RV & CAMPING RESERVATIONS

Category: Deschutes River Fly Fishing Reports

Reports on fly fishing the Deschutes River specifically!

Deschutes Report, Steelhead Forecast & Crooked R. Reports

info August 19, 2024 In Deschutes River Fly Fishing Reports Comments Off on Deschutes Report, Steelhead Forecast & Crooked R. Reports

Deschutes & Crooked River Fly Fishing Report

Deschutes Fishing Reports:
Deschutes River – Fishing on the Deschutes is fair to good right now. August in many ways equals the dead days of summer on the river. Caddis activity is lessening, the heat tends to burn out the bugs a bit, but the water temps are still really good, and we have been seeing some really nice fish caught of late! Deep water nymphing, Euro nymphing, and streamer fishing are all good techniques to catch fish right now! Look for the dry fly fishing to improve late in the season again for caddis. For now though best to go deep. 

Deschutes Steelhead Forecast: There have been some good reports from the mouth already and the numbers over the dams so far are really encouraging. A lil early to get too excited but things are off to a good start for Steelhead this season! There are certain escapement quotas and a minimum return for wild fish that need to be met for the season to remain open, we needed 18,700 wild steelhead over Bonneville Dam by 7/31, the total count was 24k so we exceeded that by a bit, again good news!

The best place to catch a steelhead on the Deschutes depends on the time. From now thru August the lower, lower river below Macks Canyon will be the place to be. In September the fish will start to really work up river, by the end of the month they will be through out the system. 

 Late September and October are best. By late October and November the steelhead really start to stack up in the upper river near Warm Springs. Fishing can be really good then but weather can start to be a factor… though not for those die hards that are out there until the close of the season in December!

In you would like more info on our fall trout and steelhead guide trips or have any other questions. Feel free to give a ring to the fly shop  541-553-2589 or email us.

Crooked River – The Crooked is still fishing really good. Hatches of PMD’s and caddis can make for some great dry fly fishing out on the Crooked in the summer. Also this time of year you can fish Hopper patterns too, which make for great point flies or indicators for Hopper/dropper fishing. A great technique that can keep the algae off the lines more than if you are trying to use a typical nymph setup.  The usual small midge and mayfly patterns are working still as well.

Fishing Reports

info July 9, 2024 In Deschutes River Fly Fishing Reports, Other Fishing Reports Comments Off on Fishing Reports

A Deschutes guide trip photo

** Summer Time is Caddis Time on the Deschutes. July can be a great month to fish the Deschutes. We have had a mild spring and a lucky abundance of cold water still. The warm days are just starting and the best caddis fishing is still to come. Summer Caddis Fishing should be good from now into August!
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Fishing Reports:
Deschutes River - Fishing on the Deschutes is great right now! Summer time flows are around  3800 CFS. The fish have moved up into the riffles and into the back eddies and along the banks eating adult and spent caddis. Some PMD's are coming off still, but its mainly a caddis show. This is the time of year you can stalk "heads", be observant and look for suttle rise forms from large trout sipping caddis under trees and in the shade! The magic hour this time of year can be truly "Magical" as the river can come alive with trout gorging on the caddis emergers during the evening hatch.

Crooked River - The Crooked is fishing really good. Though it was a bit tough last week in the upper sections of the river because of the annual electro shocking that ODFW was doing. But the fish have recovered and the river is in perfect summertime levels. Hatches of PMD's and caddis can make for some great dry fly fishing out on the Crooked in the summer. And when not happening the nymphing small midge and mayfly patterns work too.

The Lakes- There have been some good reports coming out of Clear Lake and Timothy lake in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Balance leaches and Chironomids work well in Clear. And Timothy has a Hexagenia hatch this time of river, where the lake comes alive right before dark!


** Guided Fly Fishing Trips, Classes, Package deals, etc.
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Day trips are available on the Deschutes in July for Caddis! And August into the fall as well. When we see a resurgence of the caddis dry fly fishing and steelhead start show!

Crooked River guide trips are available all summer long, and we would love you to show you around some of our favorite local lakes.
Lodging and Fishing Packages are available. (https://deschutescamp.com/guide-trips/fishing-lodging-packages/)  Let us put together an fun fly fishing itinerary that could include a full day float down the Deschutes, a day on the Crooked River  and some lake fishing up on the MT. Hood National forest!

Discounts for booking lodging & fishing together!


** Half Day Walk n' Wades
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Hire us to show you around the DIY walk in access near the fly shop. Be shown what our staff fishes on their days off.

Just don't let them find you in their fishing hole..lol

BOOK NOW! 

