The trout fishing on the Lower D continues to improve with the consistent cool days of Fall. Fish are more active and have been feeding consistently on a variety of subsurface insects. We’ve been seeing the most success on small Mayfly patterns but fish are eating Stoneflies and Caddis Pupa as well. October Caddis are out in pretty good numbers through most of the Lower Deschutes, and a big orange pupa pattern is a great fly to dead drift or swing in search of hungry Redsides. There is typically some opportunity to fish dries in the afternoons and evenings. PMDs are around, and small Caddis are quite abundant on most days.
Steelhead numbers continue to be pretty poor throughout the Columbia Basin. There are fish spread through the lower river from the mouth well up into the camp stretch. It is still a little early to be finding fish consistently in the day stretch but there are a few around. With the poor numbers, it can definitely take some time to find fish, but those who are putting in time are seeing some success. Emphasize proper fish fighting and handling techniques, and keep wild fish in the water!
Suggested Dries: X Caddis #16-20, A/C Caddis #16-18, Cutters Caddis #16-18, Henry’s Fork Caddis #16-20, Sparkle Dun PMD #16-18, Tilt Wing PMD #16-18, Parachute Adams #16-20, Orange Stimulator #10-12, Clarks Stone #10-12
Suggested Nymphs: Brown or Black Jimmy Legs #8-12, Jigged Tungsten Hare’s Ear #14-16, Jigged CDC PT #14-16, Nebury’s Purdee John Brown PMD #16-18, Flashback PT #14-18, Two Bit Hooker #16-20, Black Depth Charge #16-18, Black or Red Copper John #16-20