The Lower Deschutes has had good fishing over the past week. With the forecast showing below-average temperatures, we can expect that to continue. Caddis and pale morning duns are still the major hatches. Now that temperatures are dipping slightly, some days will likely have more PMD action than caddis. Terrestrials are also a good bet, especially if the canyon gets a bit windy. Nymphing has been consistent with PMD nymphs, caddis pupa, euro-style jigged flies, and stoneflies for getting down deep. Swinging soft hackles, caddis pupa or small streamers is a really fun way to switch things up and get a tight line grab or two. We’ve finally started to see a small bump in the steelhead numbers and water temperatures continue to stay below 70 degrees in the lower section of the river. Cooler than average temperatures for the foreseeable future are great news for the steelhead, the only thing we need now is a wet weather pattern. Hopefully, we receive a solid rainfall within the next couple of weeks.
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