Species: Native Rainbow Trout
Time of year: Year Round
Oregon’s Deschutes River is the finest blue ribbon trout fishery in the Northwest. The native rainbows, also know as "Redsides”, are known for their incredible strength. While they average 12 to 16 inches, there are enough 18 to 20 inch fish to keep it interesting. With that said, it’s not uncommon to have a 15 inch fish show you the arbor knot on a five weight! More so, Deschutes trout love to feed on the surface... The dry fly fishing can be incredible.
The best hatches occur late April through October. The Deschutes is famous for it’s Salmon Fly hatch which occurs from mid-May to mid-June. While the big bugs get a lot of press, the river pumps out huge hatches of mayflies, caddis, aquatic moths, yellow sallies, & crane flies throughout the season. When the dry fly fishing is slow, a number of other techniques can be extremely effective. Dry/dropper set-ups, nymphing, and wet fly fishing all have there place on the Deschutes.
The wild and scenic Deschutes is a tail-water. Consequently, the river has consistent cold water flow. From Pelton Dam downstream, the river cuts it’s way through 100 miles of immense high desert canyon. The massive basalt walls creates an impressive back drop to fish under. Wildlife is abundant. It’s not uncommon to see bighorn sheep, blacktail deer, otter, mink, and a huge variety of birds. Make no mistake, this is rattle snake country, but they too are a part of the experience.
The biggest element that separates this river from most is that no angler can fish from a water craft. With that said, drift boats, rafts and jet boats allow anglers to access tons of water. A Deschutes River Boater’s Pass is required for all water craft. However, with lots of public walk-in water a short drive from Hood River, a boat is not required to experience the wonderful trout fishery of the Deschutes.
Species: Summer Steelhead
Time of year: July through mid-December
Every summer thousands of summer steelhead make their way into the lower reaches of the Deschutes River system. Averaging five to eight pounds, these chrome bright rockets deliver crushing grabs, incredible aerial shows, and blistering runs. What makes these fish so special is there willingness to take surface and near surface presentations in low light conditions. Wet flies and skaters account for the majority of fish taken when the sun is off the water. As the sun illuminates the river in the mid-day, large flies swung on sink-tips can be very productive.
And then there’s the water... Mile after beautiful mile of seductive fly water. "World class” doesn’t even come close to describing the endless steelhead water of the Deschutes. With 100 miles of river and numerous access points, one could spend a lifetime fishing the "D” and still be left wondering.
The Deschutes’ massive riffles, runs, and tail-outs require long casts often inhibited by tight casting conditions. Spey rods allow anglers to efficiently cover lots of water with minimal fatigue. Two-handed rods from 12’6” to 14’ in line weights 6 to 8 are the tools of choice on the Deschutes. Anglers should be prepared to fish both floating lines and Skagit style sink-tip lines. While the vast majority of anglers use two-handed rods, single handed rods 9’ to 9’6” in 7 to 8 line weights can be used as well.
The wild and scenic Deschutes is a tail-water. Consequently, the river has consistent cold water flow. From Pelton Dam downstream, the river cuts it’s way through 100 miles of immense high desert canyon. The massive basalt walls creates an impressive back drop to fish under. Wildlife is abundant. It’s not uncommon to see bighorn sheep, blacktail deer, otter, mink, and a huge variety of birds. Make no mistake, this is rattle snake country, but they too are a part of the experience.
With it’s incredible steelhead, endless fly water, and beautiful setting, the Deschutes is a "Must Fish” for any serious steelhead addict. If you’re new to the sport, there isn’t a better river to cut your teeth on. No matter what your experience level, the Deschutes is an angling experience you’ll never forget.
>> Learn more about the Deschutes
