Summer is here and so are the Caddis. We also have good numbers of Pale Morning Duns, Pale Evening Duns, and the sometimes forgotten Little Yellow Mays. Fishing has become more challenging during certain times of the day, for the most part, mornings and evenings are the most productive times.
General Trout Feeding Time Frames: Activity takes place from 9 AM until about 1 PM, then again from about 5 PM until dark.
Quick Tip: This time of year can be a real hoot, fish a dry trailed by a wet fly emerger and hang on. Allow that set up to drift all the way past you down stream, and then let it hang below you for 20 to 30 seconds. Your not done yet, retrieve those bugs with a slow, fast, slow action to imitate a diving egg laying caddis. It is important to mix it up, so change your technique and you’ll be amazed the difference it will make.
Now that water temperatures are in the upper 50’s, its a really good idea to fish water that is fast and well oxygenated. I mean don’t be afraid to fish water that looks too fast. remember each column of water depth will slow dramatically every foot or so the water deepens. Trout can lay very comfortably under water that looks really fast. Try it, you’ll like it.
Current Hatches on the Deschutes River: MAY FLIES: BWO’s, Size 18, Little Yellow May’s size 16, PMD’s size 16, Pale Evening Duns; size 12. CADDIS: Igloo Case Building, Size 18 or 20. Net Spinning Caddis, size 16, Western Weedy Water Caddis; size 16 STONE FLIES: Yellow Sallies size 16 CRANE FLIES: Pale Yellow Crane Fly Size 16 MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 20 or 22
Fly Patterns you should have: Igloo Case Building Caddis: cream Larva, cream Pupa, and dark grey adult, size 18 or 20. Net Spinning Caddis: grey, olive, bright green, Larva; cream or ginger Pupa; grey wing, olive body, size 16. Little Yellow Sally’s size 16, Midge, Pupa; red, grey and black, size 18 to 22. Rusty Spinners, size 16 or 18. Pardridge wing caddis tan 16’s. PED’s light yellow size 12, PMD’s size 16’s, Little yellow May’s yellow size 16. Emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple’s; sizes 14’s ~ 18’s.
Other Useful Patterns: Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 10 ~ 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 14, Zug Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green.
The Weather Forecast: Go to “LOCAL MAUPIN WEATHER” on the home page of this site.
Deschutes Water Conditions: Water Clarity: Color; green/ clear. Water Temperature: 59 degrees,
White River Water Conditions: A medium Green color, No problems for the Deschutes.
Product Notes: Don’t forget that We have a huge clearance sale going on, most everything in the store is on sale at 30% OFF!!! Rods, Reels, Wading gear, Clothing, Vests, Packs, Glasses, and much more.
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on trophy trout fishing.
For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
Have any questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you. Please call ~ John, Karen, Nate, Leif, or Joe at: Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
The Salmon flies are done, but there are still a few Golden Stones hanging around. This year, they did last a little longer than normal. The trout are still willing to take the adults dry, just not that often. The Green Drake hatch has faded, on a cloudy day may might get a light hatch that the fish look up for so change your flies quick because it won’t last long. The flies you really should be using are the caddis and may flies. Trout have really keyed in on those flies and will be your best bet for a bent rod.
General Trout Feeding Time Frames: Activity takes place from 9 AM until about 1 PM, then again from about 3 PM until 8 PM.
Quick Tip: Most folks fish the big Cased Caddis, and Prince Nymphs, followed by a smaller second fly that trails behind as the point fly, (the one on the end) this setup will fish both patterns at the same depth. Try switching the positions by placing the small fly in the dropper position, and then placing the larger, heavier fly on the point. This set up will fish the patterns at two different depths. When fishing dries and wets in the swirly slow foam lines, use an extended length of tippet for better presentation. If you are not having any success, go to your attractor patterns, lightening bugs, 16’s, prince nymph, 8~14’s, Copper John’s in copper or red size 16 ~ 18’s, If you see sipping trout, thats a good time to work BWO spinner, parachute, thorax, or cripple style flies to help you get results.
