Deschutes River Salmon Fly Hatch Report- May 2014

Fly Fishing Deschutes River Redband Rainbow Trout

Salmon fly action is full swing on the Deschutes here at the May 20th marker.  Both golden stones and black stones from Maupin,OR to Warm Springs area farther north the big bugs are out in good numbers.  Our recent trips are starting to show waning numbers of the big bugs in the Maupin area.  Other Deschutes River hatches are making a showing at the same time and we are seeing trout feed on caddis, PMD's, PMD spinner fall, and PED's.

An adult stonefly next to the nymphal casing.  Stoneflies crawl out of the river on emergence.

Water levels are very nice for fishing this time of year and are relatively low.  Oregon's snow pack in this region is billed to be about normal. Water clarity is good and the weather has been fairly nice with some great days in the mid-80's.  We have not seen the super hot 90+ degree weather that really gets the egg laying action of the salmon flies in crazy mode.  Just a nice spattering of egg laying on the warmer days.  In addition the killer to the dry fly action - cool wet days have mostly missed this season so far.

Golden Stones in the grass along the Deschutes River

Fishing during the salmon fly hatch is best near structure.  We rig our rods with either 7-1/2 or 9'- 4X tapered leaders and use patterns like: Clarks Stone Fly, Norm Woods Special, Sofa Pillow etc... but our favorite is the Chubby Chernobyl.  This pattern moves and simulates the lifelike appearance of the natural fly very well. These big bugs are clumsy crashing fliers and offer an excellent protien pack for trout.  

Water Time Outfitter guides like Rob Crandall and Gil Muhleman have been working the waters of the Deschutes River for over 20 years.  We float the best waters of the canyon and know the river inside and out.  Our favorite way to cover the salmon fly hatch is with the multi-day float trip. This gets you away from the crowded waters of this popular hatch and into the best dry fly action of the river.  Serious whitewater on the Deschutes river keeps out the novice boaters and allows experienced oarsmen rested water where big trout thrive.  Come join us on a river adventure!  See more at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Getting ready for dinner on the river

Long time Water Time Outfitters client enjoys the evening on the river

Camp boss Marty Smith prepares breakfast in the glow of the canyon sun.

See the very best of the river canyon when you float with Water Time Outfitter guides

See more info at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

Upper Deschutes River First Steelhead Since 1960

The first adult steelhead since the 1960s was passed upstream above the Pelton dam on the Deschutes River Friday, September 14th (photo attached), and the second this passed Wednesday,  September 26th.   12 or 14 PIT tagged steelhead adults from above the dams have passed upstream over Bonneville Dam.  Neither steelhead caught and passed so far has been PIT tagged.   Passed adults are receiving double green floy tags for ID purposes.  Some are receiving radio tags.

 

Also, yesterday while conducting a kokanee spawning survey, Mike Gauvin, ODFW, took the attached pdf photos of an adult male Sockeye on a Redd in the upper Metolius River at Smiling River Campground.   He is carrying a radio-antenna coming from the mouth.  

 

These are the early results of a monumental new project by PGE on the Deschutes river system to enhance and restore wild chinook salmon, steelhead and sockeye in the upper Deschutes river basin. 

 

See more on the Deschutes River at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Come See us at the Portland Show!

Water Time Outfitters will be at the Portland Sportsman Show Feb 8-12, 2012.  Stop by booth 1349 along the fly casting pond and say hello.  We look forward to catching up with you and showing you some of the things we've been working on.  You'll see our new decal and t-shirts as well as some great classes and schools we are providing for this coming year.

Hope to see you there! 

Rob Crandall & Gil Muhleman

Here are some of the highlights we're offering that you'll see at the show:

Winter Steelhead Boot Camp - Special package during the heat of the season in March, stay on the Wilson river and fish the Tillamook area.  Learn spey casting, presentation, rigging and much more!

Deschutes Steelhead Boot Camp- Special package is during the heat of the season in September, stay in our comfortable camp on the river and learn spey casting, presentation, rigging and much more!

Gil's February Special - Fish with Gil on the Oregon North Coast Feb 18-29 for only $250 per day for 2 people- see details.  Wilson, Trask, Kilches or other rivers at prime time!

Check our our new Decal for your rig, boat, thermos, rod tube or fly box.  This is a 4x6" oval heavy vinyl decal made for the outdoors with our favorite saying on it "The Tug is the Drug"  You can be the proud owner of this decal:  Click here for more info or to purchase.

This is our new T-shirt.  It features the "Tug is the Drug" message with the same great fish as we show on the decal.  Buy it now at the show for only $15.00 and get a decal free. Or you can order it online as well.  Tug is the Drug T-shirt

Looking forward to seeing you soon!