Summer Dry Fly Action Video on Oregon's Deschutes River

The caddis hatch on the Deschutes River is one of my favorite times of year to fish trout.  The weather is predicatably warm and dry, the hatches consistent and the trout - steadily feeding on the surface.  What a great combination!  This is the time of year for delicate presentations and small flies.  Floating lines and four or five weight fly rods are idea.  For a fun fishing trip only 2 hours from the Portland area the combination of whitewater, wildlife, camping comfort and great trout fishing is something every fly angler needs to experience.

Check out our video on fly fishing the Deschutes in July.

Oregon's Deschutes River Caddis Action in July

If you want to find some great dry fly fishing without the crowds on one of Oregon's finest blue ribbon trout streams and with-in 2 hours of the Portland airport- come join us on the Deschutes River!  In July caddis flies and mayflies consistently hatch each day providing the fly fishing angler prime opportunity at strong wild trout.  Much of our fishing this time of year is visual where we spot the fish and cast to it - watching the fish rise to the fly is a thrill!

Our favorite gear for trout fishing in July are #4 or #5 weight fly rods armed with floating lines.  On the end of these lines we use a tapered leader that finishes up on the business end with 5X tippet.  To this we add on a variety of caddis dry flies.  Morning and evening hatches are the norm and mid-day fishing can be excellent as well. 

This time of year has a fishing challenge for every skill level.  Beginning anglers score on open riffles and wadable flats meanwhile veteran anglers can test their savvy on big trout sipping surface flies in the shade of arching alder trees.  New angler or advanced the Deschutes has much to offer.

 

Whitewater, canyon scenery, wildlife and great fishing await in the Deschutes River canyon.  Managed carefully by the BLM this river gem is listed as a Wild & Scenic River a designation only found on few of Oregon's best rivers.   

The best way to reach the most productive waters of the Deschutes is to hire a knowledgeble and experienced fishing guide. The whitewater stretches of Whitehorse Rapids are not for beginners.  Here we look to Water Time Outfitter guides Rob Crandall and Gil Muhleman.  These guys have been working the waters of the Deschutes canyon for over 20 years.  That experience lends to know how on those secret spots where the big fish feed and knowing what fly to use when.  To connect with guides Rob and Gil visit our website at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

 Evening Caddis hatch time!

Relaxing in the summer shade on the Deschutes

Come join us! www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

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 

Deschutes River Report May 3, 2014

Beginning Fly Fishing Class on the Deschutes

Water Time Outfitters starts the spring season of trout fishing on Oregon's Deschutes River.  Hatches in the spring can be sparse until things warm up.  Water temperatures are hovering around 52 degrees which usually is the temp when stonefly nymphs start to crawl towards shore in their annual emergence.  The great "Salmon Fly Hatch" as it is known is when stoneflies both- black stones and golden stones crawl from their bouldery homes and transition into the "double-winged- flying- helicopter- like" bugs of spring which trout absolutely love to eat.

There are other insects hatching in the spring as well as the salmon flies.  On any given day you may see: Pale Morning Duns, Blue Winged Olives and a smattering of Caddis.  Each day is somewhat different based on the weather.  When no fish are rising anglers do best with a selection of nymphs.

Favorite nymphs for spring are: pheasant tail nymphs sz 14 and 16, Green rock worms sz 14,16; stonefly nymphs in black or golden- sizes 6, 8, 10.  Prince nymphs can be productive as well.  These patterns are best fished with a dead drift technique imitating the natural nymph dislodged from their riverbed home tumbling helplessly along in the current.

One of our first sightings of adult salmon flies in 2014

Adult salmon fly patterns are big flies.  As you can see in the photo above these bugs are often up to 3" long. They are also somewhat clumsy fliers and often crash into the water making a juicy meal for trout.  Favorite fly patterns are:  Sofa Pillow, Chubby Chernobyll, Clark's Stone and Norm Woods Special in sizes 4,6 and 8.

Currently the Deschutes River is running clear and is in good shape near the town of Maupin, OR.  Water levels are around 4300 cfs at the Madras gauge.  For more information on fishing the Deschutes River visit: www.watertimeoutfitters.com