Current Hatches on the Deschutes River: MAY FLIES: BWO’s, Size 18, Little Yellow May’s size 16, PMD’s size 16, Pale Evening Duns; size 12. CADDIS: Igloo Case Building, Size 18 or 20. Net Spinning Caddis, size 16, Western Weedy Water Caddis; size 16 STONE FLIES: Salmon Flies size 6 & 8, Golden Stones size 6 & 8 CRANE FLIES: Pale Yellow Crane Fly Size 16 MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 20 or 22
Fly Patterns you should have: Green Drake Dry, size 12. Igloo Case Building Caddis: cream Larva, cream Pupa, and dark grey adult, size 18 or 20. Net Spinning Caddis: grey, olive, bright green, Larva; cream or ginger Pupa; grey wing, olive body, size 16. Midge, Pupa; red, grey and black, size 18 to 22. Rusty Spinners, size 16 or 18. Emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple’s; sizes 14’s ~ 18’s.
Other Useful Patterns: Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 10 ~ 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 14, Zug Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green.
The Weather Forecast: Go to “LOCAL MAUPIN WEATHER” on the home page of this site.
Deschutes Water Conditions: Water Clarity: Color; green/ clear. Water Temperature: 55 degrees,
White River Water Conditions: A medium brownish/grey color, this color is slightly effecting the Deschutes, but is a fishable color.
Product Notes: Don’t forget that We have a huge clearance sale going on, most everything in the store is on sale at 30% OFF!!! Rods, Reels, Wading gear, Clothing, Vests, Packs, Glasses, and much more.
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on trophy trout fishing.
For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
Have any questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you. Please call ~ John, Karen, Nate, Leif, or Joe at: Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
The last two days have greatly improved. Trout have started keying in on the Golden Stone / Salmon Fly adults, taking them off the top, in tight to the bank, along the trees, in the foam line seems in some of the micro eddies on steep bank runs. The Green Drake hatch has begun, and will continue to hatch for the next two weeks. If you notice green drakes hatching, replace your current pattern with a green drake dry, because these Redside trout love them.
General Trout Feeding Time Frames: Activity takes place from 9 AM until about 12 PM, then again from about 3 PM until 8 PM.
Quick Tip: Most folks fish the big Stone Fly Nymphs, Cased Caddis, and Prince Nymphs, followed by a smaller second fly that trails behind as the point fly, (the one on the end) this setup will fish both patterns at the same depth. Try switching the positions by placing the small fly in the dropper position, and then placing the larger, heavier fly on the point. This set up will fish the patterns at two different depths. When fishing dries and wets in the swirly slow foam lines, use an extended length of tippet for better presentation. If you are not having any success, go to your attractor patterns, lightening bugs, 16’s, prince nymph, 8~14’s, small winter Stone nymphs, 14~16’s, maybe have some flash to the fly, etc... If you see sipping trout, thats a good time to work BWO spinner, parachute, thorax, or cripple style flies to help you get results.
Current Hatches on the Deschutes River: MAY FLIES: BWO’s, Size 18, Green Drakes, size 10, PMD’s size 16, Pale Evening Duns; size 12. CADDIS: Igloo Case Building, Size 18 or 20. Net Spinning Caddis, size 16, Western Weedy Water Caddis; size 16 STONE FLIES: Salmon Flies size 6 & 8, Golden Stones size 6 & 8 CRANE FLIES: Pale Yellow Crane Fly Size 16 MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 20 or 22
Fly Patterns you should have: Stone Fly Nymphs: Black, Brown, Gold, Maroon, & Purple; size 6.8.&10. Norm Wood Special size 6 and 8. Rogue Foam Stone size 6. Green Drake Dry, size 10. Igloo Case Building Caddis: cream Larva, cream Pupa, and dark grey adult, size 18 or 20. Net Spinning Caddis: grey, olive, bright green, Larva; cream or ginger Pupa; grey wing, olive body, size 16. Midge, Pupa; red, grey and black, size 18 to 22. Rusty Spinners, size 16 or 18. Emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple’s; sizes 14’s ~ 18’s.
Other Useful Patterns: Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 10 ~ 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 14, Zug Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green.
The Weather Forecast: Go to “LOCAL MAUPIN WEATHER” on the home page of this site.
Deschutes Water Conditions: Water Clarity: Color; green/ clear. Water Temperature: 55 degrees,
White River Water Conditions: A medium brownish/grey color, this color is slightly effecting the Deschutes, but is a fishable color.
Product Notes: Don’t forget that We have a huge clearance sale going on, most everything in the store is on sale at 30% OFF!!! Rods, Reels, Wading gear, Clothing, Vests, Packs, Glasses, and much more.
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on trophy trout fishing.
For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
Have any questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you. Please call ~ John, Karen, Nate, Leif, or Joe at: Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
We have been seeing more adult Salmon flies and golden Stones along the banks of the Deschutes from last week, through the Memorial Day weekend. The Trout have become more interested in the adults as we have had better success using dries during the afternoon hours, but , they really haven’t been “looking up” all that much, and as you know, that can change quickly.
