RECORDED:95 °FISHING: Good
Check out our links page at flyfishingdeschutes.com and you'll see a link to Nate's new fly fishing blog. Or you can go to his blog directly: natesflyfishing.tumblr.com.
The river is still closed between Trout Creek and Harpham, but the BLM is hoping to have it open by this weekend...the 27th.
Steelhead:
Steelhead fishing has been, well, steelhead fishing. The fish seem to be moving in pulses (as they often do early in the season), so if you hit a fish in a run it is probably worth going through it a second time. Some days are really good, and other days you're left wondering if there are any fish in the stinking river.
One thing I've noticed so far this year, if you swing with sun off the water and don't touch a fish, don't hesitate to keep swinging once the sun hits the water. Personally, I've hit more fish with sun on the water so far this year than with shade...so all I'm saying is swing with confidence. There aren't any fish to be caught back at camp. If you feel the need to put a tip on, by all means put one on, but trust me, you can get fish on a floating line mid-day (the reason most people don't is either they don't try it, or they don't fish well because they don't have confidence in it).
Trout:
Trout fishing mid-day has been difficult at times, but mornings and evenings have been good. At this time of year it is mostly a caddis show. Fish tan imitations in sizes 16 and 18 early in the evening, and switch to olive as it gets close to dark.
Mornings can provide very technical, and very fun fishing. The key is to hunt for fish...find individual fish rising in back eddies and foam lines, and pick them off with spent caddis imitations. My two favorite morning patterns are Spent Partridge Caddis and Rusty Spinners...fish both in 16's and 18's.
Mid-day fish heavy riffles and other highly-oxygenated water. Mid-day is mostly a nymph show, get your flies down in the water column, and hold on.
If you have questions or you'd like to book a trip, call Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop and talk to John, Nate, or Joe:
There will be a meeting at the Environmental Center in Bend on August 3rd at 7:00PM to discuss water temperatures on the Deschutes. Representatives from PGE, DEQ,and ODFW will be in attendance. This is a great opportunity to find out what is really going on, and the effect it will have on the Deschutes in the future.
Water temperatures are still a factor at the mouth, so carry a thermometer and don't fish if the water temps are above 68 degrees (which sometimes happens in the afternoon). That being said, mornings have been relatively productive at the mouth, and there are a few fish being caught between beavertail and macks. Also, the numbers coming over Sherars are good for this time of year.The last three days discharges from the dam have been 3-4 degrees cooler than previously, so we should see decreasing water temps at the mouth.
Red Side Trout:Trout are keying in on spent may fly and caddis dries in the morning hours, sipping away at their leisure in the foam lines found in back eddies and tree or grass lined runs along the bank. Most everything is running size 16 to 20.Trout are still responsive to nymphs from around 6:30 AM until about 10 AM when the hatches start. You will see PMD’s from 10 AM up until about 2 PM, after that look for the PED’s to start about 4 PM, they will continue until around 6 PM. Then it will be time for caddis. Depending on light conditions, trout will key on dries for short periods of time, watch for soft rise forms in flats, tailouts, and back eddies. If nothing is going in those water types head for the riffles and fish with dries, emergers, and wet fly patterns. If your natural drag free “dead drift” technique doesn’t get-em, wade to the top of the run and fish soft hackles and caddis pupa patterns with a down stream swing, and hang on. I like this method when I see trout rising vigorously, slashing and splashing on the take of naturals. More times than not, trout will take advantage of the emerging insects and forgo the adults. They are easier to capture, and are more abundant in most cases. Remember, a wet fly swing can change the mind of stubborn fish because they might be keyed in on that behavior. Have an assortment of Pupas and Emergers, and don’t forget those all important Diving Caddis, Spent Caddis, and Spent Partridge caddis patterns. Make sure they are small in size, 16’s ~ 20’s. For the best dry fly activity be willing to stay out until the last legal light. Midge will hatch mornings and evenings, best sizes to use, 18, 