Want to See your Backing? Visit our Spey Water Steelhead Camp

August and September is prime time for the most pissed off aggressive steelhead of the season and if you want a chance to see your backing, this is the time.  Our jet boat trips offer you the best flexibility and access on the river.  This allows us to stay in shaded water longer and fish specific runs and light angles at the right time of day with very little downtime between the amazing riffles, pools, and runs of the Deschutes.  We pick you up at the boat ramp in the afternoon before your first full day so you can get to camp settle in and get a good dose of evening fishing, departing around 1pm the last day- your time on the water is optimized you simply fish and relax. 

  

Located in north central Oregon the lower Deschutes River is an immense fish magnet which flows into the Columbia river near the Dalles, OR.  In August and September near lethal water temperatures are common on the Columbia river and the spring fed Deschutes river commonly flows 10 degrees cooler than the Columbia.  This creates a magnetic effect that draws thousands of fish into the lower Deschutes.  On top of a bumper Deschutes river steelhead run these out of basin fish linger in the Deschutes for weeks waiting for cooler temps to continue their journey on up the Columbia river.  This is a bonus for anglers at times in Aug/Sept as staggering numbers of fish are available.  This is prime time for dry lines- the hallmark of Deschutes River fly fishing.

    

The thrill of the take from an aggressive steelhead can be only a cast away.  Wake up in the morning with a cup of coffee and step into a prime steelhead run only feet away from camp.  With the power boat we have the ability to cover lots of water and stay in the fish as they migrate up river.  Comfortable camps on the world famous Deschutes River get you into the action.  Our camps are designed to be home away from home with large 14' x 14' canvas tents that you can stand and walk around in.  Comfortable cots and plush sleeping pads make your adventure a breeze.  Our camp staff prepares your lodging in advance.  Steelhead Camp is 3 - 7 anglers with one or two comfortable and stable jet boats.

What we provide:

Our signature overnight guided jet boat trips are with an experienced guide who has spent countless hours on the waters you are fishing.  Expect patient personalize attention and intent focus on optimizing your time on the water with a willingness to teach you our favorite tricks to catching steelhead and trout.  River history, tall tales are river lore often come up too.  This trip also includes camp staff to cook and assist in camp as needed.  Camp is fully supplied with tents, cots, and comfortable sleeping pads.  We provide jet boat, life jackets and boaters passes.  We carry thousands of flies however we recommend you have a selection of favorites.  We supply all your meals starting with dinner day one through lunch the last day with soft drinks, snacks and water.  Meals are hearty and you won't leave hungry- most special dietary needs can be accommodated. 

These trips focus on the most remote part of the canyon to optimize our fishing success and will be downstream from the Mack's Canyon Boat ramp.  We use jet boats for transportation only as regulations do not allow fishing from a boat -all fishing is done while wading. 

Standard Jet Boat Camp Package:     Three person minimum - seven person maximum

2 nights, 1 full day fishing, 2 8 hr*-days fishing        $1250

3 nights, 2 full days fishing, 2 -8 hr* days fishing      $1650

Additional nights can be added at $425 per night / per person

Come join the fun on this world class fishery!  To save your spot call today:  503-704-6449 or email guide Rob Crandall at: rob@watertimeoutfitters.com  *approximate

Deschutes Steelhead Spey Camp

Experience the thrill when a Steelhead takes your fly in Central Oregon's most impressive canyon!
Deschutes River fly fishing at it's finest.  See more at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

From Slow to Amazing - Deschutes Steelhead Experience at Its Best

Fishing had been slow all morning, that said two anglers had several opportunities but did not connect and the other two had 2 fish to hand.  Our final spot loomed ahead as we floated into our lunch run.  Gil had his two anglers spread out and my two joined them.  We were in a favorite spot, one that had delivered before.  A tough few days behind us and we were ready for a hot spot and holding hope that our last one would be it.  That is how it is being a steelhead fly fishing guide; you hope and hope.  Always expecting the best and keep coaching the best casts from your anglers; again hoping when the opportunity does happen-because it will- that they don't yank that fly out of the fish's mouth on the first light tap.

