Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report

Cory Godnell reports on 8.22.18

This time of season there are truly tons of great fishing options to be had. If rainbow trout is what you prefer, the Deschutes is fishing very good. During the heat of the day nymphing is the best way to catch Deschutes Redsides. But by no means is it the only way. If you know where to look there are still plenty of dry fly opportunities out there. 

If you enjoy catching brown trout with a smorgasborg of different techniques, then pack your bags and head to the Owyhee. Right now on the Owyhee River there are terrestrials, PMD’s , lots and lots of midges, and the occasional caddis buzzing around. It’s not a question of are there any bugs around, but which ones should you fish. There’s a reason these brown trout grow so big in such a small river.

Last but not least, the almighty steelhead. They are showing up in good numbers on the Lower Deschutes. Steelhead fishing has seen ups and downs so far.  Fortunately, quite a few more ups than downs. Right now there is a thermal block at the mouth of the Deschutes which is slowing the steelhead up a bit. But with cooler days lately the thermal block should disappear real soon and when it does the flood gates will open and there should be gobs of steelhead shooting up the Deschutes.

\No matter your pleasure, it is a pretty amazing time to be fishing Central and Eastern Oregon right now.