Deschutes Steelhead - The Three Day Trip Last Minute Openings!

If you've ever wanted to see the best waters of the Deschutes River and swing a fly through one incredible steelhead run after the next- this may be your opportunity.  We have had a few last minute openings for October and November.  2015 Open Trip dates are:  Oct 15-17, one spot Oct 25-28 and one spot open Nov 13-15. Below are the details about the trip and how it works.  Let us know asap if you are interested in joining us for a trip of a lifetime.

For over 20 years, WaterTime Outfitter's guides have been offering and multi-day adventures for Deschutes River Steelhead. 

The World famous Deschutes River is second to none in steelhead fly fishing. This river is a gem in the high desert of central Oregon. Flowing north to the Columbia River the Deschutes River is home to one of the most robust summer and fall steelhead runs in the lower 48. Aggressive steelhead caught on swung fly are the hallmark of the Deschutes. This technique is thrilling and rewarding. Our permit covers the lower 100 miles of the Deschutes River for both drift boats and power boats. We fish different sections as these prized fish migrate upriver. Fishable numbers of steelhead are available from July through November. 

Guided Multi-day Camp/Float Trips for Steelhead 

Wake up in the morning with a cup of coffee and step into a prime steelhead run only feet away from camp. The thrill of the take from an aggressive steelhead can be only a cast away. Comfortable camps on the world famous Deschutes River get you into the action and away from the crowds. 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 our lodging in advance and often has hot cookies coming out of the oven as you arrive. Fish ‘til dark if you like a fully prepared meal will be awaiting you. Guided camp/float trips are based on two anglers per boat, with groups of 4 or 6 most common; more can be accommodated. 

What we provide: Our overnight guided drift boat float trips are win an experienced guide and oarsman (click here to see our guides). Expect patient personalize attention and intent focus on optimizing your time on the water. This trip also includes camp staff to float ahead and prepare camp. We provide dry bags for your use. Camp is fully supplied with tents, cots, and comfortable sleeping pads. We carry thousands of flies however we recommend you have a selection of favorites. Overnight trips we supply all your meals starting with BBQ shore lunch day one through lunch the last day, soft drinks, snacks and water. Rod, reel, lines are available when scheduled in advance. 

Three day float trip: $1200
Four day float trip:   $1600

Please call Rob Crandall or Gil Muhleman ASAP to save your spot for these open dates.

Rob 503-704-6449
Gil 541-419-7778

Happy Thanksgiving! Deschutes Steelhead Summer and Fall Video

It's Thanksgiving Day 2014 and as I look back at this year there is so much to be thankful for.  Here is a fun video of fly fishing for steelhead in the Deschutes canyon.  When I watch this video I can't help but be thankful for such a great team of guides and such an amazing resource we have.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Deschutes River an Oregon Fishing Treasure

Nestled in the center of the state and forming a squiggling line on the Oregon map is the most famous river in the western United States, the Deschutes River.  Know for native redband trout, great steelhead fishing and whitewater rafting the Deschutes river flows to the Columbia river at an average of 6 miles per hour.  The river itself originating near Little Lava lake high in Oregon's Cascade Mountains flows 252 miles north to the Columbia River.  Home to wild trout, steelhead, salmon and endangered bull trout the fertile waters of the Deschutes are a living oasis in what truely is the high desert of Oregon.

                        The Deschutes River near the base of White Horse Rapids

Home to wild trout and good runs of steelhead the Deschutes River is the go to river for most anglers in the region.  Stable water flows a side effect of being a tail water river (river which flows out of a large dam) enhance insect hatches and fishability.  The most famous hatch on the Deschutes River is the Salmon fly hatch.  This insect is up to 3" long and a great meal for hungry trout.  Other prolific hatches through-out the year include: blue wing olive and pale morning dun mayflies and a handfull of caddisflies.

                           Deschutes River has Giant Salmon Flies and Golden Stones

Flowing mostly through BLM lands, some private ranch lands and bordered by the Warm Springs Indian tribe for nearly 20 miles the Deschutes has bountiful optiosn for both the boating and bank bound angler.  The lower 100 miles of the Deschutes River is the most prolific and abundant section of the river and where most anglers focus their attention.

Access on the lower 100 miles of the Deschutes is available in many forms.  The first access point below Pelton Dam is the Warm Springs area.  There is a boat launch located just off HWY 26 near the town of Warm Springs.  A second access point is found just 2 miles down river at Mecca Flats, here there are picnic tables and camp sites.  About 10 miles down from Mecca Flats campground is another fishing access point.  This is called the Trout Creek campground.  Boat launch, vault toilets, and campsites are found here.  This section of river borders the Warm Springs Reservation on the west side of the river.  Boating passes are available at www.tribalpermits.com for the section of river from Dry Creek to Trout Creek about 8 miles.

