Deschutes River Salmon Fly Report May 2015

We've been guiding most every day on the world famous Deschutes River salmon fly hatch.  Fishing has been good as river levels are at very low flows for this time of year.  The hatch that creates such a buzz is the salmon fly hatch- "big mac" meals for feisty rainbows on the lower 100 miles of the Deschutes River.  These big bugs are up to 3" long and provide a super size meal for post spawn-wild redband rainbows of this legendary tailwater river.

The primary focal points for trout fishing the Deschutes are from Warm Springs area to Maupin.  This includes good access points like Mecca Flats, Trout Creek and South Junction.  Easily accessed areas above and below the centrally located town of Maupin also provide room to roam on one of Oregon's biggest trout rivers.  For our guided adventures we focus on the most inaccessible section of this most loved river in Oregon.  We float 32 mile stretch from Trout Creek to just above Maupin.  This float brings the angler on a three day adventure through the wild and scenic canyon and away from the easy accessible and often crowded roadside locals.  Be ready for whitewater however because this solitude does not come easy; you must pass muster with the class 3+ Whitehorse rapid which stretches it's wild ride over 2 miles.  Already this year 2 boats have been bested by this rapid and sunk beneath the dangerous waves.  There are many points of entry to the Deschutes salmon fly action- as the hatch begins to wane, as it is now, focus on the upper segments like Trout Creek, Mecca Flats and Warm Springs.

                        Mark Angel works to retreive a boat that sunk in Whitehorse Rapids last week.

This year with record low snow pack and very mild spring temperatures the waters of the lower Deschutes have warmed quickly and the hatch is as early as I have ever seen it on the lower D.  Some reports of salmon flies showing as early as May 1 were reported this year.  When water temps hit 52.5 degrees is often when the big bug migration occurs.  These big meals in armored shells crawl up shoreline vegetation and hatch.  After hatching they linger on shoreline vegetation for up to 10 days while they mate and lay eggs on the water.  Usually the egg laying or ovipositing is done during the warmest part of the day.  A good hot sunny day really gets the action going.

    Both Salmon flies and golden stones provide an important key in the food chain along the Deschutes R.

Our recent weather has kept the action from getting really hot but it has also spread out the duration of the hatch with soggy bugs in shoreside vegetation waiting for the heat of the day.  The hatch is spread from Maupin to Warm Springs and is waning lower in this section.  Already there are fewer bugs than last week and expect the amount of black stones to dissapate soon with remaining bugs usually being the golden stones. I'd expect about one more week of dry fly action as the hatch sputters out.

      Favorite patterns on the Deschutes salmon fly hatch are Chubby Chernobyls, Chubby Norman, Norm           Woods Special and Stimulator patterns.

For other hatches going on now are a varied mix of morsels.   Caddis, green drakes, pmd's and some days blue winged olives along with yellow sallies are showing.

For more information on fishing the Deschutes river or to connect with an excellent guide contact us at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Big Bugs Taste Great! Deschutes River Salmon Flies

It's that time of year again or actually it's super early but things are getting started wether you are ready or not- the annual migration of the biggest bug of the Deschutes River is starting.  Big black stoneflies and goldens are crawling out and hatching while I write this on Oregon's most famous river.  This is a monumental hatch and bugs up to three inches are the fare.  This pulls some of the biggest cagey trout from the depths to dine on the surface while bug wiggling by like cheeseburgers on a conveyor belt are served.  Needless to say it's prime time!

This year's hatch is arriving early, with snow pack at miniscule levels and a warm spring is contributing.  Water temps have warmed up enough to trigger the feast and trout are starting to look upward.  This hatch often gets going with a lot of bugs a-flutter before the wild Deschutes Redband trout will key on them.  We are still some time away from that but don't wait until your traditional time to get out there.  Things may be done by then.  Warm weather can help accelerate the hatch just like cool rainy weather seems to slow it down.

Just late last week (May 1) there were salmon flies flying around Maupin and some reported up to Whitehorse.  None at Warmsprings yet but we can expect that with-in a week or so.

For now all eyes are on the Deschutes and the big bug smorgasborg about to happen!

For more fishing informations and to connect with our top guides visit: www.watertimeoutfittters.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.

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 

Deschutes River Caddis Fly Workshop

2012 Caddis Fly Workshop

Deschutes River Caddis Flies-Mystery Solved

Water Time Outfitters has the perfect package for fly anglers plying the Deschutes River during the summer.  Have you ever been there and experienced frustration-struggling for success while trout readily ate naturals? Or seen so many bugs on the water and not one rise to your dry fly? We explore these problems and offer solutions in this one day class. We'll meet on the water at 9am armed with coffee and donuts. We will have a detailed discussion of the caddis fly hatch, how it works and what patterns produce. Then we'll spend some time on the water revealing our tricks of the trade for best success. We provide a full lunch, an entomology session and an afternoon fishing session in this action packed day.

This class is taught by Rob Crandall, Water Time Outfitters guide and editor of Flyfishing & Tying Journal magazine.

Special Class offering is only July 21, prepayment is required to reserve your spot, fee is $100. Please email or call to enroll. 503-704-6449 or email: wto@ccgmail.com