Live Auction Items for the DRA's Second Annual Gathering & Auction
On February 10 - less than a month away! - the DRA will be hosting its Second Annual Gathering & Auction, and you don't want to miss it! We will be premiering our newest documentary film, on the economic impact of the issues facing the lower Deschutes River. Plus, we have an exciting assortment of live auction items ready for your bid:
View Silent Auction Items here
Item #1: Special Wine from Lange Estate Winery with Custom Etched ArtworkDonor: Lange Estate Winery
Don, Wendy, and Jesse Lange and the folks at Lange Estate Winery make great wines. They are also ardent conservationists, avid fly anglers, and supporters of the Deschutes River Alliance. For the Second Annual Gathering and Auction, Lange has once again generously provided the wine you are enjoying this afternoon and has also offered a special magnum of their 2014 Three Hills Cuvee Pinot Noir, rated “Year’s Best U.S. Pinot Noir” by Wine & Spirits. The Three Hills Cuvee Pinot Noir is a blend of their “Terroir” series: Lange Estate Vineyard, Freedom Hill Vineyard and Yamhill-Carlton Vineyards. Each site is a distinctive expression of its relative Terroir with differing soil types, elevations, and clonal selections.The 2014 Three Hills Cuvee Pinot Noir has a deep garnet hue with an enticing nose of pink peppercorns, allspice, dried rose petals, and juicy Oregon strawberries with hints of lavender and nutmeg. Superbly balanced with fresh acidity and silky tannins, the palate shows black raspberries and cherry cola accented with notes of clove, vanilla, and barrel spice. This wine is a classic “drink-now-or-hold-for-a-decade” pinot noir.The craftsmanship of this elegant wine is aptly mirrored in the unique artwork of its vessel. The bottle includes our exclusive trout emblem expertly etched by the artists at Xena Graphics, based out of Maupin, OR. The bottle has also been custom etched by Xena Graphics, based in Maupin, OR. Enjoy this one-of-kind collectors item!
Item #2: Stunning Glass Salmon Sculpture Created by Andy NicholsDonor: Andy Nichols
Andy Nichols lives and works in the Columbia Gorge, where he is inspired by the natural beauty of salmon and trout and the life journey they endure. He creates beautiful glass fish art, with each piece unique in color design and emulating the movement of each particular species.
Each fish is uniquely designed with abstract colors and patterns, holding true to common characteristics of native fish. These fish, Nichols’ artistic interpretation of Pacific Coast trout and salmon, are influenced by the changes that occur during the spawning cycles. Striking colors and a dramatic shape lend to a feel of life and motion.This salmon sculpture, created specifically for the DRA auction, would make an excellent focal point and tribute to our essential native fish and the waters they reside in. Make this gorgeous effigy yours, and take home a monument to locally-made and nature-inspired artistry.
Item #3: Gorge Getaway for Two in The Dalles with Unique Art Studio ExperienceDonors: John and Kathy Schwartz, Andy Nichols, Baldwin Saloon, La Petite Provence, Sunshine Mill Artisan Plaza & Winery
Enjoy a fun and relaxing weekend in The Dalles! This exciting package includes two nights stay at a beautiful, secluded guest house tucked away in the woods. Boundless activities beckon in this dynamic region. Wake up the first day to breakfast provided by hosts John and Kathy Schwartz, or take it with you as you set out for any number of fun activities in the Gorge. In addition to your two nights stay and breakfast, your package includes:
- $30 breakfast gift certificate at La Petite Provence;
- Wine Tasting at the Sunshine Mill, famous for its Copa de Vino; 2 bottles of wine provided by Sunshine Mill Artisan Plaza & Winery;
- Dinner and dessert at the renowned Baldwin Saloon; and, best of all,
- A very special studio art experience with noted glass artist Andy Nichols. Andy will show you finished glass statuaries of Columbia River salmon and trout species. You will pick a fish you like and the colors you want it in. While you sip wine and watch, Andy will work his magic as he uses expert glass blowing techniques to create for you your own personalized fish statuary. You walk away with a beautiful and unique glass fish statuary that you helped design!