** Deschutes Day Floats
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With the put in right down the road. The Warm Springs to Trout Creek float is a 10 mile venture into a roadless high desert river canyon. A mini wilderness float with great scenery and fishing! A perfect day float, what more can you ask for?

BOOK NOW! 


** Deschutes River Camp Trips
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We are now booking camp trips for the fall for trout and steelhead!The ultimate Deschutes experience.
A 3-4 day float into the "Wild and Scenic" sections of river.
Combo trout/steelhead trips with great weather and camping. Call for availability and more info!
Read More... 

** Summer Time Eve Floats
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This is a 6 hour afternoon/evening float offered from June- August. Late afternoon and evening fishing can be spectacular during the summer and often you will have the river all to yourself as most day floaters are far down river by then.

BOOK NOW! 

** Mt Hood National Forest Lake Fishing
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There are several nice lakes within hour drive or more from our fly shop in the Mt. Hood National Forest that we fish and guide on.

These scenic lakes hold both stocked rainbow trout (with holdovers that can grow large) and native and wild rainbow, brook trout, and cutthroat trout populations.

Read More...
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Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report

info November 2, 2023 In Deschutes River Fly Fishing Reports Comments Off on Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report

November Fishing Report

November trout fishing is off to a good start with lots of good sized fish being had. A good nymph set up would be a two fly combo, with a big egg sucking stonefly pattern or similar with a smaller dropper attached 18-24″ below on 3-4x tippet. Flouro carbon ideally! There are lots of salmon in the river so egg patterns work really well this time of year as well as smaller mayfly type nymph imitations like sz. 16 flash back Pheasant Tails and Hare’s Ears.

Note: The tribal side of the river is now closed! Only the east bank, and any Islands east of the main channel are open for both trout and steelhead for the remainder of the season. (Through Dec. 31st, then the whole river bordering the reservation is closed until the third week of April)

Steelhead ~ 

Steelhead fishing in the Warm Springs area is fair to good. There are fish around, the best way to target is to swing flies. This is the time of year to start to think about switching to sink tips. 10-12′ of T-8 or T-10 will get the fly down to fish that are starting to slow up and hunker down in deeper pools and tailouts. Hobo speys, Moal Leeches, and Egg sucking leaches of the like (Rabbit hair patterns work really well when gets colder) will do the trick!

Deschutes & Crooked River Fly Fishing Reports

info August 4, 2023 In Deschutes River Fly Fishing Reports Comments Off on Deschutes & Crooked River Fly Fishing Reports

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.

Deschutes River Fly Fishing Reports

info June 30, 2023 In Deschutes River Fly Fishing Reports Comments Off on Deschutes River Fly Fishing Reports

Fishing Report: Deschutes River – Warm Springs to Trout Creek

Date: June 28, 2023

The Deschutes River from Warm Springs to Trout Creek is in excellent shape for fishing. The current flow rate, measured in cubic feet per second (CFS), is running at 3750, providing good water conditions for anglers. The water temperature is currently around 56 degrees Fahrenheit, which is conducive to active fish behavior.

While the fishing was exceptional during the spring, it has slowed down over the past week or so, transitioning to more normal fishing conditions. However, there’s exciting news as the caddis hatch is ramping up, with hordes of adult caddis insects on the water. The fish are eagerly looking up for the little grey fluffy caddis insects, presenting a great opportunity for dry fly fishing.

To locate fish rising to caddis during midday, focus your attention on areas that provide a combination of trees for shade and deep water. These spots are ideal for laying the dry fly and enticing the fish. Our experienced guides recommend positioning yourself below feeding fish and casting up to the wild trout. This strategy gives you the best chance of landing one of these tricky-to-catch fish.

In addition to the caddis hatch, deep nymphing with caddis and mayfly nymphs has been productive. Recently, we’ve also observed immature stone fly nymphs becoming active, so using Pat’s Rubber Legs stone fly nymphs can be effective in attracting fish.

One advantage of fishing on the Lower Deschutes currently is the thin crowds. Most days, you can expect a peaceful and uncrowded fishing experience, allowing you to enjoy the serenity of the river.

For dry fly fishing, we recommend using a size 14 or size 16 caddis adult pattern with 4x or 5x tippet for optimal presentation and success.

Our fly shop is fully stocked, and our knowledgeable staff is eager to assist both local anglers and travelers with their fishing needs. Whether you require equipment, advice on fly selection, or any other assistance, we are here to ensure you have a great fishing experience.

Furthermore, our camp and fly shop offer convenient amenities for anglers. You can set up a tent or park your RV, providing a comfortable base for your fishing trip. Moreover, to beat the midday heat, our fly shop offers a range of refreshments, including ice-cold beverages, draft beer, and grilled food options or deli sandwiches.

