The Deschutes River is one of if not the most sought-after fly fishing destinations in Oregon. It boasts an incredible population of wild red bands, brown trout, whitefish, and steelhead throughout its 252-mile course. The Deschutes cannot simply be generalized as a single river sporting similar structure, species, or flow. Three distinct sections of the river have unique personalities that challenge anglers with different styles of fly fishing. Want to stalk brookies and rainbows in crystal-clear spring water? Then head to the headwaters of the Deschutes armed with light tippet and small dries. But if you are more interested in feeling the singing of a reel as a steelhead runs downstream, then the Lower Deschutes will be your scene. There is something for everyone on the Deschutes River if you plan to visit Central Oregon or pick up a new outdoor hobby.
Lower Deschutes River Fly Fishing
The Lower Deschutes is the most well-known and popular fishing location in Oregon. The feisty summer run steelhead and the epic salmonfly hatch put the Lower Deschutes on the shortlist for some of the best fly fishing in the Western United States. Insect activity is plentiful throughout the Lower Deschutes and incredible hatches occur in all seasons.
Due to its spring-fed tributaries and dam-controlled water flow, there are stable water temps throughout the year that make for consistent hatches and fish activity. Also, due to the lower elevation of the river, it has a much more mild climate that rarely drops below freezing. This makes it an ideal winter trout fishing locale despite receiving relatively little pressure during the late fall to early spring.
One of my favorite times to fish the Lower D is the weeks leading up to the salmonfly hatch when the days are starting to get warm and there are still few anglers on the water. The salmonfly hatch serves as a wake-up call to anglers but if you are ahead of the game it can make for epic nymphing and dry fly fishing in the weeks leading up to the emergence of the big bugs and the anglers. The fish feast on the giant stonefly’s nymphs as they respond to rising temperatures. The active insects trigger a feeding frenzy that makes for great days of throwing huge Pat’s Rubber Legs either under an indicator or tight line. During this time there can be great hatches of Blue Wing Olives and March Browns.
The steelhead fishing adds even more allure to an already prolific trout fishery. Fish begin moving into the Deschutes during mid-summer and continue until December but for this article, I will focus on trout fishing in the Lower D.
Notable Hatches
Salmonfly
During May and June, the Lower D becomes a mecca for fly anglers wanting to take part in one of the earliest salmonfly hatches of the year. Thousands of these insects make their way to the bank and emerge from their nymphal form into their adult form in full color. Their distinct black and orange bodies paint the bushes and blades of grass along the bank with hungry redsides patiently waiting for them to topple into the water.
The takes are vicious and explosive when the fish realize that there is a food source directly above their heads but often it can take up to a week of naturals emerging on the bank for them to key in on the adults. The plethora of nymphs makes a great food source for the trout and they might be reluctant to abandon an easy meal. Cover ground and target extremely likely overhangs and brush banks to find those fish attacking adults early in the hatch. Otherwise, continue to fish nymphs and find fish looking for plentiful food sources.
In the peak of the action, the fishing can be incredible, with a large, fat redside under every branch and bush. When fishing a dry I will abandon the dropper method in favor of a solo dry fly when fishing for myself or clients. There is simply no room for a few feet of tippet off the back of the dry when casting in tight windows where the dry-fly-eating fish are waiting for their next victim. The compromise of a dry dropper may impede your dry fly fishing as and your nymphing.
Accessing the correct water can be difficult during this hatch due to increased flows from the dam and thick brush along the bank. Getting your fly a few more inches under the overhanging structure will oftentimes be the difference between a great day or a frustrating day of casting. Do not be scared of tangling your fly in a bush or limb. If you are not getting stuck in trees then you are probably not targeting the correct water. Approaching water from the upstream side can also be an effective method of finding fish. Feed the line downstream and wait for the eruption from under the leaves. Heavy tippet is needed when the fish are still dumb to artificial flies. Once they have seen a lot of bugs and flies there may be a need for lighter tippet. I opt for 1x-3x 7.5ft leaders to turn over the large flies and wrestle flies out of bushes.
A 6wt with a short and heavy-headed fly line, like the Scientific Angler MPX, works the best for me. In tight casting scenarios, there is no room for carrying a line. There must be adequate weight to load the rod and send it firing under a tree. In most cases, do not worry about delicate presentation. It helps to have the bug smack down onto the water. The naturals make a ton of commotion when they hit the water and struggle to reach the bank before a river monster makes them their lunch.
Golden Stonefly
The Golden Stonefly hatch on the Lower Deschutes is overshadowed in some ways by the Salmonfly hatch that occurs simultaneously. If you walk the banks of the Deschutes in early June you will see the brightly colored salmonflies and golden stones dotting the leaves and bushes. The Golden Stones are a slightly smaller cousin of the Giant Salmonfly but Goldens still represent a healthy meal for a trout. Both their nymphs and adult stages are important to have in your box.
If you visit the Deschutes in search of dry fly action with only size 4 and 6 orange stonefly imitations you may find them refusing your flies or ignoring them altogether because they are more focused on adult golden stones. Golden stones range in size from 10-6 size patterns. They become more important on the tail end of the giant stonefly hatches but can be fished effectively throughout the entire emergence.