Item #4: Fishing with Littleleaf Guide ServiceDonors: Elke and Alysia Littleleaf
Have you ever looked at the Warm Springs Reservation side of the Deschutes River and yearned to swing a fly through a run that looked perfect, but was on the wrong, illegal side of the river? Well, here’s a steelhead trip that puts you on the Reservation side of the Deschutes and lets you sample for a full day that 39 miles of unspoiled and little-fished water.Elke and Alysia Littleleaf will be your hosts and guides for your special day on the Reservation side of the Deschutes. They will show you where and how to ply the waters for steelhead and, almost certainly, you and your partner will have all the water to yourselves. You will use the Littleleafs’ specially outfitted four wheel drive vehicle to move from place-to- place and run-to- run, providing you with unparalleled access to waters seldom fished.Elke and Alysia are active supporters of the Deschutes River Alliance and take their roles seriously as guides and protectors of the land, river and its fish. They will provide you with a perspective and history of the river, its fish, and their place on the reservation, something rarely experienced by people outside of the Warm Springs Tribe.
Item #5: A Day on Mt.Hood Studying its Insects with Rick Hafele and John SmeraglioDonors: Rick Hafele, John Smeraglio, Dick and Kathy Bushnell, and Paul FranklinDate: June 9, 2018
Trout have an uncanny ability to humiliate fly anglers by chowing down voraciously on every real insect that floats by while ignoring the offerings of the angler. The ability to identify specific insects is KEY to increased angling success. Learn to match the hatch and you have the magic formula to every river in the west. Here’s a chance to sharpen your insect identification skills and fly pattern selection by spending a day on Mt. Hood’s Salmon River with bug gurus Rick Hafele and John Smeraglio. Hafele is an entomologist by training, ardent angler by choice, and author of several definitive books on insects and their life cycles and behaviors. John “Smerf” Smeraglio is the owner of the Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop in Maupin and has been studying Deschutes insects and matching the hatch for over 40 years.On June 9 you will spend the day on private Salmon River frontage near Welches with these two bug experts. By seining the river and a side channel, you will find many insects, identify those you find, discuss behaviors and life cycles of individual bugs, and then find out how to match the hatch with appropriate fly patterns.The day includes a delicious barbeque lunch, the opportunity to snack on a bug or two, and liquid refreshments, including beer and wine.12 people with spots individually auctioned at $150 each
Item #6: An August Steelhead Day Below Maupin with Marty Sheppard and Brian SilveyDonors: Marty Sheppard and Brian Silvey
Four anglers will join Brian and Marty for a full, dawn-to-dusk day of steelhead fishing on the Deschutes River near Maupin in early August. You will experience a quiet non-motorized section of the river, using drift boats to navigate a section of the guides choosing.If you haven’t been fishing with Marty and Brian you are in for a treat. Marty is a chatterbox full of stories and tidbits of river wisdom. Brian is active on the DRA Board of Directors, and both guides are founts of knowledge about the Deschutes, its fish and the problems both currently face. In addition, Brian and Marty are top-notch Spey casters and instructors who can help you tweak your casting skills.If there are fish around, Marty and Brian will find them for you. No matter what the day brings, you will have a fun and educational time on the river!
Item #7: Two Days Winter Steelhead Fishing for FourDonors: Nick Rowell, Anadromous Anglers, Alex Gonsiewski, DeschutesAngler and Paul FranklinDates: April 12-14, 2018
Four anglers will enjoy two days of winter steelheading on the North Oregon Coast with Alex Gonsiewski and Nick Rowell.Nick and Alex spend all winter on the coast plying various rivers for the cherished, chrome-bright, winter steelhead and are in tune with the rhythms and nuances of the area’s rivers.
Each of your days, Nick and Alex will pick the river best suited for angling success, taking into account weather, river flows and fish rumors, in order to give your group the best chance at hooking winter steelhead. Your guides are known for their enthusiastic, optimistic, and hard-working approach and their body-warming, hot lunches on the river.They will put you on fishy water, with a lucky fly and the right swing. The rest is up to you and the fish gods! Your group of four will convene on April 12 at a privateresidence in Manzanita that you will call home for two nights while fishing. DRA supporter Paul Franklin will be your house host and will prepare appetizers and delectable meals complete with pared wines each evening for your group and your guides. Fresh coffee and quick breakfast options will get you moving and ready to fish each morning.