Tight lines and happy fishing on the Deschutes River!

Deschutes River Fly Fishing Reports

info May 21, 2023 In Deschutes River Fly Fishing Reports Comments Off on Deschutes River Fly Fishing Reports

Fishing Report – Salmon Fly Hatch on the Deschutes River
Date: May 20, 2023
Location: Deschutes River (Warm Springs to Trout Creek)
Current Conditions:
Following the intense thunderstorms that swept through the area over the weekend, we are pleased to report that the Deschutes River remains in fishable shape from Warm Springs to Trout Creek. The river is not blown out, water clarity a bit “off” but fishable. This means that anglers can continue to enjoy the fishing opportunities without any major disruptions.

Fishing Update:
The eagerly anticipated salmon fly hatch is happening and our guides have gotten their clients into some topwater action already. Though hopefully, weather permitting, the fishing will only get better. The fish are beginning to look up. The water levels are high, but currently on the drop. Until the water clears fish dries on  shallow gravel bars, soft edges, and along the banks and behind the alders. With the water clarity if they can’t see the fly they won’t come to the surface for it.
Recommended Flies:
Given the current water conditions, the chubby Chernobyl dry has proven to be the ticket for success. With the water running high and slightly off-colored, this attractor pattern has been attracting the attention of the hungry fish. Its buoyancy and visibility make it an ideal choice for imitating the salmon flies and enticing strikes.

Tactics and Techniques:
Anglers have been finding success using dry dropper rigs. By combining a buoyant dry fly, such as the chubby Chernobyl, with a nymph or emerger pattern below, anglers have been able to effectively target fish feeding both on the surface and subsurface. This versatile setup allows for a more enticing presentation and increases the chances of hooking into actively feeding fish.
With the Deschutes River in decent shape post-storm, the salmon fly hatch will go into full swing by mid werk, with fish starting to look up, it’s an excellent time to hit the water. Remember to stock up on your chubby Chernobyls and set up a dry dropper rig to maximize your chances of hooking into some impressive fish. Tight lines and happy angling!

Author,
Matthew Price

Deschutes River Fishing Report

info May 11, 2023 In Deschutes River Fly Fishing Reports Comments Off on Deschutes River Fishing Report

Fishing Report: Deschutes River
Date: May 10, 2023
Cfs 6700
Water Temperature 53F
The Deschutes River is currently waiting on the much-anticipated salmon fly hatch, drawing anglers from far and wide. Despite higher water levels, fishing enthusiasts have been enjoying successful outings with excellent nymphing opportunities. Moreover, there is good news for anglers looking forward to the weekend.
The recent high water conditions on the Deschutes River have posed some challenges for anglers, as the increased flow makes wading more difficult and changes the behavior. However, the resourceful angler has found success by adapting their techniques and focusing on nymph fishing.
The nymphing action on the Deschutes River has been fantastic lately. Using a variety of nymph patterns such as Stoneflies, Caddis Larvae, and Mayfly Nymphs, anglers and our guide team have been consistently hooking into healthy rainbow trout. Remember to vary your presentation and adjust your depth according to the spot you are fishing to maximize your chances of a successful catch.
Fortunately, the water levels on the Deschutes River are expected to drop by the upcoming weekend. This reduction in flow will provide improved wading conditions and a more predictable environment for both anglers and fish alike. As the water levels recede, the salmon flies will start to emerge, attracting the attention of hungry trout and further enhancing the fishing experience.
For those planning a trip to the Deschutes River in the coming days be careful wading. Despite the high water levels, the Deschutes River is still offering a rewarding fishing experience successful nymphing has been the key to landing impressive trout, and with the anticipated decrease in water levels over the weekend, the overall fishing conditions are expected to improve even further. Tight lines and happy angling from The Deschutes River Fly Shop and Camp. 

Written by, Matthew Price

October Deschutes Reports

info October 12, 2022 In Deschutes River Fly Fishing Reports Comments Off on October Deschutes Reports

Trout and Steelhead

The weather continues to be un-seasonably warm and dry. Steelhead are working their way up river regardless! Seems like everything is like a month behind. The amount of caddis in the evenings feels more like late summer than Fall, though the sight of an October Caddis has you thinking otherwise…

Deschutes Steelhead Report:

There are enough steelhead around for it to not be a wasted effort to target. Especially if you just enjoy the casting and swinging like we do! Water temps are plenty warm for dry lines during low light, and all day if you prefer. Though most switch to sink tips and leaches when the sun is high and bright!

