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Lower Deschutes
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January 09 . 12
We just call it "Junuary"
With all the mild winter weather.......so far, the Maupin area trout fishing has been well above average. With the exception of a spike in water flows over new years (over 10,000cfs at the mouth!), river conditions have been good and the fairly consistant 50 degree temperatures have been producing some great beatis hatches mid-afternoon. Keep an eye on the weather and the flows and go have some fun! With the lack of the summertime crowds, and a few steelhead in the mix, this is a great time to be in the Maupin area.
posted by FFO Crew
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
November 15 . 11
1
of 4Trout Creek to Harpham
I just got home from a three day steelhead float. November is such a nice month to be on the Deschutes. Yeah, it can be brutally cold and windy, but the normally busy river is almost deserted this time of year. It's so nice to be able to fish all the spots you want and camp in the best camp sites. The fishing? It's not too shabby either this time of year. I stuck to swinging flies on a type six sink tip for the duration of the trip. Fish were grabby, but not too aggressive towards the fly. Most fish took the fly very softly and towards the end of the swing or even on the hang-down. The fish were a 50/50 mix of 24-26" wild fish and larger hatchery fish. The fish aren't "chrome" this time of year, but they still pull hard and every one of them gets the heart racing. The fishing above Maupin will hold up through this month and into December. Get out there before it gets too cold!
posted by Neal Burrell
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
November 07 . 11
1
of 3Summer steelhead?
The frigid cold mornings are starting to thin out the crowds a little on the Lower Deschutes. Fishing is still pretty good and should hold up well through November. Whitefish are starting to get active with the dropping temps. If you're nymphing for your steelhead, plan on sorting through a lot of whities. Fish are also still responding to slowly swung flies on sinking tips. There's quite a few hatchery fish in the upper river--don't feel bad about taking a couple home for the smoker!
posted by Neal Burrell
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
October 28 . 11
Water is stabilizing, as is the fishing
The conditions have stabilized this week and levels are hovering in the 4700cfs range out of the dam. This is the last weekend for fishing the tribal lands and also the trout along the borders of the reservation, both close after Oct. 31. The Steelhead fishing should remain decent through November, decent being a fish or two a day for your efforts. There have been fewer big number days this season, but if you put your time in you'll be rewarded. The upper river has been fishing as well if not better than the Maupin area, maybe more to do with pressure as the crowds were heavy here this last week. Our 3 day trip last weekend reported good fishing in the Trout Creek to Maupin run. Expect crowds to thin in November which always helps when looking for steelhead, but expect the floating lines to be less productive as the water temps cool. Dredging the bottom is not nessesary, but a type 6 or 8 usually does the trick. Nymph tactics will continue to produce as well, but covering water is a bit more effort. Keep moving and find the willing biters, there will be plenty of water to explore as the weather cools and keeps some at home near the fire.
posted by FFO Crew
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
October 20 . 11
1
of 9Another Great trip on the Deschutes
We had another large group on the Deschutes last Saturday. We landed multiple steelhead and the trout fishing is still good. The weather looks good for the next couple days. Time to hit the river one more time before the tribal see closes.
posted by Scott Cook
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
October 20 . 11
1
of 3Another steelhead report
Steelhead fishing continues to be consistent. All of my guide trips over the last week have produced fish, which is about all you can ask for! No big numbers days, but a fish here and there. Swinging flies has been effective throughout the day, but getting down and dirty with indicator rigs is probably your best bet for hooking the most fish. If you are not hooking up, keep moving! I've been covering as much water as possible looking for active biters. Remember, the tribal side closes to all angling at the end of the month so now is the time to get out there and fish the left side! Oh yeah, trout fishing has been pretty good too.
posted by Neal Burrell
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
October 12 . 11
1
of 5Steelhead report!
I've been on the lower river for four of the last five days. The last three were from Trout Creek to Harpham. There are steelhead well distributed throughout the upper reaches of river. The three day trip produced some solid steelhead fishing. Jeff and I took a group of four guys from the Mid-West on their first ever steelhead trip. We had a blast on the river and they picked up steelheading quickly and were rewarded with some very nice fish over the course of the last three days. We even landed a nice bull trout as a bonus on the last day. Swinging and nymphing produced equally. The fishing should only get better as we get closer to November. We still have some dates available for multi-day trips. These floats are truly the best way to fish the river and see what the canyon has to offer!
posted by Neal Burrell
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
October 06 . 11
1
of 4STEELHEAD!!
