The Upper Deschutes has been fishing well, particularly in the upper sections between Little Lava and Crane Prairie. The dry fly fishing has been very consistent in this section of river, with terrestrials, Mayflies, and stimulators producing good numbers of small, aggressive Rainbows and Brookies. Dries are also finding larger fish in the deep, slow holes when presented properly. Otherwise, nymphs have been the best way to find fish in deep holes near deadfall and along cutbanks. Streamers can provide some exciting action as well, and can be the best way to target fish tucked tightly into structure. Below Crane the water levels have been low and are quite warm for this time of year. There are definitely fish around but they have not been feeding very consistently and can become pretty stressed when water temperatures rise on hot, sunny afternoons.
Suggested Dries: Purple Haze #14-18, Parachute Adams #14-18, Peacock Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, Black Foam Ant #16, CDC Flying Ant #16, Foam Beetle #14, Black Stimulator #14-16, Adams Trude #14-18, Elk Hair Caddis #14-18
Suggested Nymphs: Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail #14-18, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, Quasimodo Pheasant Tail #18-20, Black or Pearl Rainbow Warrior #16-20, Black or Copper Lightning Bug #14-18, Copper Microstone #14-18
Suggested Streamers: White or Tan Sculpzilla #6, Rust or Olive Slump Buster #6, White or Olive Wooly Bugger #8-10