8/3/23

Deschutes River : 3,800 CFS
Fishing (Fair-good)

The Deschutes is running at it’s summer time flows of just under 4,000 CFS
We are definitely in the dogs days of summer now. Water temps remain good, measuring only 55.6 degrees below the dam. We really have had a nice summer so far as far as the weather goes, with out any really prolonged heat spells and just seasonably warm temperatures in the 80-90’s Which to some is still hot, but that is the average or even cool for this time of year. As a result the river condition for the time of year is excellent.

That being said fishing has transitioned a bit over the last week, especially those still wanting to throw dry flies and get into some sweat caddis action. The caddis hatch tends to wane a bit in August.

All the bugs get smaller and smaller! Micro caddis, caddis emergers, and other small caddis patterns (SZ 18) fished in tandem with a larger point fly to see is a good option for those trying to fool fat, sassy trout that seem to be rising on nothing visible first thing in the AM or right before dark.

Otherwise it is a nymph show.. Either deep nymphing under and indicator or euro nymphing works. Swinging streamers this time of year is another good option.. as the big fish are now looking for good meal to subsititute for the missing caddis swarms of early summer.

Deschutes Steelhead Update:

The Deschutes River is currently open to Steelhead fishing through September 15th. According to ODFW’s new steelhead return framework we met the first threshold of 10k wild fish over Bonneville Dam By August first. If 23,100 fish return after the month then the river will remain open for the rest of the season. If not, then the fishery will close September 15th.

There are currently reports of fish being caught in the lower, lower river (from the mouth, all the way up to Maupin). Though open, historically the runs are still low. Continuing to angle for these fish while they are obviously struggling numbers-wise is a personal decision we all will have to make. Although I know, according to conversations with ODFW, that they want people to have the opportunity to continue fishing for them, helping keep their plight relevant. With participation comes interest in and a desire to preserve. Basically, without participation, there is no interest in conservation. So, go out and find a beautiful run to swing a wet fly first thing in the morning (don’t fish in water over 68 degrees, which the river temperatures can exceed this time of year). Enjoy the art of the pursuit, fish with a barbless fly. Set the expectations, and if you are lucky enough to get a pull on the line, fight the fish quickly and keep them in the water, minimizing handling!

Crooked River Fly Fishing Reports

254 CFS – Fishing Good

The Crooked is running at a great water level now for fishing. These fish in this river are extremely resilient, and are doing well after having the river nearly de watered last fall then experiencing very high flows in Spring.

This time of year you see hatches of PMD’s and Caddis (Glossamma) or saddle cased caddis.
These are the big caddis that you see attached to the rocks out there. You can represent those with a size 12 Parachute Caddis, which also make great point flies for some dry, dropper action. Lots of nymphs work too, with small flash back Pheasant tails, Split cased PMD patterns, and midge patterns popular fly choices as a dropper or nymphed.