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The steelhead fishing has been great from Warm Springs to Trout Creek and should stay good into November. The river is in nice shape, and we have been swinging and nymphing fish up consistently. Just remember that the reservation side of the river closes to fishing at the end of October, so we only have one week left of access to the whole river. We have a few days of guiding available over the next week, along with lodging in our cabins/campground available. Now is the time to get it done, so give the shop a call to get on the calendar!
The trout fishing has also been good. There are still lots of October caddis flying around, good hatches of smaller dark-bodied caddis, and a little bit of mayfly action in the mornings/evenings. If you are swinging flies for steelhead, you will likely bump into some big hungry trout at the same time. We can do steelhead/trout combo trips if you would like to fish for both!
Fall is our favorite time on the Deschutes with great fishing opportunities for both trout and steelhead. There are prolific caddis hatches coming off in the early morning and late evening. Most are the small dark-bodied variety, but there are also big October caddis. Dry-dropper and double-dry rigs with October caddis patterns as the point fly are doing well. There is also some mayfly and midge action going on. Fish late into the evening if you can. It seems like every fish in the river is rising just as it’s getting dark. Nymphing during the day has also been productive with various caddis pupa patterns and small mayfly, stonefly, and midge nymphs.
The steelhead fishing in the Warm Springs area is picking up, and the fish counts over Sherars Falls are looking good. We have been hearing of a few fish caught, and we should be seeing a lot more fish up here any day now. Don’t sleep on the streamer fishing for the trout either. We always seem to swing up a nice trout or two when we’re swinging flies for steelhead. The fish in the picture below ate a hobo spey fly while targeting steelhead. Float trips in October are filling up fast, so give the shop a call to get on the calendar!
The Crooked River is fishing great with a consistent nymph bite and solid mayfly hatches providing good dry fly fishing. We offer half and full day wade trips on the Crooked, so give us a ring to get booked.
It’s the dog days of summer here on the Deschutes, and the fish are fat and sassy from feeding all season. There are good caddis hatches coming off, but dry fly fishing opportunities are mostly limited to the early morning and evenings. Trout don’t like the hot sun in their face, so they are primarily feeding subsurface in deeper water. This makes for some really good nymphing opportunities. Immature stonefly nymphs are also starting to get active this time of year. Smaller stonefly patterns fished in tandem with caddis pupas, small mayfly nymphs, and zebra midges have been landing our guides some nice redsides!
The Crooked River has been fishing really well. There are good PMD and caddis hatches coming off, but nymphing is probably your best bet with the hot summer sun. Small mayfly nymphs, caddis pupas, scuds, and zebra midges should get it done. We offer half-day and full-day walk/wade trips on the Crooked, so give the shop a call to get on the calendar!
Fishing is good to excellent right now! Hatches of little yellow Sally’s PMD‘s and Pale evening Dunns are still happening. Though caddis will become the main food source for the trout the rest of the summer. Focus on riffles, shaded bank lines, and back eddies. Caddis hatches can occur in the evenings with the magic hour truly being magical. Evening Caddis sessions should include two fly set ups with a high Viz point fly and a smaller CDC style emerging caddis.
Top flies: X-caddis, Skaddis, Elk Hair Caddis. In tans sizes (14-18) CDC & Elk, Double Duck Caddis, and Henry’s Fork Caddis in sizes (18-20)
As of today Deschutes River flows at Pelton Dam are 4,780 ft3/s and have been dropping consistently.
Early May here on the Deschutes we are transitioning into prime fishing with most angling success being under a indicator. As we anxiously anticipate the annual salmonfly hatch using a two fly combo leading with stonefly nymphs trailed by pheasant tails, hares hears, perdigons, sexy walts, jig flies and fishing deep with find the most success.
For the scattered dry fly action you may find throughout the day try Purple Haze and Parachute Adams for the lingering BWO’s and March Browns.
Swinging flies can be effective. Try changing your casting angle and searching for fish at various depths. Most fish you will find will be in the last 45 degrees of your swing. Pheasant tails, hares ears and egg sucking leeches have been the most effective patterns.
The forecast for the week looks sunny and warm and the river is open for the season, so the time is now to get out fishing! Dont hesitate the swing by the shop for the most up to date fishing report, flies and all other fishing needs. Beer Ice and other cold drinks available, breakfast, sandwiches and burgers 7:30am-5pm 7 days a week!
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This is when we encourage our guests who have plans book a trip with us for the next season, to get something on the books sooner than later! Booking early gets you the best dates, the premiere RV sites, and the cabins during peak times!
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Deschutes River Day TripsWith the launch point right down the HWY from the fly shop & camp. The Warm Springs to Trout Creek float is a perfect 10 mile venture into a roadless high desert river canyon. A mini wilderness float with great scenery and fishing! Making for the perfect day float. What more can you ask for? |
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Deschutes River Camp TripsThree and four day float trips into the “Wild and Scenic” section of the Deschutes. The best place to get away from the crowds during the Salmon fly. A fully outfitted camp trip with great scenery, camping, and of course fishing! All camp equipment & food included. Includes an Extra gear boat & camp host. No work for clients! |
“The Two Day Sampler”
An old favorite.. Book the “The Crooked River” day one for a full day walk and wade trip. Followed by a “Full Day Deschutes River Guide Trip” Day two, plus two nights lodging and receive a discount off both your fishing and lodging!
“The Summer Fishing & Lodging Package”
Book an “Evening Caddis Float” day one followed up by a full day Deschutes River Guide Trip day two, plus two nights lodging. To get what will feel like a lot of fishing in for a great price! USE PROMO CODE “PACKAGEDISCOUNT”
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“The Intro To Fly Fishing Weekend” (The best introduction to fly fishing ever!)
Great for couples and families. Book the “Beginning Fly Fishing – Deschutes River Class” day one. Which gives you all the tools to fully experience a “Full Day Deschutes River Guide Trip” Day two. Plus two nights lodging and make a weekend of it! Great for couples! Use the Promo code “FLYFISHWEEKEND” when booking online to receive the discount! Or call for questions and to book over the phone.
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Deschutes Cabin RentalsOur two on-site vacation rentals at the camp are fully furnished and can sleep 4-5 people per unit. They have AC, satellite dish tv’s, BBQ, & covered patio porches with views of the river and river canyon. They make for a great base camp when taking a guide trip with us or fishing the area on your own! |
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Deschutes Rv ParkOur 36 unit RV park & campground includes 22 freshly remodeled RV spots that can accommodate all sizes of RV’s. Some have full hook ups, all have 30/50 amp electrical and water, with views of the river. The original tent camping sites on the lawns are also still available and offer great shade and views! |
All good things must come to an end and so does our season! The fly shop and store are now closed. Though the camp remains open. Camping can be booked online and is self serve with our onsite manager to keep an eye on things. The fly shop re-opens for 2025 season 4/20 with the River re- opening April 22nd. Thank you to all who visited us this season. We look forward to seeing you all again next year! Make sure to put April 26th on your calendar. That is when we are doing our annual river clean up and opening day party!!
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