On the lower Deschutes anglers use many methods for producing results on steelies 5-20lbs. Our favorite strategy is to swing flies. This is an extremely effective approach to the big water of the lower D. Here long flats and wide swaths provided the ideal current and boulder combination for perfect hangouts for steelhead. Fishing floating lines and traditional flies like: Green butt Skunks, Purpil Peril, Streetwalker, Muddlers and the like get aggressive fish in the shade of morning and evening. During the full sun hours sinking the fly deep with sink tips is the preferred strategy. (That or a nap in the shade waiting for evening).
Deschutes River steelhead move aggressively to the swung fly. When they grab the fly there are often large boils or even a spray of water on the surface. An exciting way to fish!
Customer Don L. proudly holds a strong wild steehead
Jet boating is the preferred way to access the lower 22 miles of the Deschutes
Fishing in full sun with a fly rod is the trick on the lower D.
Fish counts at Sherars falls just 9 miles below Maupin indicate what is moving upriver and when. The fish trap samples approximately only 1/4-1/3 of the run