20, and 22’s in the same water types just mentioned. If you are not having any success, go to your attractor patterns, lightening bugs, 16’s, Prince Nymph, (Peacock, or Blue) 10~14’s, Possy Buggers, 8’s and 10’s, trailed with a small epoxy back hare’s ear.Current Hatches on the Deschutes River are:MAY FLIES: PMD’s, Size 16, PED’s Size 10~12CADDIS: Free livers, Size 14~16, Net spinners, Size 16,Igloo Case Building, Size 20.STONE FLIES: Little Yellow Sally’s Size 16,CRANE FLIES: Size 16MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 20 or 22Check out our “HATCH CHART” for more.Fly Patterns you should have:Stone Nymph, 8, & 10’s, Possy Buggers 8’s & 10’s, “Blue” Prince Nymph, 12’s & 14’s, Igloo Case Building Caddis, size 18 or 20,(Pupa same size),Bwo’s, Dries and Emergers, size 16 -18, Mahogany Duns 16, and Midge, size 18 to 22. Zug Bug, 14’s.Don’t forget to have some Rusty Spinners, size 16 or 18, emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple Patterns. Other useful fly patterns are, Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 10 ~ 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green.Deschutes Water Conditions:Water temperature 57 degrees, color is; Clear, Green.White River Water Conditions:A sleight tinge, this color is glacier grey / light green, not effecting the Deschutes.Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on trophy trout fishing.For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.Have more questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you.Please call ~ John, Nate, or Joe at:Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
Small micro-fronts have at times put a damper on the fishing...frankly the weather has just been weird. However, when the weather is consistent, so is the fishing...same thing with the water levels.
Trout are responsive to nymphs from around 8:00 AM until about noon when the hatches start. Hatch activity for fishing with dries takes place from 1 PM until about 6:00 PM. and beyond, depending on weather conditions. Trout will key on dries for short periods of time, so watch for soft rise forms tight to the bank, inside current seams, and back eddies. The water level is still a little high so stay back stay back stay back, the trout are at your feet.
Activity for the big bugs has dwindled down to virtually nothing, however, the fish are still looking up and we've found receptive fish to Norm Woods and the like everytime we've been out.
More times than not, trout will take advantage of the emerging insects and forgo the adults. They are easier to capture, and are more abundant in most cases. Also, a wet fly swing can change the mind of stubborn fish because they might be keyed in on that behavior. Igloo Case Building Caddis, Net spinning Caddis, and free living Caddis are in good numbers. For May flies, PMD's, PED's and Green Drakes are happening in the afternoon. There are still some stone Fly Adults flying around, and the fish are still taking those on occasion. Walk the road and look very carefully along those steep rip rap banks for cruising trout. Try fishing dries and wets in the swirly slow foam lines with an extended length of tippet for a better presentation. Have an assortment of Pupas and Emergers, and don’t forget those all important Diving Caddis, Spent Caddis, and Spent Partridge caddis patterns. Make sure they are small in size, 16’s ~ 20’s.Midges will hatch midday, again, best sizes to use, 18, 20, and 22’s in the same water types just mentioned. If you are not having any success, go to your attractor patterns, lightening bugs, 16’s, Prince Nymph, (Peacock, or Blue) 10~14’s, Possy Buggers, 8’s and 10’s, trailed with a small epoxy back hare’s ear. Current Hatches on the Deschutes River are: MAY FLIES: BWO’s, Size 16 -18, Mahogany Dun, 16, CADDIS: Igloo Case Building, Size 20. STONE FLIES: Little Brown size 16, CRANE FLIES: none MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 20 or 22
Check out our “HATCH CHART” for more.
Fly Patterns you should have: Stone Nymph, 8, & 10’s, Possy Buggers 8’s & 10’s, “Blue” Prince Nymph, 12’s & 14’s, Igloo Case Building Caddis, size 18 or 20,(Pupa same size), Net Spinning Caddis, size 12 - 16, Free Living Caddis, size 12 - 16. PMD's 16, PED's 10 and 12, Green Drakes 10 and 12, and Midge, size 18 to 22. Zug Bug, 14’s. Don’t forget to have some Rusty Spinners, size 16 or 18, emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple Patterns.
Other useful fly patterns are, Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 10 ~ 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green.
