The Upper Deschutes has been consistent. There’s no doubt that there’s a few less fish in the river than last year, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find fish. It’ll be pretty cold up there for most of this week. Blue wing olives and midges are likely excellent dry flies. Pale morning duns will probably hatch for a bit during the warmer periods of the day. A few caddis may be out and about but don’t expect tons of them. Small mayfly nymphs and midges have the most potential subsurface. While nymphing, focus on pools and the undercut banks, if you can get them in there. Streamers have potential and they can be easier to get in front of the fish hiding under the logs and banks. It may not get warm up there until next week, but that’s a good thing. We really need this period of rain and cool temperatures to decrease the odds of large wildfires.
Suggested Dries: X-Stimulator #12, Black or Tan Elk Hair Caddis #14-18, Black or Tan Foam Caddis #14-18, Purple Haze #14-18, Tilt Wing PMD #14-18, Parachute PMD #14-18, Black Stimulator #14-16, Parachute Adams #14-18, CDC Flying Ant #14-16, Black or Cinnamon Foam Ant #14-16, Hackle Stacker Baetis #16-20, Parachute Baetis #16-20.
Suggested Nymphs: Red or Black Copper John #14-18, Red or Black Lightning Bug #14-18, Red or Black Two Bit Hooker #16-20, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, FB Pheasant Tail #14-18, Micro Mayfly #16-20, Pearl or Red Rainbow Warrior #16-20.