There are steelhead throughout the whole 100 miles of the lower Deschutes. Covering water is always critical to finding the fish, so get out there and get after it. No matter which stretch you choose, Warm Springs to the Mouth, there are fish available. The water temps and conditions are great for all techniques. The best way to consistently catch fish is to 1) learn the water you can fish effectively 2) learn where and how steelhead like hold in that water 3) learn how to get your fly in that spot so the fish can see it 4) cover said water thoroughly and efficiently so you can go learn another spot. There is so much water on the Deschutes and 100 river miles is a lot to learn, so keep exploring and unlocking those places that hold steelhead. Chose your techniques based on a few things 1) What you enjoy fishing 2) What type of water your faced with and 3) What weather, water conditions or pressure dictate. Enjoy the river and the fish in it, but also enjoy the fact that there are lots of others out there that are learning and trying to enjoy it too. Share the water and don't let those high strung folks damper your spirits, gettin' out with buddies and casting the fly is half the fun!
posted by FFO Crew
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
September 25 . 11
1
of 4Trout Creek to Harpham
Chris and I just got back from a three day trip down the Deschutes. We wanted to chase steel and avoid the crowds, so we opted for the Trout Creek to Harpham float instead of the crazy-busy Mack's to the Mouth float. Although there aren't big numbers of steelhead in the upper river yet, there's something to be said about getting to fish every good run and camp in prime spots every night. There was no other angler pressure on the water. This made for a very relaxing trip. The fishing was slow, as expected, but steelhead were hooked. I think the final tally was 8 fish hooked between the two of us, plus one big fish that chased after my skater on Friday evening in our camp water. Fortunately, the fire that ripped through the canyon a few weeks ago had very minimal impact on the riparian areas and campsites. The fire burned from South Junction all the way down to Locked Gate--30ish miles of river!
posted by Neal Burrell
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
September 19 . 11
Lower Deschutes River: The Boxcar, Sherar's fish count, and water filled waders in Maupin
The Volvo has three things going for it; speed, space, and clearance for the dreadful Macks Canyon road. One feature that doesn't mesh quite right with the other three is that finicky rear passenger side tire, a full four tred depths below the other three. It spews out air at a slow rate and so I make sure and fill it to 4300 p.s.i. before leaving Bend. But the rattling ride below Shearars to the end of the road is seventeen miles of ball gripping terror. I've made it safely now, twice but with nothing short of extreme panick attacks barreling down steep ravines below Beavertail.
A Redbull pounder and twenty ounces of mocha sugar serviced my waning energy as the Volvo roared into the Boxcar hole. What a spectacle, light mist rising from the Deschutes, small wood ducks planning their morning events, Fish crawling back to existence below a pool of bouldery bliss. Well you could say the ducks were in a row...rod in hand rigged up with my latest Purple Bastard, Redbull chilling on a patch of Deschutes grass, Copenhagen secured within the vest, and a crumbling urge to attack the chrome beauties.
The weather this past Saturday was ideal for the steelhead aficianado, lightly cloudy in the morning with lower temperatures in the mid-sixties and a definite chance for rain. This pattern changed to full cloud cover as the day progressed and throughout the entire twenty miles or so from Boxcar to downtown Maupin anglers were spotted swinging flies. And boy were there a lot of them, in every direction covering all available water people of all creed were swinging flies or bouncing eggs, damn near everything but landing fish.
Now I know the fish are up in Maupin by now, the fish count at Shearar's recorded over 100 steel on the Thursday prior to my trip. That's up from only 15-20 the day before. The water temperature, outside air temperature, and looming onslaught of fall are making for perfect conditions to move the anadromous beasts upriver.
After a futile attempt at the Boxcar, in which innumerous casts and mends made passes over boulder strewn water and fast to slow transitions, my instincts told me to head toward Maupin. The pressure was still high near town but it was 10am and so some spots were starting to open up. I talked to a guy from Sandy who had a tug on a muddler before heading back to the truck for a listen at the Duck game. I fished one of my favorite pieces of water in the Maupin corridor without hesitation and only one other newbie above me. Come along a half hour into the run I slipped on a big flat rock and dunked all the way to my neck. It was slow and relatively shallow water but the ipod definitely took a dive as well and now i'm sitting back in Bend wondering if it was worth it. A two and a half hour drive in the middle of the night, lots of fishing but no tugs, a drowned ipod and concerned girlfriend. Ah hell I'll be back...
A Redbull pounder and twenty ounces of mocha sugar serviced my waning energy as the Volvo roared into the Boxcar hole. What a spectacle, light mist rising from the Deschutes, small wood ducks planning their morning events, Fish crawling back to existence below a pool of bouldery bliss. Well you could say the ducks were in a row...rod in hand rigged up with my latest Purple Bastard, Redbull chilling on a patch of Deschutes grass, Copenhagen secured within the vest, and a crumbling urge to attack the chrome beauties.
The weather this past Saturday was ideal for the steelhead aficianado, lightly cloudy in the morning with lower temperatures in the mid-sixties and a definite chance for rain. This pattern changed to full cloud cover as the day progressed and throughout the entire twenty miles or so from Boxcar to downtown Maupin anglers were spotted swinging flies. And boy were there a lot of them, in every direction covering all available water people of all creed were swinging flies or bouncing eggs, damn near everything but landing fish.