Deschutes Water Conditions: Water temperature 57 degrees, color is slightly tinged ~ green. White River Water Conditions: A sleight tinge, this color is glacier grey / light green, not effecting the Deschutes.
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on trophy trout fishing.
For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
Have more questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you. Please call ~ John, Nate, or Joe at: Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
The fish are looking up! Stone Flies are out, both Salmon Flies and Golden Stones. Its still a nymphing game in the morning, but don’t hesitate to cast some adults in the afternoon. There are definitely fish looking up right now!
The amount of bugs above the falls are surprisingly good. In fact there are adults on the banks as far up as south Junction. Some would say this years hatch seems a little early, and it is, but only by about 8 days or so. The fact is, its happening and you should get in on the fun. We have a few openings still, so give us a call if you'd like to book a trip. 542-395-2565.
Trout are responsive to nymphs from around 7:00 AM until about noon when the hatches start. Hatch activity for fishing with dries takes place from 1 PM until about 6:00 PM. Depending on weather conditions, trout will key on dries for short periods of time, so watch for soft rise forms in flats, tailouts, and back eddies.
Don’t just fish dry flies because a hatch is happening, try them, but if there are no takers, switch to nymphs and emergers, and that should help your odds. More times than not, trout will take advantage of the emerging insects and forgo the adults. They are easier to capture, and are more abundant in most cases. Also, a wet fly swing can change the mind of stubborn fish because they might be keyed in on that behavior.
The Blue Wing Olives, Igloo Case Building Caddis, are the dominant hatch. March Brown’s, and the Spring Stone, “Skwala”, have faded. Starting to see some early Mahogany May flies late in the afternoon. Walk the road and look very carefully along those steep rip rap banks for cruising trout. Try fishing dries and wets in the swirly slow foam lines with an extended length of tippet for a better presentation.
Have an assortment of Pupas and Emergers, and don’t forget those all important Diving Caddis, Spent Caddis, and Spent Partridge caddis patterns. Make sure they are small in size, 16’s ~ 20’s. Midges will hatch midday, again, best sizes to use, 18, 20, and 22’s in the same water types just mentioned.
If you are not having any success, go to your attractor patterns, lightening bugs, 16’s, Prince Nymph, (Peacock, or Blue) 10~14’s, Possy Buggers, 8’s and 10’s, trailed with a small epoxy back hare’s ear.
Current Hatches on the Deschutes River are: MAY FLIES: BWO’s, Size 16 -18, Mahogany Dun, 16, CADDIS: Igloo Case Building, Size 20. STONE FLIES: Little Brown size 16, CRANE FLIES: none MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 20 or 22
Check out our “HATCH CHART” for more.
Fly Patterns you should have: Stone Nymph, 8, & 10’s, Possy Buggers 8’s & 10’s, “Blue” Prince Nymph, 12’s & 14’s, Igloo Case Building Caddis, size 18 or 20,(Pupa same size), Bwo’s, Dries and Emergers, size 16 -18, Mahogany Duns 16, and Midge, size 18 to 22. Zug Bug, 14’s. Don’t forget to have some Rusty Spinners, size 16 or 18, emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple Patterns.
Other useful fly patterns are, Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 10 ~ 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green.
Deschutes Water Conditions: Water temperature 47 degrees, color is slightly tinged ~ green. White River Water Conditions: A sleight tinge, this color is glacier grey / light green, not effecting the Deschutes.
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on trophy trout fishing.
For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
Have more questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you. Please call ~ John, Nate, or Joe at: Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
The fishing has improved, like the weather, finally! Stone Flies are out, both Salmon Flies and Golden Stones. Its still a nymphing game for the most part, but don’t hesitate to cast some adults in the afternoon.
There are greater numbers of Stone Flies below Sherars Falls. The amount of bugs above the falls are surprisingly good. In fact there are adults on the banks as far up as south Junction.
Some would say this years hatch seems a little early, and it is, but only by about 8 days or so. The fact is, its happening and you should get in on the fun.
Trout are responsive to nymphs from around 7:00 AM until about noon when the hatches start. Hatch activity for fishing with dries takes place from 1 PM until about 6:00 PM. Depending on weather conditions, trout will key on dries for short periods of time, so watch for soft rise forms in flats, tailouts, and back eddies.