Victor was the first to yell out "FISH ON!" Gil and I immediately stopped our lunch prep- Gil grabbing a net and I grabbing the Nikon D7000.  We ran upriver to see Victor fast into a hot fish that wasn't budging.  This is always fun for me with the camera as I get the opportunity to see Gil at work and get those perspectives that I can't get when I am holding the net.  About ten photos into the battle I heard it from down below-"FISH ON!"  Matt who was just beyond view below bellowed.  I knew we had a few minutes before he would need the net so we focused on Victor's fish thinking it was soon coming to hand.  Not so.  It fought tirelessly and Matt belowed again.  I rushed down to Matt this time grabbing my rubberized net and wading in with Matt.  He had a huge smile on his face as the warm sun glinted off his doubled over spey rod.  Matt's fish was smaller than the one upriver with Gil and we landed them almost simultaneously.  It was then that we looked up to see another outfitter floating by.  Gil told him it had been like this all the way down river- he called b.s.. We did hook a total of 5 fish that lunch time and didn't burn lunch!

Cast, swing, step is an easy formula.  There is really not that much to it- but there is.  Minute details add up to more success or less.  Here is the simple formula we use for success:

• Keep moving- steelhead are not hard to convince to bite- they are hard to find.  You have the job of finding them-this run, the next or the one after that.  Keep Moving! Make an effort to consistently move down river for each cast 5-6 feet.  
• Swing for success- your swing is what catches fish.  Don't get caught up casting over and over...get the right cast and focus on your swing.  Visualize how the fly is moving.  How fast or slow is it bouncing in chop or dropping in slow water.  Manage your line for an even swing speed and catch more fish.
• Don't fish a bad cast.  Multiple casts in one spot are a waste of time.  Unless you see a fish roll or have a steelhead tag your fly and it doesn't stick only make one cast in each spot.
• Don't yank the fly away from the fish.  So often trout anglers get twitchy and upon feeling the first tug of a steelhead take they yank hard.  This simply pulls the fly away from the fish and it rarely ends well.  Steelhead takes are a variety from flat out ON with line peeling off to slow soft tugs that feel like a wet sock just floated onto your line.  Patience at this critical juncture is imperative.  Take a muscle relaxer and respond slowly!

For an amazing river experience connect with a crew who has been working the river for over 20 years.  Visit:  www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

Fishing Tips for Fall

Fall is prime time for steelhead fishing and there is unfortuneatly only so much of it, these five tips can help you make the most of those precious fall moments.

Tip #1:  Fish all day.  The doggedly persistent angler finds best results this time of year by staying at it. Fishing all day is productive now as the sun angle is lower in the sky than during summer months.  Prime time of fish movement will still be morning and evening but don't sleep away the day; good action can be found in full sun this time of year.

Tip #2: Change up flies, often one pattern will produce when others don't.  By now steelhead of fall have been in our rivers for at least a month or possible 2 or 3 months.  These fish have seen a lot of offerings and may respond better to some flies than others.  Try using darker flies and smaller flies as the season progresses.  One great pattern that consistently produces in the fall is the Crandall's Devils Candy by Spirit River- www.spiritriver.com

Tip #3:  Move through the run.  Keep moving to find steelhead.  These fish are often really not that hard to convince them to grab your fly but they are hard to find.  Summer steelhead are moving in from the ocean and often covering hundreds of miles to where they will spawn.  Are they in the peice of water you are on now?  Keep moving and find that aggressive fish.  It will let you know it is there!

Tip #4:  Don't be a jerk-that is, don't pull the fly away from the fish.  Later into the fall fish typically tap the fly and grab less aggressively as the season progresses and water gets colder.  Often the take consists of not just one "grab" but a series of soft tugs getting progressively harder.  Resist the temptation to "set the hook" aka -pull the fly away from the fish and you'll have more hookups!  Simply keep swinging the fly until you feel the heaviness of the fish solidly on the line and then put a bend in the rod tightening up on the fish.

