Lower Deschutes Opener!
April 24, 2020
The Lower opened in its entirety on 4/22. There is still ZERO BOATING ACCESS for the whole 100 miles. This restriction goes through the end of April. Initial reports are that the fishing is good. The flows have been low all year, so temps are coming up. No stoneflies are showing up yet, but all indications are that we’ll see an early year for the big bug. Down around Maupin, it’s only a week or two from “game time” while closer to the dam, we anticipate a Mother’s Day explosion. For now, the typical early season stuff is working. Try Jimmy Legs with a Hare’s Ear behind it. You can still use pretty heavy tippets (3 and 4x) as the fish are not shy. As for access, everything from around the ramp at Warm Springs to Mecca Flats and Trout Creek are good. Please be mindful that the trout are still in spawning mode. Do not fish over paired up trout. And always make sure you’re not wading around spawning areas. Look for mid-day March Browns and Blue-winged Olive dry fly in eddies and soft water.