Don’t just fish dry flies because a hatch is happening, try them, but if there are no takers, switch to nymphs and emergers, and that should help your odds. More times than not, trout will take advantage of the emerging insects and forgo the adults. They are easier to capture, and are more abundant in most cases. Also, a wet fly swing can change the mind of stubborn fish because they might be keyed in on that behavior.
The Blue Wing Olives, Igloo Case Building Caddis, are the dominant hatch. March Brown’s, and the Spring Stone, “Skwala”, have faded. Starting to see some early Mahogany May flies late in the afternoon. Walk the road and look very carefully along those steep rip rap banks for cruising trout. Try fishing dries and wets in the swirly slow foam lines with an extended length of tippet for a better presentation.
Have an assortment of Pupas and Emergers, and don’t forget those all important Diving Caddis, Spent Caddis, and Spent Partridge caddis patterns. Make sure they are small in size, 16’s ~ 20’s. Midges will hatch midday, again, best sizes to use, 18, 20, and 22’s in the same water types just mentioned.
If you are not having any success, go to your attractor patterns, lightening bugs, 16’s, Prince Nymph, (Peacock, or Blue) 10~14’s, Possy Buggers, 8’s and 10’s, trailed with a small epoxy back hare’s ear.
Current Hatches on the Deschutes River are: MAY FLIES: BWO’s, Size 16 -18, Mahogany Dun, 16, CADDIS: Igloo Case Building, Size 20. STONE FLIES: Little Brown size 16, CRANE FLIES: none MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 20 or 22
Check out our “HATCH CHART” for more.
Fly Patterns you should have: Stone Nymph, 8, & 10’s, Possy Buggers 8’s & 10’s, “Blue” Prince Nymph, 12’s & 14’s, Igloo Case Building Caddis, size 18 or 20,(Pupa same size), Bwo’s, Dries and Emergers, size 16 -18, Mahogany Duns 16, and Midge, size 18 to 22. Zug Bug, 14’s. Don’t forget to have some Rusty Spinners, size 16 or 18, emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple Patterns.
Other useful fly patterns are, Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 10 ~ 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green.
Deschutes Water Conditions: Water temperature 47 degrees, color is slightly tinged ~ green. White River Water Conditions: A sleight tinge, this color is glacier grey / light green, not effecting the Deschutes.
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on trophy trout fishing.
For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
Have more questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you. Please call ~ John, Nate, or Joe at: Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
RECORDED:45 °FISHING: Fair
A quick class reminder; There is a few slots open for our "Fishing the Deschutes" workshop, April 24th & 25th. Don't delay, this is a very informative, fun, and affordable class to attend. For more detailed information, click on "Event Calendar". Hope to here from you soon.
Steelhead:
Steelhead are in spawn mode from now until the end of April so we should all be very aware of this and be extra careful not disturb them while they’re on their “REDD’S”, ( Spawning Area), to help ensure future generations of Steelhead in the Deschutes and other Salmon and Steelhead rivers. Thank you.
Red Side Trout:
Trout fishing is a little inconsistent due to weather conditions. We have had everything under the sun, literally! Its been preventing any type of dry fly fishing to a minimum. But, there have been those days when they’re keyed in on dries for short periods of time, and then its over in a blink of an eye. Over all, Feeding activity takes place from 11 AM until about 4:00 PM. Fish mostly with nymphs and emergers of the Blue Wings, March Brown’s, and the larva and pupa of Igloo Case Building Caddis. Use your dries and wets in the swirly slow foam lines with an extended length of tippet for a better presentation. For these patterns, use sizes 16 ~ 20.
If you see sipping trout, thats a good time to work “spent” BWO’s and caddis patterns in the slack water and back eddies. Try fishing a slow current run along a tree line or a steep rocky bank. Have an assortment of Pupas and Emergers, and don’t forget those all important Diving Caddis, Spent Caddis, and Spent Partridge caddis patterns. Make sure they are small in size, 18’s ~ 22’s. Midges will hatch midday, again, best sizes to use, 18, 20, and 22’s in the same water types just mentioned.