Now I know the fish are up in Maupin by now, the fish count at Shearar's recorded over 100 steel on the Thursday prior to my trip. That's up from only 15-20 the day before. The water temperature, outside air temperature, and looming onslaught of fall are making for perfect conditions to move the anadromous beasts upriver.
After a futile attempt at the Boxcar, in which innumerous casts and mends made passes over boulder strewn water and fast to slow transitions, my instincts told me to head toward Maupin. The pressure was still high near town but it was 10am and so some spots were starting to open up. I talked to a guy from Sandy who had a tug on a muddler before heading back to the truck for a listen at the Duck game. I fished one of my favorite pieces of water in the Maupin corridor without hesitation and only one other newbie above me. Come along a half hour into the run I slipped on a big flat rock and dunked all the way to my neck. It was slow and relatively shallow water but the ipod definitely took a dive as well and now i'm sitting back in Bend wondering if it was worth it. A two and a half hour drive in the middle of the night, lots of fishing but no tugs, a drowned ipod and concerned girlfriend. Ah hell I'll be back...
posted by Travis Vance
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
September 17 . 11
1
of 4Quick trout report
Trout fishing continues to be solid on the Deschutes. Angling pressure is extremely low. We had a few guide boats out on the water today between Warm Springs and Trout Creek and everyone reported good success. Kevin's boat even hooked and landed a small hatchery steelhead on a size 16 nymph! Caddis and BWO hatches had a few fish looking up, but nymphing with small flies was the top producer of the day.
posted by Neal Burrell
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
August 26 . 11
Getting better and more to come!
Well went down the D again for a quick afternoon and morning. The fishing was a bit better for me on this trip, but I would still say you'll work hard for more than a fish or two. With that said you never know when you just may get real lucky and park on a bunch. The Afternoon didn't produce anything other than one hard grab. It's sometimes hard to believe a fish can take so hard and still not stick, but that's swinging. The morning skater session didn't produce any visual signs of fish but the second run through with a sink tip produced one lost and one landed(quick pic above). The rest of the day was tougher, but scratched out another in a weird spot, which was unlikely not previously fished because it's just a pain in the butt. We called it in the early afternoon on Wednesday, as afternoon temps were reaching pretty high levels. Overall the fishing is well, just about average. There seems to be more fish available now than last week and I would expect the numbers to increase through September and into October. The water condition's were good, but the hot days this week caused a little warmer afternoon temps than the previous week, so mornings would be a better bet. The White river showed the first signs of turbidity, but when I drove by, there was not enough flow to blow things out. The boater pass numbers in segment 3 and 4 on the weekends have been high, so if you plan on going then, get your pass ahead of time to ensure you'll get to go.
posted by Dave Kalinowski
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
August 23 . 11
1
of 4Trout Report
I've been on the river a lot lately. Floated Trout Creek to Harpham Friday through Sunday and did Warm Springs to Trout Creek on Monday. I had some excellent company and the trout fishing was surprisingly good for August. Most anglers are starting to focus their efforts on steelhead, leaving miles of empty trout water. Although the dry fly fishing has been almost non-existent, the nymph fishing has been producing some very nice fish. Small flies in sizes 18-20 have been the ticket lately.
posted by Neal Burrell
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
August 21 . 11
1
of 3Bumming around for Steelhead
Over the last few weeks I have been taking every chance I get to fish a bit of the early steelhead run on the D. At least for me it has been a tough start. I have floated Mack's to the Mouth twice and drove in for an evening and morning session down low. On each trip I have been fortunate to see Steelhead, but not in the numbers I would have hoped for. There seems to be progressively more fish the lower you go and the temps and conditions are good. On the last trip(16th-18th) early mornings were running right near 60 degrees and the evenings down low were around 65. My experience has been your working hard for your shots. The river is fairly busy as usual, so if you find open water, fish it! Trying to plan on run "A" or run "B" can get you frustrated quickly. Take what the river and crowds offer you and don't be shy about following someone through a run. The early fish move frequently and you just never know when a few might move in. Skated flies have brought some cool strikes, but no positive hookups for me. Most fish have come in bright sun and with a sinking tip system. I usually don't fish things too heavy on the D, make sure you can swing your offering all the way to the hang down without snagging up. Sun angles can play a big role, so look for the sun to be behind or at least the side, not generally right upstream of the fish. Sorry, I don't have any fish pics, all fish were fought hard, quickly landed and released without harm, except for a couple small hatchery fish that got the death blow. One of the more interesting things I saw was a raft get sucked into the hole in Washout rapid. The raft was stuck surfing that hole for a good half hour. Three different jet boats attempted the rescue, while more and more onlookers approached. They eventually got out, but remember if your hitting the big stuff, strap you goodies in.
posted by Dave Kalinowski
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
August 17 . 11
Morning shades of chrome
The two and a half hour drive from Bend to the mouth of the Deschutes was tattered with spot fires and red glowing wind turbines, our energy fueled by ice chest twilight ales. It was a covert operation, taking off after sunset and carving our way through the high desert before reaching the confluence with the Columbia just before midnight.