Item #8: Rest and/or Recreate at the Tattam Family Cabin in ManzanitaDonors: Bill and Sara Tattam
Up to four people spend three days and two nights at the legendary Tattam Family Cabin in the Neahkanie/Manzanita area. The cabin’s cozy location and long history as a base camp for river adventures has "fishy" written all over it! Head for the coast and let the Tattam Family fishing karma rub off on you and your guests. This private and rustic Neahkahnie Beach cabin, built by Bill and Sara Tattam over 40 years ago, features a huge stone fireplace, wood stove, and views north to Neahkahnie Mountain, west to the ocean, and south to Twin Rocks from wrap-around decks. Right next to Manzanita. Near great hiking, surfing, crabbing in Nehalem Bay and all of the fishy places in the Nehalem and Tillamook watersheds. If fishing isn't your thing, there are myriad options to fill your time while staying at the cabin. Hike from the cabin's front door to the top of Neahkahnie Mountain and all the way to Short Sands Beach. Walk the 7-mile long Manzanita beach, hike the Nehalem spit, surf at Short Sands, golf the Manzanita course, play tennis at the sheltered Manzanita court, browse the boutiques in Manzanita, visit the San Dune Pub to sample their expansive beer list, relax at the cabin, suntan, raintan, watch storms roll in, drink more beer, have a scotch, jam to the cabin's very eclectic yet awesome collection of vinyl records, whale watch, read a book or take a nap! Or simply gaze at the magnificent Pacific Ocean.Restrictions: Good for 3 days and 2 nights, non-smoking. Use between February 15 and June 15 or in November, 2018. Dates mutually agreed upon. Sleeps 4. No Pets. Two car limit.
Item #9: Six Anglers on the Deschutes in May - Trip of a Lifetime!Donors: Deschutes River Anglers, Warner Munro, Pat Becker, Angus Wilson, Rick Hafele and Rick TroutDates: May 20, 21 and 22, 2018
Six anglers spend three days and two nights on the Deschutes River, May 20, 21, and 22 during prime salmonfly time. At the oars of your three drift boats will be Deschutes Angler guides Evan Unti, Harley Faria, and Alex Gonsiewski. On Day One you’ll float and fish prime salmonfly water from Trout Creek through Whitehorse Rapids and down to North Junction, where you will spend the night at Warner Munro and Pat Becker's riverside cabins.Rick Trout, DRA Treasurer and noted chef and cookbook author, will serve your group a gourmet meal with the help of yet another trained chef, Deschutes Angler Fly Shop owner John Hazel. Wine and spirits will flow, as will the abundant insect knowledge of Rick Hafele, who will serve up a lesson on bug identification and hatch matching as the evening’s appetizer.Day Two you will fish a super stretch of water down to Dant, where you will stop for the night at Angus Wilson’s river retreat. Once again, Rick and John will prepare a delectable meal and keep the libations flowing.Day Three you’ll fish some of the river’s best trout habitat, taking out at Harpham Flats, just upstream from Maupin, in mid-afternoon.You, five friends, salmonflies, a bug guru, great guides and expert oarsmen, riverside housing, gourmet food, wine, spirits, no doubt some tall tales and VOILA… a trip of a lifetime.Dates: May 20, 21, and 22
Item #10: Anderson Custom 1327-4 Elite Rod with Nautilus CCF X 10-12 ReelDonors: Anderson Custom Rods and Jerry Swanson, Fishhead Expeditions and Nautilus Reels
Custom rod builder and designer in the Rogue Valley, Gary Anderson is no stranger to the spey world. His innovative rods have been leading the spey market for decades. This small production company builds only around 350 rods per year. Yet when we asked Gary if he would build a special rod for the Deschutes River Alliance Auction, he was thrilled to do so.This 13 ft., 2 in. rod is the lightest seven weight on the market. Yet it has the power and action to be a rod for all seasons. The rod’s finish reflects the quality craftsmanship that help make Anderson rods special. A beautifully crafted wood handle was specially made for this rod, making it one-of-a-kind.The rod is perfectly matched with a Nautilus CCF X 10-12 large arbor reel, making the outfit ready for 5- to 25-pound steelhead from British Columbia to the California coast.To make sure you are ready, the outfit comes with a Rio spey line of your choice, provided by Jerry Swanson and Fishhead Expeditions.