If you are not having any success, go to your attractor patterns, lightening bugs, 16’s, prince nymph, 8~14’s, small winter Stone nymphs, 14~16’s, maybe have some flash to the fly, etc...
Current Hatches on the Deschutes River are: MAY FLIES: BWO’s, Size 16 -18, March Brown’s, Size 12 -14, CADDIS: Igloo Case Building, Size 20. STONE FLIES: Little Brown size 16, Skwala Stone (Spring Stone) size 8 CRANE FLIES: none MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 20 or 22
Check out our “HATCH CHART” for more.
Fly Patterns you should have: Skwala Stone Nymph, 8, Igloo Case Building Caddis, size 18 or 20, Bwo’s, Dries and Emergers, size 16 -18, March Brown’s Dries 12 -14, and Midge, size 18 to 22. Make sure that you have some Rusty Spinners, size 16 or 18, emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple Patterns.
Other useful fly patterns are, Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 10 ~ 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 14, Zug Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green.
Deschutes Water Conditions: Water temperature 46 degrees, color is clear. White River Water Conditions: A very sleight tinge, this color is glacier grey / light green, not effecting the Deschutes.
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on trophy trout fishing.
For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
Have more questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you. Please call ~ John, Nate, or Joe at: Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
RECORDED:46 °FISHING: Fair
A quick class reminder; There is a few slots open for our "Fishing the Deschutes" workshop, March 20th & 21st. Don't delay, this is a very informative, fun, and affordable class to attend. For more detailed information, click on "Event Calendar". Hope to here from you soon.
Steelhead:
Steelhead are in spawn mode from now until the end of April so we should all be very aware of this and be extra careful not disturb them while they’re on their “REDD’S”, ( Spawning Area), to help ensure future generations of Steelhead in the Deschutes and other Salmon and Steelhead rivers. Thank you.
Red Side Trout:
Trout fishing is fair, not too many fish looking up, but some days they get keyed in on dries for short periods of time and then its over in a blink of an eye. Feeding activity takes place from 11 PM until about 4:00 PM. Obviously, thats when you will get the most hatch activity from the BWO’s, Igloo Case Building Caddis. Don’t count out drifting some nymphs of the Winter Stones, and Spring Stones. Last week, we found some Spring Stones, “the Skwala”, which is very early by about a month.
Fish mostly with nymphs and emergers of the Blue Wings, larva and pupa of the Igloo Case Building Caddis, unless you see rising fish, then switch up. Use your dries and wets in the swirly slow foam lines with an extended length of tippet for a better presentation. For these patterns, use sizes 16 ~ 20.
If you see sipping trout, thats a good time to work “spent” BWO and caddis patterns in the slack water and back eddies. Try fishing a slow current run along a tree line or a steep rocky bank. Have an assortment of Pupas and Emergers, and don’t forget those all important Diving Caddis, Spent Caddis, and Spent Partridge caddis patterns. Make sure they are small in size, 18’s ~ 22’s. Midges will hatch midday, again, best sizes to use, 18, 20, and 22’s in the same water types just mentioned.
If you are not having any success, go to your attractor patterns, lightening bugs, 16’s, prince nymph, 8~14’s, small winter Stone nymphs, 14~16’s, maybe have some flash to the fly, etc...
Current Hatches on the Deschutes River are: MAY FLIES: BWO’s, Size 20 CADDIS: Igloo Case Building, Size 20. STONE FLIES: Little Brown size 16, Skwala Stone (SpringStone) size 8 CRANE FLIES: none MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 20 or 22
Check out our “HATCH CHART” for more.
Fly Patterns you should have: Skwala Stone Nymph, 8, Igloo Case Building Caddis, size 18 or 20, Crane Flies, size 16n or 18, and Midge, size 18 to 22. Make sure that you have some Rusty Spinners, size 16 or 18, emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple Patterns.
Other useful fly patterns are, Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 10 ~ 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 14, Zug Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green.
Deschutes Water Conditions: Water temperature 41 degrees, color is clear. White River Water Conditions: A very sleight tinge, this color is glacier grey / light green, not effecting the Deschutes.
