July Trout Fishing on the Deschutes- Oregon's Best Trout Water

Trout fishing the Deschutes River in July has been up and down but recently the up's have been way up! Water temperatures released out of the "selective water withdrawl" system at Pelton dam on the Deschutes river are now selecting to cooler waters and that is great news for trout and the bugs they feast on.  Caddis action has reached a new ferver with a spade of cooler flows and the trout are feisty and fat.

A double on strong Deschutes Rainbows!

Water Time Outfitters guides favorite stretch for rainbows on the Deschutes is the most remote part of the canyon floating from Trout Creek down.  These waters have great riffles, legendary back eddies and big rapids.  We've been guiding this section for over 20 years and love to share our favorite strategies for working productive riffles, sudsy back eddies and stalking big bows under the shade of our favorite trees.

Camp time on the river is about making memories!

Caddis patterns this time of year are generally size 16 or 18 and the most common color is tan.  A smattering of mayflies are found this time of year with the magany dun the most common.

The Deschutes River flows north towards the Columbia River.  It is near the towns of Madras, Maupin and the Dalles, OR.  It's not a bad drive from Portland (about 2 hours), Salem and Eugene.

For more information about fishing the Deschutes River in July visit our website or give us a call!  www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Deschutes River Water Temperatures- Fishing in August

Here in Oregon we are in our second year of a drought.  In much of the west many of our rivers are missing the much needed snow pack reserves to keep waters cool through the summer.  Record warm flows are changing things for wild fish at they attempt to ascend NW rivers.  The Deschutes River is no exception and we have seen extreme warm conditions already this year.  A recent cooling trend has helped knock the edge off the heat and has dropped water temps back to a survivable range but many of our rivers like the Clackamas, Willamette and lower Deschutes fish have been stressed.  

On the Deschutes River water temps are coolest towards the dam.  For trout fishing focus on Warm Springs area for coolest water.  In addition expect that water temps from the dam will be cooler starting Aug 1. The new selective water withdrawl system in place now mandates cooler water reserves to be used in August.  With very low snow pack in the region the Columbia river is running much warmer than normal.  This creates an incredible draw to the cooler waters of the Deschutes for the entire Columbia river run of steelhead passing the mouth of the Deschutes.  

(Compare the two charts above- the top chart is the Deschutes water temp at the mouth of the Deschutes.  The bottom chart is the Columbia River water temp near the mouth of the Deschutes. This difference in temperature will draw a lot of fish into the Deschutes.)

We recommend fishing with a thermometer and limit your fishing when water temps soar to around 68 or more.  This range is extreme danger for our wild trout and steelhead.  Fish mornings for coolest water temps and be sure to crush the barb for a quick release.

Feel free to give us a call for an up to date report on water conditions.  www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

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