We slept for three hours and headed out towards Wagonblast sometime around 4am. The cool breeze sent head wind diving down the bike trail en route for our travels making the four mile trip a bit of a doozy with three hours sleep. Stepping into the water with the dark blue hues still lingering far above the canyon's reach, our persistence paid off with available wading water in God's most precious hole.
Casting skating flies for nearly four hours during morning gave my friends serenity and satisfaction, but no fish. The steelhead were occupying this run in large quantities which would become evident once the first chromer broke the surface and began his fight for survival against the great odds of the luring Blue Fox. And then the second, third, fourth, and fifth in the hole directly below us.
Skating flies in military unison down a mile long run proved to be scenic, energizing, wholesome, everything but fully satisfying. The one element that proved to be lacking was that tug of power that rips line out of your hand with amazing speed.
Our efforts turned to egg sucking leeches, nymphs of different sorts, and long nasty furs to entice the mid day steelie from its post in the hot summer sun. All to no avail save for a strike on a large trout early in the morning that slithered its way back into the majestic Deschutes before he became captured.
Considering we arrived at 5 in the morning and left around 5 in the evening, the trip still produced some fond memories as the lower Deschutes always does. The fish that were landed were bright chrome and plain as day before us, we just couldn't muster the fly to turn any heads and rip any lips today...
We slept for three hours and headed out towards Wagonblast sometime around 4am. The cool breeze sent head wind diving down the bike trail en route for our travels making the four mile trip a bit of a doozy with three hours sleep. Stepping into the water with the dark blue hues still lingering far above the canyon's reach, our persistence paid off with available wading water in God's most precious hole.
Casting skating flies for nearly four hours during morning gave my friends serenity and satisfaction, but no fish. The steelhead were occupying this run in large quantities which would become evident once the first chromer broke the surface and began his fight for survival against the great odds of the luring Blue Fox. And then the second, third, fourth, and fifth in the hole directly below us.
Skating flies in military unison down a mile long run proved to be scenic, energizing, wholesome, everything but fully satisfying. The one element that proved to be lacking was that tug of power that rips line out of your hand with amazing speed.
Our efforts turned to egg sucking leeches, nymphs of different sorts, and long nasty furs to entice the mid day steelie from its post in the hot summer sun. All to no avail save for a strike on a large trout early in the morning that slithered its way back into the majestic Deschutes before he became captured.
Considering we arrived at 5 in the morning and left around 5 in the evening, the trip still produced some fond memories as the lower Deschutes always does. The fish that were landed were bright chrome and plain as day before us, we just couldn't muster the fly to turn any heads and rip any lips today...
posted by Travis Vance
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
August 12 . 11
1
of 4Buck Hollow to the Mouth
Just spent three days floating from Buck Hollow to the Mouth in search of steel. Fishing was definitely slow on the upper end of the float, but by the time we got down river away things really started picking up. It seemed like the biggest concentrations of fish were from Lockit down. Dry lines during the low light hours and sink tips and leeches during the day produced fish. The fish hooked were some of the hottest steelhead you can imagine! Multiple jumps and line-ripping runs were the norm! Only one fish landed was of hatchery origin, the rest were wild--awesome! Although I didn't take an 'official' temperature, water temps were noticeably cooler than they were last week. Now is the time. Get out there!
posted by Neal Burrell
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
August 08 . 11
1
of 3Some Pics From the D
posted by Andy Archer
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
August 07 . 11
Trout or Steel?
The Trout fishing on the Lower D this week has been a bit tougher. I think the fish finally realized it was August. Nymphing can produce throughout the day, but you will most likely work fairly hard to get numbers of fish. Fishing the surface requires some stealth, a lot of hiking up and down banks and finding the right shaded trees, that will produce. Carry all stages of caddis, spent to emerging, and be cautious as you approach your targets. You can often spot fish in shallow water, under the canopy of a good sized tree, but getting there might require some good casting skills. The bow and arrow cast becomes an important tool, as well as a thoughtful game plan. It's not crowded, so you'll have plenty of water to yourself.
