Trout fishing has been good on the Lower Deschutes, most fish are coming on nymphs but there are still enough small Caddis around to bring fish to the surface occasionally throughout the afternoon. There are decent numbers of big October Caddis around as well, and fish will take a big #10-12 orange stimulator or similar pattern when conditions are right. Big Stonefly Nymphs and October Caddis pupa patterns are producing good numbers of fish, with smaller Caddis pupa patterns and Mayfly emergers also finding nice Redsides looking to pack in the calories before the cold of winter shuts down some of the insect activity.
Steelhead are around but have been a pretty rare reward for those who are spending a lot of time on the water. Fish are coming on both nymphs and swung flies, work to cover as much water as possible to find one of the fish that are spread well through the system at this point. For the stretch nearest Bend, this is just about the best time of year for targeting Steelhead so get out and spend some time on the water. Expect to catch plenty of trout and hope for the elusive Steelhead! For those of us swinging flies we are still bringing fish to traditionals on a dry line, but finding the best numbers of fish with a small dark Hohbo Spey or Intruder style patterns on a light sink tip.
Suggested Dries: X Caddis #16-18, Tan Elk Hair Caddis #16-18, Cutters Caddis #16-18, Tan, Henry’s Fork Caddis #16-20, Tilt Wing PMD #16-18, Tilt Wing Mahogany #16-18, Tilt Wing BWO #16-20, Clarks Stone #8-10, Norm Woods Special #8-10, Orange X-Stimulator #8-10
Suggested Nymphs: Black or Brown Jimmy Legs #8-12, Jigged CDC Pheasant Tail #14-16, Jigged Hare’s Ear #14-16, Deep October Pupa #8-10, Anderson’s Tung Bird of Prey October Caddis #8, Red Two Bit Hooker #16-18, Soft Hackle PT #14-18, Olive Soft Hackle #14-18, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, Real BH Hare’s Ear #14-18
Steelhead Nymphs: Double Bead Peacock Stone #8, Red Copper Swan #10, Deep October Pupa #8-10, Jimmy Legs #8-12, Egg Patterns