Nymphing also works.. many combo fish targeting what ever.. and catch plenty of steelhead, trout, and even salmon accidentally with this technique. Fish two fly nymph set ups typically with egg sucking stonefly nymphs and the like as point flies on 2x, with either steelhead sized nymphs or trout nymphs on 3x. Come into the shop on your way to the river if you want more intel or need help! We have lots of good steelhead flies for swinging and nymphing! And everything else you may need from spey lines to sink tips for chasing steelhead. Plus lots of good flies for trout!

Deschutes Trout Fishing Report:

The trout fishing continues to be very good on the river! The trout seem to be benefitting from the warm fall and extension of many hatches as a result. There are fish still looking up and feeding on caddis and caddis emergers. There are also some October Caddis and mayflies hatching to add to the feed. Back eddies, bank lines, flats all can be spots to find fish feeding up top. Especially in the evening.

Nymphing is also very productive.. either long line nymphing or euro nymphing techniques work. And as I mentioned early combo set ups targeting both trout and steelhead work as well. Just make sure to have a valid license and steelhead tags with your columbia basin endorsement if you are targeting steelhead!

We still have availability for guide trips this fall..

For day trips and limited walk and wades out of the shop.  This a great time to get out on the river because you never know what will bite this time of year!

Give us a ring at the shop at 541-553-2589 for questions, inquiries, or to book over the phone.  Or… Book Online Here!

Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report

info September 19, 2022 In Deschutes River Fly Fishing Reports Comments Off on Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report

9/18/22

Deschutes River Fly Fishing Reports

We are headed into fall.. the turn of the seasons is very welcome. Fall is a wonderful time in Oregon. Cooler temperatures plus the arrival of some anadramous fish makes for an exciting time to fish the Deschutes! Fishing is good for trout on the river. The fall is when we see a resurgence of hatches, including caddis, Mayflies (BWO’s & Mahogany duns) and we are already seeing some October Caddis also.

Double Trouble

Long line nymphing and euro nymphing techniques work best for nymphing. There are fish looking up as well.. small caddis dries and caddis emerger type flies work. As long as the weather stays warmer (70′-80’s) and before it cools off too much the caddis will be out. The last few evenings have been very buggy and we are seeing trout on the surface like it was June!

As it cools down we will see more mayfly hatches and October Caddis. Hatches of BWO’s and Mahogany Duns can be imitated with parachute mayfly patterns like adams and purple hazes in sz.14-18. Some of your old Salmonfly dries like Norm Woods and Orange Stimi’s can imitate the Oct. Caddis

We also have some October Caddis specific patterns in the fly shop, and along with a ton of other there good flies! Swing into the shop before you hit the river for more recent intel!

Steelhead Update:

While there have been a few reports of steelhead in the Warm Springs area, based on the Sherars Falls fish counts there are not too many fish in the upper river.. yet. We had a client swing one up on a trout spey just above Maupin last week though. The trap numbers have not been updated for over a week at this point either. That many and more go over the falls and not through the trap so the numbers in the trap are not accurate to the exact number. But the numbers are low so far..

The good news is that there is over 50K more steelhead total over Bonneville Dam on the Columbia at this time versus last year. And there have be reports of some pretty good catches on the lower river so we are hoping that we will get some fishable numbers in the upper river too! Late October and November, even December (for the die hards) is best in the Warm Springs section of the Deschutes!

We offer trout/steelhead combo guide trips until then, and steelhead specific trips in October and November on the day stretch (Warm Springs to Trout Creek) Call the shop or shoot us an email for more info..

A Photo Essay/Fishing Report

info August 14, 2022 In Deschutes River Fly Fishing Reports Comments Off on A Photo Essay/Fishing Report

Early August Fishing Reports

August equals the dogs days of summer on the Deschutes. The dry fly fishing has gotten pretty tough of late, but the nymph bite is still pretty darn good. This is the month hystorically we see some of the largest catches of the season as well. Not entirely sure why, but part of it for sure has to do with the fact the fish have been done spawning for a while now and have been packing on the calories ever since. Fish grow when they feed.. we are on the back side of some of the biggest hatches of the season  and the the fish have most definitely benefitted. It shows in their fat bellies!

All nymphing techniques, including deep water (or long line) nymphing, and Euro Nymphing work. Also this is the time of year swinging flies starts to be more productive as well. This is also when we see the immature stoneflies get back on the menu for the trout. Try small jimmy legs in sz. 10-12 or larger pheasant tail nymphs or the like. They make good point flies if your tying in line and fishing under an indicator. 

Steelhead Report: The Deschutes opens to Steelheading for the 2022 season August 15th. The is great news considering the run and fishing was shut down do to low returns last season. While the numbers are still on the low side, and fishing expectations or more exactly catching expectations need to be gauged. We will get to, for the very least visit our favorite runs and get to swing flies once again! 

Fish Pic's from a week of guide trips

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