Tip #5: Surface flies are the way to go until they are not...getting the swung fly bite on a swung surface fly is absolutely the best, however, when water temps start to dip in late fall consider getting your fly deeper.  Short sinktips like the MOW tips 5/5 and 7.5/2.5 tips are deadly also a 10' T-11 sink tip will get your fly where more reluctant fish can't resist.

Try these tips to up your success during the prime time of fall.  For more instruction and on water experiences visit: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

September Steelhead Fishing the Deschutes

September has arrived and with it hints of fall.  As I drove over Mt. Hood on hwy 26 recently the thermometer readout said 34 degrees- a welcome cooling from a long hot summer.  This part of the season we are setting camp on the lower Deschutes with the jet boat in the quest for summer steelhead. These fish are incredible and are in the prime of their life; athletes of pure muscle that can swim in bursts up to 35 mph. Each day we have been connecting with these amazing fish and almost every single fish is running out all our fly line and deep into the backing.  Below is a quick glimpse of camp in the morning last week.

Todd Rettman with the morning "go" medicine

The coffee was hot and welcome after just four days in camp I was getting a bit tired already and the morning sleep was hard to pry from my eyes.  The gray of dawn welcomed our two anglers Henry and Elliot. With a quick snack and something to drink they marched to their respective segements of the amazing steelhead run that we were camped on.  Todd and I prepped for the day tidying camp and preparing breakfast and lunch.  Not far into my first cup of coffee-with way too much French Vanilla creamer in it, we distinctly heard- "FISH ON!" from Henry down below camp.  I grabbed the rubberized catch and release net and ran downstream, my favorite type of excercise while on the river.

Henry was fast into a hot fish.  It ran far into this wide section of the Deschutes and jumped three feet in the air, landing with a spectacular twisting splash.  The reel surged and sang as line peeled off the reel.  Todd and I enjoyed the show as Henry wrestled with one of the finest fish out there.  Then I faintly heard it; was that a whistle?

Henry's wild Deschutes Steelie

Elliot at 72 years young was equipted with a whistle on his waders.  Todd sprinted upriver to see what his status was while I enjoyed the show- the battle with Henry and the sprinting steelhead.  Finally, the chrome steelhead sucummed to the constant bend of the long rod and we slid a wild 10lb fish into the net.  Shouts of joy rang through the canyon.  This was Henry's first fishing trip in over a year.

With the fish released and Henry back on his way to his next steelhead encounter I headed upriver to see what was going on.  I made it to camp and saw Todd.  He was wet.  "What's going on?" I asked.   "We did hear a whistle, Elliot has a fish on too!  I did'nt have my waders on yet so I waded in anyway and helped Elliot land his fish" Todd relayed.

Elliot checks off a bucket list item- Deschutes Steelhead on the spey rod!

A double to start the morning; and that is how it goes when wild, amazing, powerful, aggressive steelhead show up on camp water.  Now all I need is a double shot of coffee!

August River Report- Deschutes Steelhead

It's August and it has been typically hot weather lately.  The next few days hold 97 and 99 degrees in the forecast making even the dog look for shade.  It's also prime summer steelhead time on the Lower Deschutes River in central Oregon.  The Deschutes is an important sanctuary for the entire upper Columbia basin migration of salmon and steelhead.  Many of these fish are precious and sometimes endangered wild salmon and steelhead.  The cool waters of the Deschutes river are a respite from the harsh and nearly lethal conditions found in the bath water of the dammed and nearly stagnant Columbia River, where water temps soar over 70 degrees- not a good mix for cold water fish.

This chart from August 17th shows how deadly warm the Columbia river can be and why it is so important for PGE and dam operators on the Deschutes River system to draw cool waters from the base of the dam at Pelton dam on the Deschutes river utilizing the new selective water withdrawl system put in place about 5 years ago.

