Time is running out to fish the Upper Deschutes. As we move into Fall we have continued to see great fishing on the Upper Deschutes, which has been producing some really nice sized Brookies and Rainbows for those who put in the time. As always, there are plenty of small and aggressive fish around as well, which can make for an action packed afternoon. With the cooler weather we’ve had, dry fly fishing tends to improve as things warm up, so those looking to fish dries should plan to fish late mornings and through the afternoons. Nymphing is probably the most consistent way to find fish up high now, but we still prefer to fish a dry dropper in order to achieve a light presentation. Fishing a double nymph rig with a small indicator can also be productive. As for fly selection, there are still terrestrials around but look for them to be less active as the weather continues to cool. We are still fishing lots of ant and beetle patterns, but fish will be looking more towards the PMDs and BWOs that will grow in number towards the end of the season. Small Stoneflies and Mayfly nymphs are the best producers subsurface, and there are plenty of fish willing to chase down a wooly bugger or leech pattern.
Suggested Dries: Parachute Adams #16-20, Tilt Wing PMD #16-18, Parachute PMD #16-18, Butthead Sparkle Dun #16-18, Black or Cinnamon CDC Flying Ant #16, Black Flying Ant #16, Peacock Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, Cutters Caddis #16-18, Black or Tan Elk Hair Caddis #16-18
Suggested Nymphs: Soft Hackle PT #14-18, Thorax Bead Soft Hackle Copper #14-18, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, Black or Red Two Bit Hooker #16-20, Micro Mayfly #18-20, Jigged Tungsten Hare’s Ear #16, CDC Pheasant Tail #16