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on Trophy Lake Trout Fishing.
For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
Have any questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you. Please call ~ John, Nate, or Joe at: Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
Steelhead fishing is slow. In January, Steelhead start moving into the small tributaries of the Deschutes to prepare to spawn in the upcoming months of February and March. A lot of them will spawn in the main stem, and will continue to “mill around” before moving onto their “Redd Beds”. Please do not disturb!!!
Red Side Trout:
Trout fishing isn’t too bad. Feeding activity takes place from 12 PM until about 2:30 PM. Obviously, thats when you will get the most hatch activity from the BWO’s and Igloo Case Building Caddis.
The Winter generation of the Blue Wing Olive May Flies, will continue there hatch cycle until the end of March into the first two weeks of April. They’re a size 16 and will hatch after 1 PM for about an hour, The starting time and how long these hatches last change each day, weather can also be a small part.
Fish mostly with nymphs and emergers of the Blue Wings, and the larva and pupa of the caddis, unless you see rising fish, then switch up. Use your dries and wets in the swirly slow foam lines with an extended length of tippet for a better presentation. For these patterns, use sizes 16 ~ 20.
If you see sipping trout, thats a good time to work “spent” BWO and caddis patterns in the slack water and back eddies. Try fishing a slow current run along a tree line or a steep rocky bank.
Have an assortment of Pupas and Emergers, and don’t forget those all important Diving Caddis, Spent Caddis, and Spent Partridge caddis patterns. Make sure they are small in size, 18’s ~ 22’s.Midges will hatch midday, again, best sizes to use, 18, 20, and 22’s in the same water types just mentioned.
Current Deschutes River Hatches: MAY FLIES: BWO’s, Size 16, CADDIS: Igloo Case Building, Size 18 or 20, STONE FLIES: Little Brown (Winter Stone) size 14 MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 18, 20, or 22
For more detailed information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
General Trout Feeding Time Frames: Quick Tip: Now that water temperatures are in the mid to upper 30's, its a really good idea to fish water that is slower. Try the soft runs, inside current seams, and back eddies.
Fly Patterns you should have: Igloo Case Building Caddis: cream Larva, cream Pupa, and dark grey adult, size 18 or 20. Midge, Pupa; red, grey and black, size 18 to 22. Rusty Spinners, size 16. Partridge wing caddis tan 18. BWO’s size 16 Emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple’s; sizes 16’s ~ 18’s.
Other Useful Patterns: Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 10, & 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), Lighting Bugs size 12, Zug Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green. M's Anato-May Nymph size 14, & 16.
The Weather Forecast: Go to “LOCAL MAUPIN WEATHER” on the home page of this site.
Deschutes Water Conditions: Water Clarity: Clear. Water Temperature Range: 37 to 39 degrees, White River Water Conditions: A medium Green color, Not effecting the Deschutes Color.
Store or Product Notes: Shop Hours; Winter Hours, Wednesday ~ Saturday 10 AM, to 3 PM
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on Trophy Lake Trout Fishing.
For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
Have any questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you. Please call ~ John, Nate, or Joe at: Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
As we head into December, the Summer Steelhaed run is complete in the lower 100 miles of the Deschutes. Steelhead are spread throughout the whole system. You can fish in any section of the river and have a good chance of hooking steelhead. Even down toward the mouth, there will still be a few fish moving in and working their way up, and this is typical.
I would have to say that there are probably greater numbers of fish up stream of Maupin, and they are doing well from Warm Springs down to South Junction. This is great for giving yourself a chance of taking some hatchery fish home. They usually keg-up in those areas making them easy pray for potential BBQ meals or smoked fish for the holidays.
At this stage of the game, your looking at 0 to 2 fish days, and so far that is holding true in all areas of the Deschutes. Water temperatures are from 45 to 50 degrees, that allows for dry line and sink tip use. Mornings and evenings go dry line, during the midday hours switch to your sink tips. In certain shallow depths stick to the dry line and use a heavy pattern to get the fly down just a little.