Item #11: Chase Deschutes Steelhead for Three Days with Chris O’DonnellDonors: River Runner Outfitters and the Bend Fly Shop, Paul Franklin and Greg McMillanDates: July 23-25, 2018
For Two AnglersJoin Chris O’Donnell and his jet sled for a camping and fishing trip on the Deschutes River July 23-25, when the early season chromers are eager, aggressive and biters!Chris will meet you at Mack’s Canyon at 1 p.m. on Day One, and you will sled down to a camp where your hosts, DRA’s Greg McMillan and Paul Franklin, will orient you to your comfortable river camp home. You will fish the balance of the day and into the evening, using the sled to get to prime waters, and then return to camp for a lantern-light dinner that’s sure to be an epicurean delight, complete with wine and spirits.Day Two you will fish the morning and afternoon/evening sessions and as much as you want in between. Chris will put you on prime water and provide as much instruction as you want and need. Don’t be fooled by Chris’ laid back nature. He’s an excellent caster and instructor and knows the waters of the lower Deschutes much better than his years would suggest.A hearty brunch, snacks later in the day, and another fine evening meal will top off Day Two.Day Three you will fish the morning session and head back to Mack’s Canyon by noon.
Item #12: A Week for Two in Tranquil and Safe Zihuatanejo, MexicoDonors: Casa Ceiba, Jose Louis Morales, Captain Temo Verboonen and Erika Vanessa Penaloza
Romantic, mellow, safe, and inhabited by very friendly people, “Zihua” as locals call it is a quaint fishing village sitting on a bay that sports clean, majestic and sparsely populated beaches. Located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Zihuatanejo is 30 minutes south of the major resort of Ixtapa and 2.5 hours north of Acapulco.Your Zihua home base for seven days and six nights will be Casa Ceiba Condominiums, sitting on the edge of the downtown area and a three minute walk to LaMadera Beach. Your one bedroom suite is spacious and beautifully appointed, including a full kitchen, living/eating area, and an open-air balcony overlooking the pool.Start your stay with a tour of Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa with licensed tour guide Jose Louis Morales, so that you get a feel for what the area has to offer. Your package also includes a dinner at La Gula Restaurant one evening. La Gula is just one of Zihua’s many noteworthy eateries that are just a short walk from Casa Ceiba.
You will also spend a day of charter boat fishing aboard the traditional Mexican panga of English-speaking Captain Temo Verboonen. Explore the blue waters for sailfish, marlin, dorado, and tuna, or stay in-shore and ply the waters for a variety of species. Captain Temo has been fishing the area’s Pacific waters since childhood and is a wealth of both fishing and local knowledge.Of course, you will want to reserve plenty of time for simply sitting pool side or swimming, walking or sunning on the nearby beaches, which are surprisingly unpopulated. Good April 1 through October 15, 2018
Item #13: A Match Made in Heaven: A Raine Hollow Bamboo Rod and a Saracione ReelDonors: Raine Rod from Chuck Katz. Saracione Reel from Bill Meier
Chris Raine and Joe Saracione are genius designers and craftsmen who, lucky for us, decided to apply their skills to building incredible fishing gear – Raine to bamboo fly rods and Saracione to fly reels.Like a fine wine with a delectable meal, this Saracione reel matches perfectly with this Raine bamboo fly rod.Make no mistake: a Raine rod is not your grandfather’s heavy and whippy bamboo rod. The culm of bamboo from which the rod emanates was hand selected and painstakingly hollowed out in both the tip and butt sections to create a rod that is light and made to exacting tolerances. 
The workmanship on this 8’3” three piece rod (with two tip sections!) is simply stunning. The reel seat is elegant simplicity with an up-locking ring that provides the perfect connection of rod and reel. The guides and guide wraps have to be seen in person to fully appreciate their beauty. In the end it’s how a rod performs that makes it great, and Raine’s hollow construction lightens the rod’s overall feel and makes it one of the smoothest casting rods you will ever handle. Totally handcrafted and requiring over 50 hours of labor to produce, this Raine “Spring Creek Deluxe” 4/5-weight trout rod is an amazing blend of both high performance and delicate presentation.
