surrounding flats. Hungry local carp create pockmarks on the flats tailing and crushing these clams. In addition, there is plenty of insect activity that provides another opportunity for carp to eat.
Fish: Boardman is home to hundreds, if not thousands of carp and particularly generous sized. This means that you can get several shots off at trophy sized fish throughout most of the day.
Isn’t it too cold to fish for carp in April?
No, in fact we start sometimes in the beginning of March. Watch the water temperatures. As soon as you get in the high 40°’s to low 50°’s it’s game on. It’s about the same time that smallmouth kicks off as well.
Do I need a license to fish for carp in Oregon?
Yes, you will need to purchase a day license or an annual license to fish for carp in Oregon. Use their app, it's quick and easy.
What gear do I need to bring?
Carp pull hard and you will most definitely contend with the wind. This means a useful tool for the job would be a 7wt, or even better, an 8wt. Pick a reel with a solid drag system. We prefer the Fly Project OC II. As for fly lines, most saltwater tapers will work great whether they be a Redfish, Bonefish, or an all-purpose flats taper. Remember this is flats fishing, we are fishing saltwater gear in freshwater flats.
PRESENTATIONS FROM
Bill Marts
@bill.marts - Bill Marts has been active in the sport and business of fly fishing for most of his life. This includes Fly Shop owner (Blue Dun in Wenatchee and Spokane, WA). Bill has been instructing fly fishing activities for 45+ years (casting, fly tying, rod building, and fishing). He has been fortunate enough to find fly fishing editors to print his stories and photos and has been involved with Fly Fishing Video Magazine for many years in the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s. Additionally, Bill ran the Sage Fly Fishing School for three years and has guided in Montana, Washington, and Idaho.
"My real target is to promote shallow water fly fishing. There are fish beyond trout. I still like fly fishing for trout, steelhead, and saltwater; shallow and deep. I have discovered in my years of fly fishing is that I enjoy learning about other fly fishing styles, and I want to promote and teach that; like Carp fly fishing/hunting. It is the closest thing we have to flats fishing here in the NW. It is sight casting for an extremely strong, smart, and hard-to-catch fish. It is always a challenge hooking and landing one. I hope to shorten up your learning curve doing this. I also want to introduce experienced anglers to them. Let’s talk about it!" - Bill Martz
Daryl Eakins
@nervous_water_flies - Daryl Eakins is an avid fly fisherman and fly designer with a focus on carp flies, and he is often hanging with his family, stalking carp on a fly rod, or tying flies. Shortly after taking a fly tying class and learning the importance of proportion and silhouette, fly design was close on the horizon. With attention to detail throughout his designs, all choices are made with intent and purpose resulting in flies that are durable, versatile, and productive. You may have heard his work on several of Capture Media Adventure’s film selections in the IF4 Film Festival as the sound designer and mixer, including the IF4 2019 feature film winner, The Midnight Mission. After launching Nervous Water Flies in the spring of 2019, he is looking to share his designs and help anglers across the country in creating memories; and he has recently added predator streamers to his custom order list, finding success in the peacock bass, golden dorado, and musky communities. Daryl is proudly an Umpqua Signature Tyer, Vicuna Dubbing Pro Team member, and Anadromous Fly Fishing Ambassador.
Eric Leininger
@mykizha - For the last nine years, Eric Leininger has operated as Head Guide and Fly Tying Materials Manager at Northwest Fly Fishing Outfitters in Portland Oregon. He spent nine years guiding Alaska and 14+ year guiding full time in Oregon. Eric specialize in two-handed casting instruction, chasing Steelhead, and targeting smallmouth, tiger musky, and most popular, sight fishing for Carp on the Columbia River Flats.
Shortly after Jurassic Flats Carp Clave, Eric Leininger kicks off his annual guide program for carp on the Columbia River, which is a sold out season every year.
Ryan Mock
@skyandreel - Carp on the fly is the fastest gowning branch of fly fishing. Ryan's goal is to create video content that inspires others to venture out and experience these amazing fish. He pursues carp from the high Rockies to the estuaries of the Great Salt Lake. Fly fishing for carp is a visually stunning pursuit in visually stunning locations. With trout and bass fisheries approaching the point of combat in most of the popular locations, there is solitude in fly fishing for carp. Grab a rod let’s hit a flat!
LODGING OPTIONS
River Lodge + Cabins
Disconnect from your daily routine with an escape to the Columbia River. As the only full service hotel on river between Tri-Cities and Hood River, River Lodge + Cabins bring an unexpected reteat-like experience with 50 guestrooms and 9 cabins.
Sleep Inn Boardman
Located in Boardman, Sleep Inn is within a 5-minute drive of Boardman Marina Park and Captain Al James Tugboat. This hotel is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from SAGE Center and 1.3 mi (2.1 km) from Columbia River.
Stokes Landing Bed & Breakfast
An inviting bed and breakfast with cozy rooms and air conditioning, the owners are great hosts. Expansive, welcoming decks provide solace on the Columbia River.
Driftwood RV
Driftwood RV Park and Resort is located in Boardman, Oregon, about two miles from the beautiful Columbia River. Our quiet park is the perfect midway point for travelers heading in every direction.
Marina Park
Enjoy the 3-mile Walking/Biking Trail, Basketball Court, Children’s Play Structures, Swimming Area, and more.