The Steelhead season has started, but it's been a bit slow. Anglers are working hard to find a fish or two. Highest concentrations of fish will be in the Lowest 15 miles or so. Cover lots of water this time of year, you just might find a run that has a few fish in it. Early in the day is your best option as temps will be the coolest. It seems to be reaching close to 70 near Hertitage Landing in the late afternoons, so be you may just forgo a evening session if this is the case. Take a thermometer with you and watch closely, above 68 is tough. Early in the day floating lines and small traditional style flies are great. Size 4-8 are good choices. When the sun gets higher in the sky a sinking tip and a larger profile fly is a good option. We will see what this season brings, as there are plenty of fish in the Columbia.
posted by Dave Kalinowski
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
July 28 . 11
Late July Lower D
Had the pleasure of spending the day fishing with Kevin and his wife Erin on the Lower Deschutes from Warm Springs to Trout Creek on Monday. Temperatures peaked at around 83, and it was fairly windy. Fishing was good with both small nymphs and dry flies. During the day we nymphed most of the riffles and threw dries along the banks and in the eddies. The fish were spooky but cooperated with us a few times which made it a great day. Small Sparkle pupas, x-caddis', and E/C Caddis' were working well.
posted by Andy Archer
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
July 25 . 11
1
of 3Chasing ghosts...
Being a total steelhead nerd, I sometimes do things that most sane people would not even consider. Case in point: I had Sunday off and decided I wanted to swing flies for steel. I left Bend with a buddy at 10:30 pm on Saturday night, arriving at Kloan around 2:00 am on Sunday morning. We loaded up our packs and took off down the railroad tracks toward our destination. We arrived at our run a little after three, rigged our Speys, and promptly passed out in the grass for a hour and a half. At 5:00, we were the first ones with wet lines in our run. The river wasn't crowded, but other people slowly started showing up, including a jet boat with about 6 people throwing spinners. The morning felt extremely fishy, as we got first dibs at some of the best swing water on the lower 5 miles. However, it was all to no avail. We fished through the morning then took a break to nap and take a swim. We then moved upriver and switched to Skagit setups with heavy sink tips for the afternoon session. Alas, it was not meant to be. All we had to show for our effort turned out to be a couple of squawfish and three redsides. Hopefully the fish are just a little late this year, not non-existent. Good luck out there!
posted by Neal Burrell
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
July 22 . 11
Early Steel and Caddis
Well, efforts from Deschutes regular's are slowly switching from trout to steel. This is a great time to be a D angler, as there are multiple options for your fishing pleasures. The Steelhead run has started slowly, but the last week has seen an increase of fish moving up the Columbia. Hopefully good numbers are starting to take the right turn into the Deschutes. The lowest 25 miles from Mack's Canyon down is where to focus your early efforts. Cover lots of water and you just may find a few fish. The trout fishing has held strong, as the caddis are popping and the fish are eating them. Look to shade trees in the afternoon's and the last couple hours of the day can be epic. When probing the mid day sun drenched water, try sinking nymphs deep into the buckets, below riffled water. You may need to add split shot to get through the heavy currents. The best options are Mayfly nymphs in size 16 or so along with caddis larvae and pupa.
posted by Dave Kalinowski
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
July 21 . 11
1
of 16Warm Springs to Trout Creek on the Lower Deschutes River
Another beautiful day in Central Oregon on the Deschutes River. I had the privilege to float the lower section from Warm Springs to Trout Creek with some of the crew from Fly & Field Outfitters here in Bend, Oregon. Scott, Kevin and his dad Bob and myself all had a blast, and toughly enjoined every moment from put-in to take-out. I'm sure if we were skunked we still would have had an epic day viewing the high desert beauty, but that wasn't the case. The caddis were in full effect, swarming everywhere! There were a ton of hoppers too, but I don't think we even had time to even throw any type of hopper profile on the water as the caddis were sufficient, perhaps next time through. Scott and Kevin were amazing at spotting the hugest fish I've seen in a while, they even talked them into accepting their presentations.
Photography www.arianstevens.com posted by Arian Stevens
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
July 20 . 11
Lower Deschutes Dry Fly
Lower Deschutes flows continue to drop a little more and water temps. are increasing slightly. We're picking up a few fish nymphing the riffles during the day. Best action has been evening time fishing caddis and pmd dries in the back eddies.
posted by Chris Lundberg
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
July 15 . 11
1
of 4Kids and redsides!
The Hobin family (Bill, Ben, Will) booked a day float on the Lower river with me yesterday. The river is in typical summer mode--slow fishing during the day and then a caddis blitz during the last three hours of daylight. The boys had a great time throwing dry flies to fat redsides and managed to bring some nice fish to the net. Will (12 yrs. old) hooked the fish of the day right before dark, a 17" redside, that unfortunately broke off due to a tangle in his reel. Next time!
posted by Neal Burrell
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
July 14 . 11
Early Hunt for Steelhead
Well, headed out for a day and a half of Steelhead fishing on the "Lower" Lower Deschutes. We employed every tactic and in some very likely water only to come home empty handed. This was no surprise with the counts being low and the water in the Columbia cooler than the Deschutes, but you can't catch them from the couch and one hot chromer will keep you smiling' for days, so had to try. There should be more fish arriving daily. I took a temp. of 61 in the morning and it reached 63 in late afternoon. The Columbia is right around 60 at The Dalles Dam, so I would expect more fish to make the right turn as soon as the Columbia warms a bit more. We will just have to see how it all plays out. Good luck if you go.
posted by Dave Kalinowski
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
July 09 . 11
1
of 5Caddis Action!
