We are happy to be back on the Warm Springs section of the Lower Deschutes! The water was a little high on opening day but has steadily trended down and is right about where we’d expect to see it this time of year. The fish on the day stretch are feeding actively and will readily take an artificial fly after a good 4 months of cold temperatures and no angling pressure. The high water we saw on the Lower D this spring gave the river a good flush and is providing some cold spring water temperatures compared to what we’ve seen in the past couple of years. This means the Salmonfly hatch will likely be a little later this year, so there is no need to start getting worked up over the big bug for another couple of weeks. That being said, there are an abundance of various Stoneflies in the river and we are finding good numbers on all of our favorite Stonefly nymphs. We are also seeing good numbers of fish on the standard Mayfly nymphs; Hare’s Ears, Pheasant Tails, and similar variations in the #14-18 range. It’s primarily a subsurface game on the Lower D right now, and there is opportunity at great numbers and quality fish as the weather warms and feeding activity increases.
Justin and a client with a nice early season Redside on the Lower.
Suggested Flies: Black or Brown Jimmy Legs #6-12, Brown Trout Retreiver #8-12, Lex’s Improved Golden Stone #8-12, Jigged CDC PT #14-16, Copper Microstone #14-16, Jigged Hare’s Ear #14-16, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, Red or Black Two Bit Hooker #16-18, Olive or HE Anato-May #14-18, Olive Micro Mayfly #16-18, Olive Soft Hackle #16-18, Black or Red Copper John #14-18, Black Super Sinker #16