The Lower Deschutes has had great trout fishing over the last week. You cannot target steelhead down there this year, check the MyODFW page for details. The start of this week is looking warmer than average and then it starts to cool back down. It’ll still be a bit rainy. With warmer temperatures, you may see a bit more caddis action. Definitely the October caddis and maybe some smaller size 14 - 18 tan or olive caddis. Blue wing olive hatches are your best bet for dry fly action, look for them in the afternoon. It’s a good idea to have a variety of BWO sizes, 16 - 20 is usually good enough. Most of the time nymphing is the way to put fish in the net. Stoneflies can do well right now, if the big ones aren’t working try something small. Stoneflies are diverse, some of them are tiny and some are huge, the trout definitely see their fair share of size 4 stoneflies on the Lower. October caddis pupa are still picking up a few fish here and there. Right before noon, fishing BWO nymphs is a great way to fool the fish keying into the baetis hatch. Euro-style flies are always great down in the canyon. With salmon in the system and whitefish getting close to spawning time, eggs are on the menu. I’ve got a hunch that this is the nicest weather well see in a bit, get out and enjoy it before the snow and ice show up.
Recommended Dries: Hackle Stacker BWO #18-22, Parachute BWO #16-20, Black or Tan Elk Hair Caddis #12-20, X-Caddis #12-20
Recommended Nymphs: Black or Brown Jimmy Legs #8, Deep October Caddis Pupa #10-12, Jigged Hares Ear #14-16, Jigged Pheasant Tail #14-16, Psycho Prince #14-16, Duracell Jig #14-18, Copper John #14-18, JuJu Baetis #16-22, Slim Shady Olive #18-20, Olive or Tan Sparkle Pupa #16-18, Nitro Caddis Pupa #16-18