My buddy and I woke up at the crack of noon and fished until dark between Warm Springs and Trout Creek on Tuesday. The hot weather made fishing conditions fantastic for caddis, and we fished dries all day long. We fished tree lines while the sun was high; focusing our efforts on stalking fish in the shade next to the banks. The trout are smart this time of year, so the presentation of the fly must be as close to the natural as possible. General Caddis dries like elk hair's and x-caddis' drew most of our strikes during the day, and we were lucky enough to get some PMD action in the evenings. Be prepared to work for your fish, these trout know whats up, so don't get down if the fish aren't cooperating, just move on to the next tree. The most important piece of advice I can give is stay out until the sun is off the water! The fish and bug activity increases during this time, and it can be epic in the evenings.
posted by Andy Archer
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
July 09 . 11
Lower Deschutes Caddis!
My buddy and I woke up at the crack of noon and fished until dark between Warm Springs and Trout Creek on Tuesday. The hot weather made fishing conditions fantastic for caddis, and we fished dries all day long. We fished tree lines while the sun was high; focusing our efforts on stalking fish in the shade next to the banks. The trout are smart this time of year, so the presentation of the fly must be as close to the natural as possible. General Caddis dries like elk hair's and x-caddis' drew most of our strikes during the day, and we were lucky enough to get some PMD action in the evenings. Be prepared to work for your fish, these trout know whats up, so don't get down if the fish aren't cooperating, just move on to the next tree. The most important piece of advice I can give is stay out until the sun is off the water! The fish and bug activity increases during this time, and it can be epic in the evenings.
posted by Andy Archer
link to This Postfiled under Lower Deschutes
June 27 . 11
Photo shoot on the D
posted by Scott Cook
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Deschutes River
The Deschutes River, Oregon: Arguably one of the most famous rivers in the world, the Deschutes River, Oregon offers tremendous fly fishing opportunities in Read More... its' pursuit to the mighty Columbia River. Beginning deep in the heart of the Oregon Cascades the Deschutes River, Oregon, known as the Upper Deschutes, makes its' way from Little Lava Lake through two famous impoundments, Crane Prairie and Wickiup Reservoirs. Here, the river has created a haven for estuary birds and larger than life Rainbow and Brown Trout. As the Deschutes River, Oregon spills out continuing its journey to the Columbia, the river takes on a new face and meanders through meadows and marshes with a Cascadian backdrop of snow covered volcanic peaks and giant Ponderosa Pines. As the river eventually drops more than 700 feet it carves a canyon through 4000 year old lava flows creating a white water boaters playground. Although the river's pulse is erratic and sometimes downright cardiac, it still hosts good populations of Rainbow and Brown Trout for the adventure angler. As it slows for a breathe of air, the Deschutes River, Oregon quietly glides into the city of Bend. At this point the river gives up more than 90% of its flow into the Central Oregon Irrigation Districts vast canal system. This incredible system creates a stable farming economy and bread basket of crops and turf in an otherwise desolate region. The remaining flow, considered by most to be the Middle Deschutes, continues its trek north through rugged and treacherous canyon country. This stretch offers year round fishing and some of the most prolific desert vistas. Home to Rainbow and Brown Trout, the Middle has very difficult access yet rewards those that venture into her intense beauty. Tiring from its course through the canyon, the Middle rivers' final progression finds its way to Lake Billy Chinook, the last impoundment. This great high desert reservoir, covering 4000 acres, was created in 1964 by the implementation of a hydro electrical dam known as Round Butte. Stretching over 400 feet high and 1500 feet in length this dam swallows up nearly 600,000 acre feet of water that flows in from an area of 7000 square miles. This desert oasis is the embodiment of the Metolious, Crooked, and the Deschutes Rivers. Now, on its final 100 mile leg of the 250 mile journey, the Lower Deschutes is made. This most famous stretch of the Deschutes boasts incredible populations of the west's hardest fighting wild Rainbow Trout, the "Redsides", as well as home to the elusive Summer Steelhead runs. At an average flow of 5500 cfs, the river plows to the Columbia with an intense vertical drop of 1200 feet causing the canyon rim to peer down at you some 2000 feet above. The Deschutes River, Oregon’s shear immensity can certainly overwhelm and inspire anyone who travels her. Known for its fly fishing, the Deschutes River, Oregon is still recognized worldwide as a trophy fishery. Prolific hatches of Salmonflies and Stoneflies kick the season off in May and gradually transition into summer Caddis hatches that some would say "are of biblical proportions!" As cooler autumn temperatures arrive, so do the chrome bullets from the Columbia….Steelhead. The summer Steelhead season begins and the Deschutes canyon changes its mood to a fall spectacle of color. Long shadows and harsh Columbia Gorge winds find their way up the canyon to confront the undaunted steelhead angler. Two handed "Spey Rods" and swung wet flies can produce little heart attacks as these hot fish make their way up the river. As the river and the weather cools these fish continue to respond to the fly. Deep presentations with sinking tips and larger flies will pull these "street thugs" from the bottoms where they lie. The battle ensues through December until the last Alder leaf falls to the surface. This is a river that one can only experience its intensity through a physical journey. It flows through memories of past and present. Anglers who venture into the vast canyons return year after year. Now is your time.
