Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report

Cory Godell, Deschutes River Anglers

The salmon fly season is here and kicking into high gear fast. This is the first year I’ve ever seen a Salmon Fly on the Lower Deschutes above the town of Maupin before the 1st of May. Fortunately, the bulk of the trout aren’t fully locked on the big bugs yet. But it’s just a matter of days until they are. If you want a chance to catch fish on salmon flies before the bulk of the people show up, now is the time.

If you are one of those people that’s not worried about fishing the big salmon flies and prefers to fish with few people around, then the Deschutes will be that place earlier than normal. Usually after the salmon fly hatch ends, the bulk of the people thin out rather quickly. Plus if you hit things right after the salmon fly hatch, it can be as good, if not better than any salmon fly fishing.   

Just like our salmon flies showing up early, so should our caddis season. Come mid to late June the caddis hatch should be in full swing this year.