Deschutes Trout

Spring is happening on the Deschutes. There's green in the canyon, and you have to get that while you can! After a handful of cold nights, the current extended forecast is showing nothing but beautiful spring weather. Now to answer seemingly everyone's current question: what's going on with the stoneflies?

With all the early heat we've had, that's a very valid question. Yes, we've heard some rumors of a stray golden stone or salmonfly, but not too much to report on the big bugs just yet. That said, it's certainly time to be ready for it. If the current forecast holds, things will likely be ahead of schedule by a bit this time around.

Be sure to restock your flies, terminal tackle, floatant, and dry shake. Luck favors the moderately prepared, and some of these small but crucial items can become scarce in a hurry during the peak of the hatch.

Stones aside, the fishing is coming on rather strongly right now. All standard sub-surface techniques are working well. There are still some March Browns and BWOs around. Caddis are making a daily appearance to some degree or another. The river is really coming to life, and things are happening!

One approach worth mentioning is prospecting with a dry fly, especially on some of these warm afternoons. You can go dry/dropper with a small Chubby or something along those lines, but it can be even easier than that. Try fishing shallow pocket water with a well-greased Elk Hair Caddis in size 14 or 16. You'll be amazed at what you find.

Mt. Hood Lakes

Stillwater season is upon us. Be sure to check the regulations to verify the opening day of your favorite lake, but some of the best ones on Hood open 4/22. We have excellent conditions on the lakes for this time of year, with water temperatures that should be a bit above average.

Expect excellent leech fishing with intermediate lines or balanced leeches under indicators. The chironomid fishing should also be very good, with great opportunities to fish on the surface in the latter half of the day. Best of luck to all the anglers trying the lakes this week!