 DESCHUTES
RIVER OREGON: The Deschutes River in Oregon offers
world class fly fishing for native Rainbow Trout and Steelhead.
Deep in the Cascade Mountains, the Deschutes River Oregon
begins its 200-mile journey to the Colombia. Meandering
through the tall pines and green meadows of the Deschutes
National Forest, the Upper Deschutes River gains volume
as it streams through two of Central Oregon’s favorite
vacation destinations, Bend and Sunriver. Two other popular
fly fishing rivers, the Metolious and Crooked, join the
Deschutes River at Lake Billy Chinook. From there, the
Lower Deschutes is framed by tall rim rock, dangerously
dropping into a garden of friendly, rainbow trout and
steelhead laden waters.
Healthy populations of rainbow trout and growing returns
of steelhead inhabit the lower 100 miles of this fly fishing
river, known as the Lower Deschutes River. This spectacular
river rambles through an immense canyon, dropping sharply
in spots creating exciting whitewater opportunities. Besides
great fly fishing, the Deschutes river is home to some
of Central Oregon's most striking scenery and wildlife,
including Bald eagles, Osprey, Blue Heron, Big Horn sheep,
Mule deer, playful Otters and of course strong rainbow
trout and summer steelhead! The Lower Deschutes River
Oregon boasts some of Oregon’s finest fly fishing for
rainbow trout. Known locally as “Redsides”, these native
fish grow thick shouldered and extremely powerful for
their size. Averaging 14-16 inches, and topping out
around 22 inches, these unique rainbow trout are notorious
for their strength, often running harder and jumping
higher than any rainbow trout in any other Western rivers.
 Open
to fly fishing all year, the Lower Deschutes River is
home to many species of insects, which hatch to Biblical
proportions. The warming weather of mid May brings out
the Stone fly hatch. Famous in the fly fishing community,
Giant Salmon flies and Golden stones cover the grass,
brush, and trees of the river's banks, through the first
weeks of June. These huge bugs prove to be the ultimate
meal for the rainbow trout, who eat them with recklessness.
Anglers who cast these large dry flies into the bank,
and under over hanging trees will be rewarded with the
largest, hottest rainbow trout of the season. Like all
fly fishing rivers, the Deschutes river has ever-changing
hatches, creating great fly fishing through out the year.
July and August offer some of the best fly fishing
of the season. Long, hot summer days make for endless
opportunities to hook these feisty rainbow trout. The
Deschutes River produces all day long caddis hatches
with Pale Morning Duns at dawn and Pale Evening Duns
at dusk. The ample amount of bugs, cause the rainbow
trout to look up for their meals. For anglers who live
for dry fly fishing, this is the time to visit the Deschutes
River Oregon.
 The
Deschutes River is equally famous for it's Summer Steelhead
run. These anadromous fish begin migrating from the
Pacific in July, and occupy the river through March.
By the end of July or the first of August, there are
fishable numbers of steelhead in the lowest reaches
of the Deschutes River. Warm water temperatures can
create challenging fly fishing conditions for these
powerful fish, but those who hook-up are rewarded with
the hottest steelhead of the season. When the weather
cools in September, and the steelhead respond. Steelhead
this time of year are notorious risers for skated drys
and initiate takes that leave any fly fishing guru’s
heart racing. October is a great month for fly fishing
on the Deschutes River Oregon. The weather is pleasant,
and steelhead can be caught in the entire river. Fly
fishing during this time on this fly fishing river offers
anglers the greatest chance for catching both rainbow
trout and steelhead. For those not afraid of the cooler
temperatures, November and December can offer great
fly fishing. Anglers fly fishing under an indicator
can have record setting days, since the largest numbers
of steelhead are in the system.
 The
Lower Deschutes River is a big rambling fly fishing
river with frequently windy conditions in the fall.
An eight weight with dry line is the standard recipe
for indicator fly fishing tactics. Two handed or Spey
rods have gained a huge following in the fly fishing
community on the Deschutes River Oregon. While fly fishing
for steelhead, a spey rod is a huge aid when trying
to reach mid river, holding water or when throwing heavy
sink tips. Much of the Spey fishing revolution in the
sport of Fly Fishing can be traced to the banks of the
Deschutes River.
If you enjoy fly fishing for feisty rainbow trout and
powerful steelhead, the Deschutes River in Central Oregon
is an experience you can't afford to neglect.
For more information on the Deschutes River Oregon,
or any other Central Oregon fly fishing rivers or waters
please contact
Fly and Field Outfitters.
Guided
Fly Fishing Trips on the Deschutes River
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