Trout fishing has been good on the Lower Deschutes, and we now have less than a month to squeeze in any fishing we plan to do down in the Warm Springs area. Things are finally starting to feel like Winter and frosty mornings and blustery days have more people thinking about tying flies or going skiing than throwing a fly on the Lower D. Those making the effort to spend some time on the water are still finding plenty of hungry Redsides and, occasionally, the elusive Steelhead Steelhead. With the cold weather expect activity to increase as the day warms. There is little need to be on the water before 10 or 11, and the best fishing typically takes place through the afternoon. Nymphing is the best way to find trout, and working water thoroughly will certainly pay dividends as fish become more sluggish with cooling temperatures. That being said, water temps are still in the high 40s and we are still seeing the occasional fish hammer big Stoneflies and swung Sculpin patterns. Steelhead are coming both on big nymphs and swung flies to those putting in the time.
Suggested Dries: Sparkle Dun BWO #16-20, Carlson’s Olive Haze #16-18, Purple Haze #16-20, BWO Hackle Stacker #16-20, Nunya’s Midge #20-22, Tan or Black Elk Hair Caddis #16-18, Henry’s Fork Caddis #16-18
Suggested Nymphs: Brown or Black Jimmy Legs #8-12, Deep October Pupa #8-10, Anderson’s Tung Bird of Prey October Caddis #8-10, Red or Black Copper John #14-18, Olive Copper Microstone #14-18, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, Soft Hackle Hare’s Ear #14-18, Olive Soft Hackle #16-20, Olive Micro Mayfly #16-20, Olive or Hare’s Ear Anato-May #14-18, Red or Black Two Bit Hooker #16-20, Purple or Black Juju Baetis #16-20