                                      Water Time Outfitter's Riverside Camp

Once past Trout Creek access is limited and boaters passing Trout Creek must be commited to about 30 mile float and some serious whitewater.  First time floaters are advised to go with a guide.  Whitehorse rapids lives in this section of the river.  It is a famous rapid with rocks in it who have earned names like: "can opener", "house rock", "slide rock" and most famous- "Oh shit rock."  Portable toilets and boating passes are required to float this section of river.  Boater passes are required for any floating device on the Deschutes.  Passes on the lower river are subject to limited passes.  These passes are regulated by the BLM and are available at: www.boaterpass.com

         Water Time Outfitters clients enjoying a ride through Buckskin Mary Rapids

The town of Maupin is sandwiched in the middle of the lower Deschutes River.  At about the 60 mile marker this section of river is popular with rafters as there are series of great whitewater rapids in this section of river.  Rapids like Boxcar, Oaksprings,Elevator shaft and Wreck rapids make for an exciting adventure in a whitewater raft.   

The bumpiest gravel access road on the river stretches from below Sherars Falls.  It is miles of 15 mph driving.  (Recent road work may help- spring 2012).  This road takes you to Max Canyon, the end of the road for non-floating access.  From Max Canyon it is 22 river miles to the mouth where the Deschutes meets the Columbia river.  This section of river has multiple user groups.  Jet boats are allowed every other weekend, drift boats and rafts frequent this stretch in summer and fall.  Here you may see big horn sheep treading the steep hills of the big canyon. 


For Deschutes River fly patterns a must stop shop in the Portland area is Royal Treatment Fly Shop.  Call Joel at: 503-850-4397 for the latest on what patterns are hot right now.  www.royaltreatmentflyfishing.com

The Deschutes River has much to offer from excellent trout and steelhead fishing, whitewater rafting, and sight seeing this green emerald in the tan colored high desert of Oregon is a great get-away for any outdoor enthusiast. 

Mark Ellis (who was second baseman for the Oakland A's at the time) and his first steelhead with guide Rob Crandall

For the best of guided fishing trips on the Deschutes River connect with Rob Crandall at Water Time Outfitters.  Rob has been guiding the Deschutes for over 20 years and his energetic but patient attitude is fun to be around.  Wether learning or adding a great river to a long list of waters you've fished Rob will do his best to make it a great day.  Call Rob at 503-704-6449.  Rob and his crew of top guides will do their best to make the most of your water time. www.watertimeoutfitters.com
To book a fishing trip or ask for more info:  click here

Fall Season Pics- Water Time on the Deschutes

Save your spot for 2012 NOW!

www.WaterTimeOutfitters.com

                        Fall Chinook salmon ate the Vaccumn Cleaner fly presented on a floating line!

Steelhead Prime Time!

This is it, Deschutes River Steelhead prime time!  This is the season of the year that really gets the drag screaming on your fly reel and fly anglers blood pumping.  Fishing has been excellent this fall with both trout and steelhead fishing going very well.  Come join the fun: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

We have been catching good numbers of steelhead on the swung fly strategy both with a floating line and sink tips.  Sinking tip lines have been especially effective mid day.  Steelhead are moving aggressively to the standard fare of fly patterns.  Contact Royal Treatment Fly shop for a great selection of hot patterns- 503-850-4397.

Trout fishing has been excellent as well with some cooler days and great caddis action.  This time of year trout are in prime condition.  We've been seeing the backing with our 5 weights lately landing some dandy fat trout. 

Fires on the river this year caused by lightning strikes have changed the look of the river in many places.  See pic below taken near North Junction. 

Steelhead Workshops on the Deschutes River

We've completed our scheduled steelhead fly fishing workshops on the Deschutes River.  Thank you to all who attended.  Best of luck on the water trying out your new information and polished skills.

We will be offering more steelhead workshops in the future and hope you attend.  Visit: www.watertimeoutfitters.com or email: crandalls3@ccwebster.net for current info.

Good fishing! 

Summer Steelhead Workshop

Deschutes River Summer Steelhead Workshop                         August 6 or 20th.

This workshop is designed to get walk in fly anglers comfortable with a variety of spots and techniques that will put them into fish on the Deschutes River above and below the town of Maupin.

Here is how it works.  We start at the crack of 9:00 am at the ranch house (located just 2 miles from Sherars Falls) with coffee and donuts.  We’ll review maps that will give you at least 24 productive steelhead runs that you can drive and walk to often these are spots we personally fish.  With coffee in hand we’ll discuss the maps in detail.

Then when we’ve reached proper caffeine level we’ll grab a bunch of gear and head out to fish a few spots.  At this time we cover: fishing techniques, fishing strategy, fly selection and more.  This is also time to talk about lines, rods and rigging.  We’ll have plenty of spey rods and nearly 20 fly lines for you to try out and get a feel for different systems.  We will have ½ dozen spey rods and switch rods for you to try out and different lines to try on your own rod.  If you need some basic spey casting lessons there is usually time for that as well.

If we actually catch a fish it will be by accident.  The purpose of this workshop is to give you the tools you need to find, read, and properly fish good steelhead water the actual fishing will be secondary.

Around 1pm we’ll break for a hungry man’s lunch and then head on to some more spots with steelhead water you’ll want to drool on!

At 4:30 we head back to the ranch house again for 5:30 dinner and re-cap of what we’ve learned and if time allows tie a few of our favorite patterns.

Workshop cost is $99 including meals and is limited to 6 anglers.  Call 541-419-7778 or 503-704-6449 to reserve your spot.