Here you can see the lower Deschutes at Moody rapids near the mouth of the Deschutes where it meets the Columbia River.  The huge difference in temperature between the Deschutes and the warm Columbia river create a safe haven for upstream migrating fish where they can duck into the cool waters and revive before heading on up the Columbia river later in the fall when water temperatures have cooled and are not so lethal.
Visit www.deschutesriveralliance.org  for more information and see how you can help support proper management of the Deschutes river flows and help protect wild salmon and steelhead of Oregon, Washingtoon and Idaho.

Deschutes River Report August

This month so far has been a series of ups and downs; water clarity has been good, bad and everything inbetween lately.  White River, a tributary to the lower Deschutes River has been dumping in cement like water that makes the best DQ  Blizzard look thin.  This combines with the Deschutes to create off colored water for the lower 50 miles or so.  This clarity has made steelhead fishing difficult at times.  Predicting when it will clear is anybody's best guess.  With out more thundershowers on the glacier or extreme heat the river will usually drop and clear a bit in two days.

Each day is a new test wading into the river this year as severe drought has brought the White River glacier to tears everytime it get very hot or a thundershower blasts through.

There are still lots of steelhead to be found on the lower Deschutes.  Get your fly down with a sink-tip and fish in full sun for best visibility when the water has only 20" of clarity.  Using bigger flies with lots of flash like Crandall's Wedding Dress in Cerise or Blue have worked well for us or the Devil's Candy Pattern (both available at www.spiritriver.com ).  #flyfishthedeschutes   #perfectingperformance @sageflyfish

This year's weather and water conditions have made it a year of adaption.  Try these strategies and good luck on the water!

Rob

www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Big Surprise on the Small Rod

Mike O. lands a salmon on a 5 weight fly rod!

While fishing with Water Time Outfitters guide Gil Muhleman client Mike O. didn't expect to become a legend in one morning.  After working through a run with good success nymph fishing for rainbow trout on Oregon's Deschutes River Mike hooked what was noticeablly bigger than the average trout.  After a lengthy battle he landed a dandy - Chinook Salmon on his #5 weight fly rod!!

Congrats to Mike!

www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Drought Desparaged Columbia Basin- Deschutes River July 2015

The lower Deschutes River continues to see a cooling trend with cooler weather in Central Oregon.   Water released from Pelton Dam near Madras, Oregon is much cooler than during the deadly heatwave we saw in the last several weeks.  Wild salmon and steelhead are now breathing a sigh of releif and are flooding into the lower Deschutes for rest in the cooler waters.  The Columbia river is still at near leathal temperatures creating a strong vacuum-like pull for these fish to enter the lower Deschutes River.

This is good news for the Deschutes River fishery.  With the selective water with-drawl system in place at the dam on the Deschutes near the 100 mile mark PGE (who manages the complex) should take note of how adjusting their mix to the cooler water deep in the reservior has possibly saved untold wild fish in the Deschutes and Columbia basin.

Note the difference in water temperature from the Deschutes compared to the Columbia River.

The Columbia River Water Temps near the mouth of the Deschutes

The Lower Deschutes River water Temp near the Columbia

Deschutes River water Temp near the Dam

www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

Deschutes River Fly Fishing Class - Trout Fishing Fun!

Start your fly fishing right with good fundamentals and fun!  This introduction to fly fishing on the famous Deschutes River is a great course for the beginner, a gift, or fun for the whole family.  This special class is taught by pro guide teaching staff of Water Time Outfitters.   

This two part class first covers the basics in the classroom at Royal Treatment Fly shop. The second session is on the Deschutes River near Maupin, OR.  The Deschutes is Oregon’s premier blue ribbon trout river and only 1 hour and 45 minutes from the Portland area.  Here we cover how to rig, fly casting lesson, on water bug study-what do fish eat, fly fishing techniques, how to fight and land fish and on water fishing for trout.  A get started class information packet is included.

This class covers: Fly fishing terminology, Fly fishing knots, Proper rigging, Equipment, Fly selection, Fly casting, Entomology, and On Water Fishing instruction.  For this 8 hour course rods and reels are provided if needed or bring your own.  Bring your waders, boots, fishing license, polarized glasses, lucky fishing hat and lunch.

