The Lower Deschutes has been fishing well. The below-average temperatures forecasted for the next couple of days will make for some excellent fishing. Dry fly hatches are still predominately caddis and pale morning duns. Cool-weather can switch things from being caddis dominant to mayfly dominant and it can also cause the hatches to pop off a bit earlier than normal. Nymphing has been the way to go for midday fishing. Caddis pupa and PMD nymphs are great choices as are, bullet quill nymphs, two-bit hookers, and perdigons. Stonefly nymphs can be a good searching pattern if you’re fishing deep. If you’ve got a trout spey remember to bring that to the Lower, it’s a great time to swing soft hackles, pupa, and small sculpin patterns. Even if you don’t have a trout spey, swinging soft hackles and pupa can be a super-effective way to get some aggressive takes. With some luck, we won’t see much more heat this year and the fish will get a much-needed break from abnormally high water temperatures.
Recommended Dries: Hackle Stacker PMD #14-18, Parachute PMD #14-18, Black or Tan Elk Hair Caddis #12-20, X-Caddis #12-20
Recommended Nymphs: Jimmy Legs #8 Black or Brown, Jigged Hares Ear #14-16, Jigged Pheasant Tail #14-16, Psycho Prince #14-16, Duracell Jig #14-18, Copper John #14-18, Split Back PMD #18, Olive or Tan Sparkle Pupa #16-18, Nitro Caddis Pupa #16-18