Your fly selection is now really up to you. Standard Deschutes classics, articulated leeches, tube flies, stinger flies, they all are taking fish. One last thing that is very important for fishing this month, stay back! With the water levels around 4,500 CFS, the fish are closer to the bank and in water that is slower than what you may have been fishing in October or September. Have fun, and thanks for looking in.
John Smeraglio
For more detailed information, please give us a call, myself, (John), Nate, or Joe would be a happy to talk with you, and help you any way we can.
(541) 395-2565
Red Side Trout:
Trout fishing is fair. The Igloo Case Building Caddis are hatching late morning through the afternoon. Fish mostly larva and pupa unless you see rising trout, then switch up to dries. Late morning is the best time to work spent caddis patterns in slow slack water and back eddies from 11 AM to 2 PM. Fish along the tree lines and steep bank runs with dries and wets.
BWO’s are going to be the staple for several weeks this late fall / winter. Always have a good variety of BWO patterns in Dries, Wets, Emergers, and Nymphs. From 10 AM to 2 PM for now. As winter approaches, that will change. Have an assortment of Nymphs, Pupas, and Emergers, and don’t forget those all important diving caddis patterns. A small Soft Hackle works great, “ Smerf Emerger”, size 18 ~ 20.
Midge will hatch off and on from midmorning through late afternoon. Best sizes to use 18, 20, and 22. Another fly that gets overlooked are those spinally little Crane Fly’s, use a size 18 in a light yellow color to match that bug.
The Fall generation of the Blue Wing Olive May Flies, will continue there hatch cycle until the end of November into the first two weeks of December. They’re a size 20 and will hatch after 11 AM for about an hour or two, depending on weather conditions.
Fish the foam lines and inside current seams, work the back eddies and beep runs along the steep banks. Also try the slowing deeper water below riffles later in the day.
Current Deschutes River Hatches: MAY FLIES: BWO’s, Size 18, CADDIS: Igloo Case Building, Size 16 or 18, STONE FLIES: Little Brown (Winter Stone) size 14 CRANE FLIES: Pale Yellow Crane Fly Size 16 MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 18, 20, or 22
For more detailed information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
General Trout Feeding Time Frames: Quick Tip: Now that water temperatures are in the upper 40’s, to low 50’s, its a really good idea to fish water that is slower. Try the soft runs, inside current seams, and back eddies.
Fly Patterns you should have: Igloo Case Building Caddis: cream Larva, cream Pupa, and dark grey adult, size 18 or 20. Midge, Pupa; red, grey and black, size 18 to 22. Rusty Spinners, size 18. Partridge wing caddis tan 18. BWO’s size 18 ~ 20 Emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple’s; sizes 16’s ~ 18’s.
Other Useful Patterns: Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 8, 10, & 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 12, Zug Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green. Fall is beautiful at the ranch and the fishing can be quite good! Click on "Private Lakes" for more info.
The Weather Forecast: Go to “LOCAL MAUPIN WEATHER” on the home page of this site.
Deschutes Water Conditions: Water Clarity: Clear. Water Temperature Range: 49 to 51 degrees,
White River Water Conditions: A medium Green color, Not effecting the Deschutes Color.
Store or Product Notes: Shop Hours; FALL HOURS, Tuesday ~ Saturday 9 AM, to 3 PM Sunday 9 AM, ~ 2 PM
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on Trophy Lake Trout Fishing.
For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
Have any questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you. Please call ~ John, Nate, or Joe at: Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
I do believe it has been one of the most productive steelhead seasons we have ever had. A lot of fish, a lot fun, and a lot of smiles have made there way to the Deschutes River this Summer/Fall, and it isn’t over just yet. Granted, production has slowed down, but it usually does about now.
Things changed drastically when they closed the irrigation canals up stream in the Madras farming areas. Every year on or around the 15th of October, they stop irrigating and when they do, the Deschutes River level increases by 300 to 400 CFS (Cubic Feet Per Second) which stirs up the steelhead, they then scramble around the river for a few of days and then settle down back to their normal behavior of moving, resting, moving, resting, and so forth.