Available dates:

May 27 6-8 pm in shop & May 30 on water

Jun 10   6-8 pm in shop & Jun 13 on water

Jul 15    6-8 pm in shop & Jul 17 & or 18 on water

Aug 5    6-8pm in shop & Aug 8 on water

Sept 16 6-8pm in shop & Sept 18 & or 19 on water

Online Booking with Royal Treatment Fly Shop: Click Here

Call to reserve your spot today!  503-704-6449  email:  Water Time Classes    

Mornings on the River - Favorites from Fall 2014

Some of my favorite times this fall I found myself in awe of the scenery.  You would think that for a guy who spends just about every day on the Deschutes river during steelhead season it would get to be mundane.  In the Deschutes canyon the scenery is fantastic, add in the fall colors the low angle of the sun in October and November and you have the makings for some epic landscapes.  Here are a few pics from this season that I really enjoyed.  Rob Crandall www.watertimeoutfitters.com

September Fishing Report - Deschutes River

Things are going good and fall is here.  I’m loving the bit of cooler weather.  The leaves are changing color and the Deschutes canyon is calling out – “It’s Steelhead Time!”  Trout fishing has been good too with an assortment of trout tasty treats.  We are seeing good numbers of Mahogany Duns, midges, some caddis 16-20, occasional bwo’s and the October caddis are starting to show.  Trout food this time of year is mostly very small.  We found some good trout fishing mid-day in the back eddies and mid-mornings in the riffles. 

Steelhead of course are the main target this time of year and fish are spread through the system.  We have been fishing with the jet sled in the lower 22 miles of the Deschutes.  Fishing has been very good with consistent results most days.  A mix of both hatchery and wild fish are in the river now.  We have had good success swinging flies with floating lines in the morning and evening.  Our best patterns have been standard flies like green butt skunks, streetwalkers and fly dejour.  

Of important note for floaters on the upper section of the Deschutes.  Whitehorse Rapid has a log jammed into the rocks in the upper section (worst part) near “can-opener rock”.  This could be very hazardous and we highly recommend scouting this before floating.

For a great fishing adventure visit: www.watertimeoutfitters.com and see more info.  

Trout are busy finding mayflies in the eddies.

Seattle Seahawks fans ready for a great day on the river!

 Hatchery steelhead caught in full sun

Fish on!

On a sad note, the fires earlier this year have destroyed many miles of river habitat in the section from Kaskella to locked gate.  The remaining green grassy spots not burned by the fires have been destroyed by cattle in this section both on the reservation and below it.

Summer Steelhead Seminar July 26th

Summer Steelhead Seminar Video Invite

Come join us for a fun time talking about our favorite fish- Steelhead!  July 26th we are offering a FREE presentation on fly fishing for summer steelhead.  Water Time Outfitter guide - Rob Crandall will be talking about techniques,gear, flies and the specifics of how to consistently catch steelhead on the fly.

Royal Treatment Fly shop is located in West Linn, OR.  Call the shop for details 503-850-4397

Free- Steelhead Fly Fishing Seminar July 26

Come join us for a kick-start-tune-up for SUMMER STEELHEAD fly fishing this coming saturday at the Royal Treatment Fly shop in West Linn, OR.  We will be discussing fly fishing strategies, fly patterns, gear and much more!

The fun starts at 10 am and don't be late, there will be homemade cookies there and they go fast!

For more details call Royal Treatment Fly Shop: 503-850-4397 or visit: www.royaltreatmentflyfishing.com

Deschutes River - Summer Dry Fly Action

Deschutes River rainbows are busily slurping caddis flies this time of year.  The months of July and August the weather is warm and the dry fly action is good.  It's a great time to see the river canyon.  Join Water Time Outfitters on our three day adventure down the wild and scenic Deschutes canyon fly fishing for native redband trout.

See more details at:  www.watertimeoutfitters.com

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