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Lower Deschutes
Today:
Sunny, with a high near 43. Light north wind.
Feb 03 Friday  43° 24° Sunny Winds: 4 mph Humidity: 92% Dew Point: 22° Chance Precip: 0% | Feb 04 Saturday 44° 25° Clear Winds: 6 mph Humidity: 94% Dew Point: 23° Chance Precip: 0% | Feb 05 Sunday  45° 25° Mostly Clear Winds: 7 mph Humidity: 88% Dew Point: 22° Chance Precip: 0% | Feb 06 Monday 44° 27° Mostly Clear Winds: 6 mph Humidity: 88% Dew Point: 22° Chance Precip: 0% | Feb 07 Tuesday  43° 29° Partly Cloudy Winds: 6 mph Humidity: 82% Dew Point: 23° Chance Precip: 4% |
Lower Deschutes
Blue-Winged Olive
| Pheasant Tail Nymph | 16-20 | Afternoon |
| Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph | 16-18 | Afternoon |
| Tailwater Tiny Olive | 18-20 | Afternoon |
| Para BWO | 16-18 | Afternoon |
| Hi Vis Para BWO | 16-18 | Afternoon |
| Spun Dun Beatis | 16-18 | Afternoon |
Slate-Winged Olive
| Olive Hare's Ear Nymph | 10-14 | Afternoon |
| Olive Pheasant Tail Nymph | 10-14 | Afternoon |
| Copper John Green Nymph | 10-14 | Afternoon |
| Olive Sparkle Dun | 10-14 | Afternoon |
| Western Green Drake | 10-14 | Afternoon |
| Olive Haze | 10-14 | Afternoon |
Green Drake
| Poxyback Green Drake Nymph | 10 | Afternoon |
| Olive Hare's Ear Nymph | 10-12 | Afternoon |
| Hunchback Green Drake Nymph | 10-12 | Afternoon |
| Green Drake Wulff | 10-12 | Afternoon |
| Trina's Carnage Drake | 10-12 | Afternoon |
Pale Morning Dun
| Pheasant Tail Nymph | 16-18 | Aternoon |
| Trina's Bubbleback Nymph | 16-18 | Aternoon |
| Copper John Nymph | 16-18 | Aternoon |
| Parachute PMD | 14-16 | Aternoon |
| Para Wulff PMD | 14-16 | Aternoon |
| High Vis Para PMD | 14-16 | Aternoon |
Pale Evening Dun
| Copper John Nymph | 12-14 | Evening |
| Hare's Ear Nymph | 12-14 | Evening |
| Pheasant Tail Nymph | 12-14 | Evening |
| Parachute Adams | 12-14 | Evening |
| Parachute PMD | 12-14 | Evening |
| Lite Cahill | 12-14 | Evening |
Mahogany Dun
| Copper John Nymph | 14 | Afternoon |
| Hare's Ear Nymph | 14 | Afternoon |
| Pheasant Tail Nymph | 14 | Afternoon |
| Compara Dun | 14 | Afternoon |
| Compara Dun Purple | 14 | Afternoon |
| Parachute Pheasant Tail | 14 | Afternoon |
March Brown
| Pheasant Tail Nymph | 12-14 | Afternoon |
| Hare's Ear Nymph | 12-14 | Afternoon |
| Copper John Nymph | 12-14 | Afternoon |
| Purple Haze | 12-14 | Afternoon |
| Cripple | 12-14 | Afternoon |
| Parachute Adams | 12-14 | Afternoon |
October Caddis
| Anderson Bird of Prey (Pupa) | 8-10 | Afternoon |
| Super Pupa Amber | 8-10 | Afternoon |
| Stimulator Orange | 8-10 | Afternoon |
| Elk Hair Caddis Orange | 8-10 | Afternoon |
Cased Caddis
| Sparkle Pupa | 14-20 | Evening |
| Peeking Caddis (Pupa) | 14-20 | Evening |
| Silvey's Beadhead Pupa | 14-20 | Evening |
| X-Caddis | 14-20 | Evening |
| Outrigger Caddis | 14-20 | Evening |
| Elk Hair Caddis | 14-20 | Evening |
Net-builder Caddis
| Hair's Ear (Larva) | 12-16 | Morning / Evening |
| Dubbed Caddis (Larva) | 12-16 |
Morning / Evening |