This beautiful trout chasing tool is matched perfectly with a Saracione Model 3 trout reel that was specifically made to pair with a bamboo rod. This right hand retrieve reel is precision machined from the finest aluminum alloy, stainless steel and silicone bronze. It features a preset Gear & Pawl drag system for spool control while paying out line to a running fish. The drag is designed to control over run of the spool with just a light drag to protect light tippets.The Saracione Model 3 is not only finely made but also a work of art. When loaded with line, the Model 3 is a heavenly match with the Raine rod!
Item #14: 4 days and 3 Nights Parkdale Retreat with Million Dollar Views of Mt. HoodDonors: Steve Hawley and Kathy Jubitz
Escape the traffic and noise of the city to this secluded, peaceful getaway at the base of Mt. Hood with million-dollar views of the mountain! Choose your season and its abundant activities – whether it’s a long weekend of skiing with a group of your adventure-loving friends, a spring retreat for friends or colleagues, or a summertime family reunion complete with nearbyfishing… The possibilities are endless! This 3500 sq.ft. modern mountain home sleeps a total of 12 people, with 5 bedrooms and 3 ½ bathrooms. You’ll enjoy the expansive, professionally decorated living space and appreciate the many environmentally-friendly features that earned this home the distinguished LEED award, as well as its feature in Oregon Home Magazine.This gorgeous property with incredible vistas and views is unbeatable in its tranquility and proximity to some of the best recreation Oregon has to offer. Sure to be an experience to remember!4 days and 3 Nights for up to 12 people. Dates to be determined based on availability. VRBO #782433
Item #15: A First of Its Kind Burkheimer Spey Rod with Matching Hardy Reel And An Experience of a Lifetime with the Rod’s DesignersDonors: CF Burkheimer, Deschutes Angler, and Kerry Burkheimer and John Hazel
Kerry Burkheimer’s latest creation – a 13 ft. 9 in., 4 piece, six weight spey rod – was produced specially for the Deschutes River Alliance Auction. Kerry and John Hazel designed the parameters of the rod, and Kerry then produced this first of its kind steelhead weapon. The rod is matched with a traditional Hardy “Made in England” Taupo 3 7/8” reel, and adjustable retrieve.The rod is super lightweight with a powerful mid-section and tip that transfer all the power to the noticeably faster yet amazingly responsive butt section. Undoubtedly faster than most Burkheimers, this rod still maintains the unquestionable “Burkie feel” and progressive power in the butt that make Burkheimer rods so special.The rod’s wraps, finish, reel seat and handle all show the quality workmanship that goes into every Burkie rod, making the rod a work of art as well as an amazing casting machine. This is unquestionably one of the finest rod designs Burkheimer has created in years!The winning bidder also gets to spend some high quality “alone time” with Kerry Burkheimer and John Hazel. During prime steelhead season (September or October), you will spend the night and be wined and dined at Hazel’s Rattlesnake Ranch and Lodge with both John and Kerry in your midst. A night of stories, fine food and libations will be followed by a day on the river floating and fishing for steelhead – just you, Kerry and John.You’ll fish your new outfit with the guys who designed the rod there to tell you how to maximize its performance and enjoyment. What a package and what a memory!
Item #16: Fish Montana’s Famous Missouri River in Fall, 2018Donors: The Trout Shop on the Missouri and Mike KuhnertDates: September 30 to October 2
Two lucky anglers head to Montana for two days of guided fishing (October 1 and 2) and three nights lodging (September 30, October 1 and 2) on the world-famous Missouri River.Halfway between Helena and Great Falls, this section of the Mo is a 34 mile-long tailwater boasting 8,000 fish per mile. Rainbows and Brown Trout both abound in this stretch and average a genuine 17 inches in length. Known for its spring creek-like qualities -- big, but slow, meandering and crystal clear – Fall on the Mo offers excellent nymph fishing and scary good streamer fishing. And, if the weather cooperates, there will be windows of dry fly fishing with baetis, midges, ants and maybe even a few caddis.Outfitter and guide Mike Kuhnert has over a decade of experience on the river, and knows the Mo’s nuances well. He will treat you to two full days of guided fishing on October 1 and 2, and you will find his energy, enthusiasm and lighthearted spirit infectious. Kuhnert and his drift boat will hunt and find you plenty of big fish!Your lodging is provided by The Trout Shop on the Missouri at the historic Trout Shop Lodge, September 30 and October 1 and 2.
