The Deschutes River Fall Steelhead Experience

It is hard to find the words to describe the experience of the Deschutes River canyon fall steelhead trip. It's in Oregon's high desert, sage and juniper trees line the hills where basalt cliffs tower and canyons veer through the crags.  This is home to chuckar, quail, bighorn sheep, mule deer and coyote. A National Wild and Scenic cooridor that hosts a bounty of other wildlife along the river too. Beaver, otter, muskrat, mink, varieties of ducks and geese, great horned owls to name a few.  Then there are the big birds; bald eagles and golden eagles which are often seen soaring the basalt cliffs and wind ruffled ridgetops searching for prey.  Whitewater welcomes the prepared here and eats the non-experienced for lunch!  The remoteness of the canyon is part of the adventure where 32 miles of hard to get to water invites your exploration. www.watertimeoutfitters.com

The Deschutes river is an aqua ribbon through this desert landscape and is home to one of the most robust steelhead runs on the lower 48.  Here both wild and hatchery steelhead are seemingly somehow born with-out the abiltiy to resist the swung fly.  These fish average between 6-8 pounds but are often found to 10 pounds.  Each year we land fish in the mid-teens.  One does not simply put the breaks on when fighting a steelhead here.  Mix big water with powerful fish and it's a recipe made for good seeing portions of backing line.  Hang on and enjoy the battle, don't rush it; let that fish run and then coax him back.

Getting ready for Buckskin Mary Rapids.

Wading is required on the Deschutes as regulations do not allow for fishing out of the boat.  The best traction money can buy is well worth it here.

History abounds on the Deschutes.

The Deschutes River railroad has an incredible story starting back in 1908.

On this adventure you can wake up to the smell of coffee and step into a prime steelhead run just feet away from camp.  Fish til dark if you like and allow the glow of the lanterns in the large canvas tents to lure you off the water. Or perhaps it's the smell of hot chocolate chip cookies coming out of the oven that welcome you to camp.  The sound of a crackling fire and dinner on the grill are part of the memorable adventure that tingles the senses and creates lasting memories.

As the weather gets colder times around the fire get better!

Campfires are allowed in the canyon after Oct 15th.  

The cool clear waters of the Deschutes are a mecca for salmon and steelhead migrating up the Columbia river.  Many seasons the Deschutes runs 10 degrees cooler than the Columbia river and is a much needed safety zone for salmon and steelhead.  

Big Deschutes river rainbow trout like to eat steelhead flies too!

Fishing the swung fly for fall steelhead

Bull trout on the Deschutes River. 

Wild turkeys in the Deschutes canyon.

Bighorn Sheep on the hills of the Deschutes Canyon

Home away from home on the river.

Come join us for an adventure that words cannot describe; once you see it you will soon know why many of our customers have been fishing this trip with us for nearly 20 years!  Make the most of your water time with Water Time Outfitters.  For more info visit us at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com @robcrandall @sageflyfish #perfectingperformance 

Summer Fun in Oregon

The opportunities for summer fun in Oregon give the traveling angler/family a platefull of many options.  Fishing, hiking, swimming, skiiing, horseback riding, boating, wine tasting, and much more await. What ever the reason for visiting Oregon you need to experience some fishing while you are here.   To pick the best of the low hanging fruit of opportunities we have a few things for you to consider while you vacation your summer away in Oregon.

Mt. Hood is the centerpeice of Oregon seperating the lush green of western Oregon from the tan dry sage and juniper trees of central and eastern Oregon.  The Mt. Hood National Forest is one of the largest public segments of land in Oregon.  The Mt. Hood Wilderness area surrounds Mt. Hood and is full of spectacular views and some great hikes.  Timberline Lodge on the highest road on Mt Hood is a national treasure and a living history of the United States (multiple trail heads leave from this location).  The wood work here is amazing and the specialty coffee and brunches are a fantastic.  Ski camps operate here year round with some of the only summer ski programs in the lower 48. 

Mt. Hood sees it's best weather in July and August.



Timberline Lodge is home to one of the few year round ski areas in the lower 48.

The local wildlife are well fed.

Wildflowers can be found in amazing settings on Mt Hood -July through August.

Hiking in the Salmon River meadows.

The Mt Hood Wilderness area offers many miles of hiking and amazing views. 

If you like to camp, Oregon has many options.  The Mt Hood National Forest to begin with has a wide variety of campsites for tents and rv's.  Popular camping areas are: Timothy Lake, Clear Lake, Trillium Lake (great views of Mt Hood) and the upper Clackamas River. 

Camping at Clear Lake on Mt. Hood.  Summer fun for the family!





Another favorite is camping on the Metolius River.  This is truly one of Oregon's finest locations for summer relaxing and natural beauty.  In the midst of the Cascade mountain range and south of Mt. Hood you will find the Metolius.  A natural spring creek which literally bubbles out of the ground near Sisters, Oregon.  Walk the trail to see the source of the Metolius- it boggles the mind; also, bring some peanuts for the chipmunks here, they are quite entertaining. 

The Metolius River area has many things to offer the traveler who wants a relaxing hideaway.  Cabins for rent here make it easy with riverside views.  For a great retreat check out www.coldspringsresort.com Fishing here can be tough but rewarding.  The Metolius fish are beautiful and wild.  You may find: rainbow trout, brook trout, kokanee, whitefish and bull trout in the Metolius River.  For supplies you will want to stop into the General Store at Camp Sherman.  Here you will find the most well stocked general store you ever saw!  They have some great coffee too. 



The Metolius River is a scenic river you'll want to see when visiting Oregon

Metolius River has a variety of fish species.  See some great info at the Wizzard Falls Fish Hatchery.



Fishing the Metolius can be a tough endeavor, watch for the hatch to happen and match closely.  These fish have PHD's in anglers.  When the fishing here drives you nuts, head to Oregon's top rated Deschutes River.

The Deschutes River's best fishing is the lower 100 miles where it is known as a tail-water river.  Below two dams the river flows and temperatures are well regulated.  This produces excellent hatches and great fishing for trout and steelhead.  Steelhead enter the river in July and are available through November.  Trout fishing is best from May through October. 

 

The Deschutes River wild trout are know as Redband Trout and are strong fighters.

  

Water Time Outfitters offers fishing trips on Oregon's finest waters including the Deschutes River.  We've been guiding for over 20 years and can help you plan your fishing adventure.  Most of our fishing options are with-in a two hour drive of popular destinations in Oregon.  We fish the Deschutes River, White River, the Clackamas River, Oregon Coastal Rivers and more!  Let us help you find the fishing adventure you seek.  www.watertimeoutfitters.com