Summertime Caddis are in full swing on the Lower Deschutes. The slight bump in temperatures has really solidified the consistency of the hatch, and with a couple of days forecasted in the upper 90s next week we should be getting right into the peak of the hatch. There is incredible structure and habitat for the adult Caddis on the Lower Deschutes, and fish are concentrated near the trees and shade that attract masses of bugs.
The most consistent dry fly fishing is always in the evening, but there will be groups of fish feeding heavily on Caddis through most afternoons. The best approach to fishing the Caddis hatch on the Lower D is typically to pick a fish or two off in an area of concentrated feeding activity, then to move relatively quickly to the next tree or backeddy that holds feeding fish. It can also be worth taking a moment to sit and watch the feeding fish rather than blindly throwing a cast into the feeding zone. A good 5 minute break and watchful eye can reveal the true character of the fish feeding, and is the best way to target the big fish that hold close to the banks this time of year.
The nymphing on the Lower Deschutes has also been quite good. The benefits of the high water cleanse that the lower river got this spring are starting to show in the abundant bugs and healthy trout that seem to be all over the place. For those who’d like consistent fishing throughout the day without the searching aspect of fishing dries, a two fly indicator rig with medium-small Mayfly nymphs and Caddis pupa patterns will perform in all of the standard holding water. As always, it is good to fish the pupa as the last fly on the leader so that it is presented properly as swings towards the bank at the end of its drift.
Suggested Dries: Tan X-Caddis #14-18, Tan Cutter’s Caddis #14-18, Tan Foam Bodied Caddis #14-18, Tan Henry’s Fork Caddis #16-18, Edible Emerger #14-18 Tilt Wing PMD #16-18, Hackle Stacker PMD #16-18, Parachute Adams #16-18, Purple Haze #16-18
Suggested Nymphs: Jigged CDC PT #14-16, Duracell Jig #16-18, Bullet Quill #16-18, Jigged Hare’s Ear #14-16, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, Tan Sparkle Pupa #14-18, Nitro Caddis Pupa #14-18, Holy Grail HE #14-16, HE or PT Soft Hackle #14-18, Black or Red Two Bit Hooker #16-20, Brown Micro Mayfly #18-20, Black or Red Copper John #14-18, Olive or HE Anato-May #14-20, BH Pheasant Tail #14-18, Black or Red Zebra Midge #16-20, WD50 #16-20, Pearl or Black Rainbow Warrior #16-20