Item #17: Fish the Caribbean Waters of the Bay Islands from Roatan’s Mango Creek LodgeDonors: Mango Creek Lodge and Yellow Dog Fly Fishing
For two people.Enjoy four nights and three days of flats fishing at the serene Mango Creek Lodge, located on the southeast shore of Roatan, 40 miles offshore of the Honduran mainland.Your all-inclusive stay includes accommodations in one of Mango Creek’s six over-the-water cabanas. Set on pilings over the waters of Roatan’s Port Royal, your cabana offers a comfortable and relaxing base for your daily fishing adventures.The cabana interiors are appointed with beautiful local hardwoods and contain a queen and a single bed, a private bath with hot water, and ceiling fans—plus the tranquility of being right on the water. Your private deck includes a hammock, chaise lounge, and a ladder for swimming or snorkeling.
You will fish for bonefish, tarpon, and permit from a panga with one of Mango Creek’s seasoned local guides. You will both walk and wade and hunt from the boat, depending on the flat.The plentiful fishy flats surrounding Roatan are some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean, and hold a surprising number of the “big three” flats target species. There is even a big school of bonefish that roam Mango Creek’s home flat!Meals during your stay are included in your package and served at Mango Creek Lodge restaurant. The package includes land and water transfers from Roatan International Airport.Valid through July 10, 2018. Arrangements to be made through Yellow Dog Fly Fishing.
Item #18: Fish, Camp and Learn with A River IconDonors: Mark Bachmann and the Fly Fishing Shop in WelchesDates: October 29 - 31, 2018
One angler joins iconic Deschutes River guide Mark Bachmann for two full days of steelhead fishing and two nights in Mark’s luxury Deschutes camp, October 29 through October 31. On Day One, Mark will meet you at noon at Mack’s Canyon boat ramp, and take you down river to camp in his covered 22 foot in-board jet sled. You, along with three other anglers who bought this trip at other fishing-related auctions, will share Mark and camp for two nights, fishing the balance of October 29, all day on October 30, and the morning of October 31 before returning to Macks Canyon boat ramp.
You will have Mark’s jet sled to move you up- and down-river to fish the best water the Deschutes has to offer. Your camp requires no “roughing it.” You’ll have electric lights, on demand hot water and a shower, extra wide cots with thick pads in double occupancy tents that are tall enough to stand in, and a comfortable, large, warm base tent -- complete with a chandelier -- where meals, libations and stories occur.Late October is a great time to be on the lower Deschutes and steelhead fishing. Most anglers have given it up and there are still plenty of fish around. Plus, you’ll have the benefit of Mark’s 40 years of fishing experience on the Deschutes, his sled to move to the best possible waters, and an inviting, cozy and comfortable camp that is second to none.Bring your favorite rods, waders, and warm clothes, and leave the rest to Mark!
Item #19: Big 'Bows, Big Flies, Big Country on the South Fork of The Boise RiverDonor: Steve RoseDates: July 7 and 8, 2018
For two anglers Join DRA supporter Steve Rose (AKA Steelhead Rose) and his Stream Tech Salmon Fly Maravia Raft for two days of memorable fishing for big rainbows during the height of the salmonfly hatch on Idaho's South Fork of the Boise River on July 6 and 7, 2018. The South Boise River is about 70 miles southeast of Boise, Idaho. It's remote, undeveloped and full of wild rainbow trout, with many breaking the 20-inch mark. Steve has been fishing the South Fork of the Boise for years and knows it as well as a guide would—if guides were allowed on the river. And, they are not! You'll target the banks, riffles and back eddies with salmon flies, golden stones, and likely some caddis and pink alberts and be amazed at the remarkable size and number of wild 'bows. Steve says the salmonfly hatch is epic and brings up virtually every fish in the river. Come prepared with stout leaders and a big fly, big fish attitude! You and your angling partner will spend the night between your two days angling at the Hampton Inn in Mountain View, Idaho - a short jump to the river. Lodging is included in the trip. This two day adventure would make a great start - or finish - to a road trip to fish Silver Creek, the Henry's Fork, or Yellowstone Country. What a way to start or end an epic 2018 trout fishing adventure!