If the fish have seen a lot of anglers and massive salmonfly imitations it can pay to put on a smaller golden stone pattern that can be artfully presented to wary trout. It is still a big fly and the takes can be just as electric but the smaller fly may be a more attractive option to trout when both insects are present. Switching up patterns and techniques can be important when fishing such a high-pressured and popular hatch. Fishing the golden stone is very similar to a salmonfly, targeting grassy banks, trees, and logs is very productive. But don’t neglect fishing seams coming off of structure either. Fish sit in the seam below these trees and logs waiting for insects below.
Caddis
But the Lower Deschutes has plenty of fly fishing opportunities if you want to avoid the crowds of the salmonfly hatch and target fish during the remaining months of the year. Caddis are the next big hatch on the Deschutes and can be the most technical dry fly action the river has to offer. Oftentimes, the rising fish remain in the hidden alcoves of trees and bushes that harbor refuge for the fish from ospreys but also put them near the caddis buzzing in the trees. Prepare yourself to make awkward angled casts to reach these fish. There are a variety of caddis that occur throughout the season, from tiny size 20 black caddis to giant October Caddis in the autumn.
Additionally, the large recirculating pools hold big cruising fish that prey on the cripples and spent caddis. These fish are harder to fool because they have all the time in the world to inspect your fly. I’ve seen fish backpedal in the water staring at my fly only to reject it when it caught a slight drag in the current. Drag-free drifts and a delicate approach are useful when targeting these wary fish. A longer leader and smaller tippet can mean the difference between catching fish and simply watching them rise amongst your fly.
After fishing all day, working hard for each fish under every tree, and casting long leaders to finicky fish in eddies, the sun is setting and you’re thinking about the cold beer waiting in the cooler at the truck, but instead now is the time to pick up the rod and find a nice flat or riffle to fish the evening hatch. The “magic hour” right before complete darkness is the best time to be on the river. Fish are bolder and move into more open water as the caddis dance upon the water and the sun sinks below the canyon walls. Tie on your favorite caddis pattern and look for the easy rhythm of a large fish eating caddis-nose and tail while ignoring the large splashes from the 10 inches. Eventually, the fly becomes invisible and the angler can only guess if their fly is preyed upon and the final fish hits the net.
Gear for Fly Fishing the Lower Deschutes
Having the appropriate gear for trout on the Lower Deschutes is imperative as it is deep and fast which means anglers are often throwing heavy bugs to get down into the strike zone. Additionally, the swift current gives the already feisty redsides an advantage when you find them at the end of your line. The wading can be difficult in some instances, especially if the angler wants to fish water seldom fished by others. This usually means scrabbling down rocks and wading into deeper currents. Preparation is key and equipping yourself with the right fishing and wading tools can be a serious advantage when visiting the Deschutes.
Recommended Gear
Studded Boots
Whether you like felt or rubber a studded boot can be a great help on the slippery and uneven rocks on the Deschutes. Quality wading attire is needed since the river has unique regulations that do not allow fishing from the boat and all the fishing time will be from the bank.
Wading Staff
An extra point of contact is a great idea when wading the Deschutes even if you
are an extremely strong wader. The staff can help get to trickier spots and add a bit of
security in the strong current.
Waders
Solid waders are a must when fishing the Deschutes since a majority of your time is out of the boat or walking the bank. The water is cold as it exits the dam throughout the year and waders are recommended most of the time except the warmest of days.
Rods
Like most trout fisheries, a 9ft 5wt will get you by on the Deschutes River, but I find that I rarely pull mine out when fishing for myself. If I am indicator fishing I prefer a medium fast action 6wt in 9ft or 10ft varieties that can punch through the wind and throw heavy flies.
Additionally, the 6wt throws large salmonfly dries much more efficiently than a 5wt, especially if there is a dropper off the bend of the hook. Euro nymphing with a 10-11ft 3wt is a great way to fish the Deschutes as well. The heavy tungsten beaded flies and constant contact through the leader produce dividends in the fast pockets and shelves of the Deschutes.
When fishing smaller dry flies on the Deschutes the 9ft 4wt excels. The lighter rod protects the tippet readily and can make delicate casts when needed. Most days I try to bring multiple rods to the river, one for dry fly fishing and one for nymphing.
Reels
Reels are simple. Use one that properly matches the weight of your rod and line. A large arbor reel with a smooth drag is a plus when fighting fish in a strong current.
Access to the Lower Deschutes River
There are various places to access the Deschutes depending on where you are coming from. The best trout fishing section of the Deschutes is from Pelton Dam to Maupin. This water stays the coldest and has the most insect activity. If you are coming from the North then Maupin will be your closest stop. But if you are coming from the South or East the Warm Springs Boat Launch to Trout Creek Campground stretch will be the most accessible.
This is known as the Day Stretch to guides and fly anglers in the area and is the most fished section of the river. There is a trail along this stretch that starts at Mecca Flats Campground and ends at Trout Creek. This 7.5-mile stretch offers some of the best fishing on the river and places to camp for an extended stay. The West side of the Deschutes River is The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation and requires a permit to access by foot or boat. Make sure to check up on local regulations as the upper portion of the river from Pelton Dam is closed to the Northern Boundary of the Warm Springs Reservation from January 1 to April 21.
Lower Deschutes Guided Floats
Fly fishing the Lower Deschutes with a guide is a fantastic way to experience the picturesque canyon views and access less-pressured water. The float is around 10 miles of river that is fished throughout the day. There is no fishing from the boat and instead, anglers exit the boat and have intimate fishing time with each run. As the guide, I provide the lunches, drinks, and equipment needed for a great day. Contact me for any inquiries or questions about trips.
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