Now that its November, Most of “the run” is complete, and the lower 100 miles of the Deschutes has steelhead spread throughout the whole system. Your can fish in any section of the river and have a good chance of hooking steelhead. Even down toward the mouth, there are still fish moving in and working their way up, and that is not unusual.
I would have to say that there are probably greater numbers of fish up stream of Maupin, and they are doing well from Warm Springs down to South Junction. This is great for giving yourself a chance of taking some hatchery fish home. They typically keg-up in those areas making them easy pray for potential BBQ meals or smoked for holiday treats.
At this stage of the game, your looking at 0 to 3 fish days, and so far that is holding true in all areas of the Deschutes. Water temperatures are from 49 to 52 degrees, that allows for dry line and sink tip use. Mornings and evenings go dry line, during the midday hours switch to your sink tips. In certain shallow depths stick to the dry line and use a heavy pattern to get the fly down just a little.
Your fly selection is now really up to you. Standard Deschutes classics, articulated leeches, tube flies, stinger flies, they all are taking fish. One last thing that is very important for fishing this month, stay back! With the water levels around 4,500 CFS, the fish are closer to the bank and in water that is slower than what you may have been fishing in October or September.
Red Side Trout:
Trout fishing is fair. The October Caddis hatch is all but finished, you should continue to see a few here and there, Trout will still take the occasional emerging October Caddis Pupa fished deep. The Igloo Case Building Caddis are hatching late morning through the afternoon. Fish mostly larva and pupa unless you see risers, then switch up to dries. Late morning is the best time to work spent caddis patterns in the slack water and back eddies from 11 AM to 2 PM. Fish along the tree lines and steep bank runs with dries and wets.
BWO’s are going to be the staple for several weeks this fall / winter. Always have a good variety of BWO patterns in Dries, Wets, Emergers, and Nymphs. From 10 AM to 2 PM for now. As winter approaches, that will change. Have an assortment of Nymphs, Pupas, and Emergers, and don’t forget those all important diving caddis patterns.
Midge this time of year will hatch off and on from midmorning through late afternoons. Best sizes to use 18, 20, and 22. The Fall generation of the Blue Wing Olive may flies will continue there hatch cycle until the end of November. They’re a size 20 and will hatch after 11 AM for about an hour or two, depending on weather conditions. Fishing the foam lines and inside current seams will benefit you the most, in back eddies, beep runs along the steep banks, and slow water below riffles.
Current Deschutes River Hatches: MAY FLIES: BWO’s, Size 18, CADDIS: October Caddis size 8, Igloo Case Building, Size 16 or 18, STONE FLIES: Little Brown (Winter Stone) size 14 CRANE FLIES: Pale Yellow Crane Fly Size 16 MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 18, 20, or 22
For more detailed information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
General Trout Feeding Time Frames: Quick Tip: Now that water temperatures are in the upper 40’s, to low 50’s, its a really good idea to fish water that is slower. Try the soft runs, inside current seams, and back eddies.
Fly Patterns you should have: October Caddis: size 8, Igloo Case Building Caddis: cream Larva, cream Pupa, and dark grey adult, size 18 or 20. Midge, Pupa; red, grey and black, size 18 to 22. Rusty Spinners, size 18. Partridge wing caddis tan 18. BWO’s size 18 ~ 20 Emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple’s; sizes 16’s ~ 18’s.
Other Useful Patterns: Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 8, 10, & 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 12, Zug Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green. Fall is beautiful at the ranch and the fishing can be quite good! Click on "Private Lakes" for more info.
The Weather Forecast: Go to “LOCAL MAUPIN WEATHER” on the home page of this site.
Deschutes Water Conditions: Water Clarity: Clear. Water Temperature Range: 49 to 51 degrees,
White River Water Conditions: A medium Green color, Not effecting the Deschutes Color.
Store or Product Notes: Shop Hours; FALL HOURS, Tuesday ~ Saturday 9 AM, to 3 PM Sunday 9 AM, ~ 2 PM
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on Trophy Lake Trout Fishing.
Have fun, and thanks for looking in.
John Smeraglio
For more detailed information, please give us a call, myself, (John), Nate, or Joe would be a happy to talk with you, and help you any way we can.