| Serendipy (Larva) | 12-16 |
Morning / Evening |
| Deep Sparkle Pupa | 12-16 |
Morning / Evening |
| Silvey's Beadhead Pupa | 12-16 |
Morning / Evening |
| Edible Emerger (Pupa) | 12-16 |
Morning / Evening |
| Elk Hair Caddis | 12-16 |
Morning / Evening |
| Swisher's Dancing Caddis | 12-16 | Evening |
| PT Caddis | 12-16 | Evening |
Rock Worm Caddis
| Serendipity (Larva) | 14-16 | Morning / Evening |
| Caddis Larva | 14-16 |
Morning / Evening |
| Brassie (Larva) | 14-16 |
Morning / Evening |
| Silvey's Beadhead Pupa | 14-16 |
Morning / Evening |
| Edible Emerger (Pupa) | 14-16 |
Afternoon / Evening |
| Sparkle Pupa | 14-16 |
Afternoon / Evening |
| Elk Hair Caddis | 14-16 |
Afternoon / Evening |
| X-Caddis | 14-16 |
Afternoon / Evening |
| Outrigger Caddis | 14-16 |
Afternoon / Evening |
Salmonfly
| Lex's Improved RL Stone Black (Nymph) | 4-6 | Morning / Afternoon |
| Tung Trout Retriever Black (Nymph) | 4-6 |
Morning / Afternoon |
| Kauffman's Stone Black (Nymph) | 4-6 |
Morning / Afternoon |
| Rouge Foam Orange | 4-6 |
Afternoon / Evening |
| Stimulator Orange | 4-6 |
Afternoon / Evening |
| Clark's Stonefly | 6 |
Afternoon / Evening |
Golden Stonefly
| Lex's Improved RL Stonefly (Nymph) | 6-10 | Morning / Afternoon |
| Rubber Legs Golden (Nymph) | 6-10 |
Morning / Afternoon |
| Kauffman's Stonefly (Nymph) | 6-10 |
Morning / Afternoon |
| Golden (Nymph) | 6-10 |
Morning / Afternoon |
| Norm Wood's Special | 6-8 |
Afternoon / Evening |
| Chubby Chernobyl Golden | 8-10 |
Afternoon / Evening |
| Stimulator Golden | 6-10 |
Afternoon / Evening |
Yellow Sally Stonefly
| Kyle's Little Yellow Sally (Nymph) | 12-14 | Afternoon / Evening |
| Pyscho Prince (Nymph) | 12-14 |
Afternoon / Evening |
| Little Yellow Solan (Nymph) | 12-14 |
Afternoon / Evening |
| Slow Water Sally | 14 |
Afternoon / Evening |
| Yellow Stimulaor | 12-14 |
Afternoon / Evening |
| Trina's Para Sally | 12-14 |
Afternoon / Evening |
Winter Black Stonefly
| Prince Nymph | 14-16 | Afternoon |
| Dark Lord (Nymph) | 14-16 | Afternoon |
| Trina's Copper Micro Stone Black (Nymph) | 14-16 | Afternoon |
| Black Parachute | 14-16 | Afternoon |
| Stimulator Black | 14-16 | Afternoon |
| Elk Hair Caddis Black | 14-16 | Afternoon |
Skwalla Stonefly
| Speckled Girdle Bug Brown (Nymph) | 8-10 | Afternoon |
| Kauffman's Stone Brown (Nymph) | 8-10 | Afternoon |
| Biot Stone Brown (Nymph) | 8-10 | Afternoon |
| Stimulator Brown | 8-10 | Afternoon |
| Bullethead Skwalla | 8-10 | Afternoon |
| Trin'a Carnage Stone Skwalla | 8-10 | Afternoon |
Cranefly
| Silvey's Cranefly Larva | 14 | Afternoon |
| Serendipity (Larva) | 14 | Afternoon |
| Cranefly Larva | 12 | Afternoon |
| Idyl's Parachute Cranefly | 12-14 | Afternoon |
| Silvey's Cranefit | 16 | Afternoon |
| Parachute PMD | 12-14 | Afternoon |
Midge
| Tung Zebra Midge (Pupa) | 18-22 | All Day |
| Serendipity (Pupa) | 18-22 | All Day |
| Rainbow Warrior (Pupa) | 18-22 | All Day |
| Griffith's Gnat | 18-22 | All Day |
| Renegade | 18-22 | All Day |
| Winker's Midge | 18-22 | All Day |