Opening weekend has finally arrived for trout fishing after a brutal winter in Central Oregon. As many anglers put away their rods for the winter it’s time to fish them out of the closet and head out as the weekend is shaping up for some good trout fishing weather. Although the river flowing from Round Butte dam remains high for this time of year, the fishing should be hot. With months of rest again this year, fish should be eager to take a fly. With swift water and higher flows expect to find fish in tight, close to banks trying to find escape from the current. Other areas of concentration include breaks, eddies and riffles, all which should hold trout.
With the Salmonfly season approaching fast, expect to throw a lot of Stonefly nymphs, jimmy legs are always a good choice, along with that March Brown nymphs and emergers could also be a top producer this time of year. Other options that should all produce fish include Hares Ears, Pheasant Tails, and micro may flies. Something anglers should be cautious of are the spawning Redbands, the native trout of the Lower Deschutes will be on their redds from now until the end of May so please be wary and stay away from gravelly flats as well as shallow side channels.