Fishing Season: Headwaters to Benham Falls Closed at the end of September.

Deschutes River - OR

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

50

Deep Canyon Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Stripping leeches and sculpins under logs and cut banks is a worthy technique. Stonefly nymphs and caddis pupa should do well too.

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Map of Deschutes River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Deep Canyon Outfitters

5-Day Outlook as of 12/15/24

Fluctuations in discharge have made the fishing unpredictable, though in accessible areas it should fish OK.

Techniques & Tips as of 12/15/24

When Caddis and PMD's are actively hatching, select emerger and/or crippled style dry flies. Fishing a dry dropper with a small chubby and a small jig-styled nymph about 2-5 feet below the buoyant dry fly, can be productive. Any orange flies in your arsenal should be good. Dry droppers are a year round favorite on this section of river. Fish are actively feeding on adult bugs, but nymphing will be the highest producer.

Local Species Available Headwaters to Benham Falls Closed at the end of September.

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    Rainbow Trout

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    Brown Trout

Deep Canyon Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Missing Link Caddis Olive/Brown/Black 14-18
Sculpzilla Black/Olive 4-8
Pat's Rubber Legs Black/Brown 4-10

Missing Link Caddis

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Deep Canyon Outfitters's Recommended Gear

Description: About Deschutes River

Most anglers call the section of the Deschutes river between Bend Oregon and Lake Billy Chinook, the "Middle" Deschutes. This section of the Deschutes is unique in character, with intense canyon walls, and rugged regions. By far, this part of the Deschutes is the most difficult to access. There are access points via BLM and County property, but please respect the large amount of private property throughout this stretch. Anglers who fish the Middle will encounter rainbow trout and brown trout of varying sizes, with some brown trout reaching upwards of 20+ inches.

Nearest Airport:

Roberts Field Airport (RDM), Redmond, Oregon

Hatches:

Caddis, PMDs, Yellow Stones, Midges

Best Time to Fish:

afternoons.

Best Stretch:

Tetherow Crossing to Lake Billy Chinook

Best Access:

Steelhead Falls, Lower Bridge, Tetherow Crossing