I have taken a few stream samples, and the numbers of stone nymphs are plentiful. The best time for using stone nymph patterns, at this time is, first thing in the morning, and then again right before dark. Thats when the nymphs are the most active, and of course more available to the trout. Doesn’t mean you can’t pick up fish using the nymphs during the day, its just less likely.
The weather forecast next week calls for consistent dry warm conditions. This will definitely increase the activity of the stone fly hatch, resulting in a higher awareness from the trout. It could get good fast.
Not only are the trout not rising to the stone adults, they are being stubborn to come up to some of the other may fly and caddis hatches that are occurring. However, I do believe that will change very soon.
Trout Feeding: activity takes place from 10 AM until about 3 PM, then again from about 6 PM until 8 PM.
Quick Tip: Most folks fish the big Stone Fly Nymphs, Cased Caddis, and Prince Nymphs, followed by a smaller second fly that trails behind as the point fly,(the one on the end) this setup will fish both patterns at the same depth. Try switching the positions by placing the small fly in the dropper position, and then placing the larger, heavier fly on the point. This set up will fish the patterns at two different depths. When fishing dries and wets in the swirly slow foam lines, use an extended length of tippet for better presentation. If you are not having any success, go to your attractor patterns, lightening bugs, 16’s, prince nymph, 8~14’s, small winter Stone nymphs, 14~16’s, maybe have some flash to the fly, etc... If you see sipping trout, thats a good time to work BWO spinner, parachute, thorax, or cripple style flies to help you get results.
Current Hatches on the Deschutes River: MAY FLIES: BWO’s, Size 18, Mahogany Duns, size 16, PMD’s size 16, CADDIS: Igloo Case Building, Size 18 or 20. Net Spinning Caddis, size 16 STONE FLIES: Salmon Flies size 6 & 8, Golden Stones size 6 & 8 CRANE FLIES: Pale Yellow Crane Fly Size 16 MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 20 or 22
Fly Patterns you should have: Stone Fly Nymphs: Black, Brown, Gold, Maroon, & Purple; size 6.8.&10. Norm Wood Special size 6 and 8. Rogue Foam Stone size 6 Igloo Case Building Caddis: cream Larva, cream Pupa, and dark grey adult, size 18 or 20. Net Spinning Caddis: grey, olive, bright green, Larva; cream or ginger Pupa; grey wing, olive body, size 16. Midge, Pupa; red, grey and black, size 18 to 22. Rusty Spinners, size 16 or 18. Emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple’s; sizes 14’s ~ 18’s.
Other Useful Patterns: Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 10 ~ 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 14, Zug Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green.
Deschutes Water Conditions: Water Clarity: Color; green/ clear. Water Temperature: 52 degrees, White River Water Conditions: A very sleight tinge, this color is glacier grey not effecting the Deschutes.
Product Notes: Don’t forget that We have a huge clearance sale going on, most everything in the store is on sale at 30% OFF!!! Rods, Reels, Wading gear, Clothing, Vests, Packs, Glasses, and much more.
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on trophy trout fishing.
For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
Have any questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you. Please call ~ John, Karen, Nate, Leif, or Joe at: Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
Stone flies are on the move! For about 10 days the stone fly nymphs have been migrating toward the shore line. We are seeing a few adults on tree trunks, grass tufts and rocks. Trout are starting to take notice, if you fish some stone nymphs in the afternoon, you might pick up a couple of Redside that way. The March Brown hatch is over, but the Mahogany Duns have replace them. They’re a size 16 and very dark brown in color.
The Blue Wing Olive hatch is still hanging in there. Use size 18 most of the time, then switch to a size 16 if you run into a heavy hatch, it helps the trout pick out you fly among all the other naturals.
Net Spinning and Igloo Case building Caddis hatches have remained steady and consistent. Use pupa and adult patterns in the slack water, back eddies, and the slowing water below fast water.
Have an assortment of Pupas and Emergers, and don’t forget those all important Diving Caddis, Spent Caddis, and Spent Partridge caddis patterns. Make sure they are small in size, 16’s, 18’s, ~ 22’s. Midges will hatch midday, again, best sizes to use, 18, 20, and 22’s in the same water types just mentioned. If you see sipping trout, thats a good time to work BWO spinner, parachute, thorax, or cripple style flies to help you get results.
Trout Feeding: activity takes place from 10 AM until about 3 PM, then again from about 6 PM until 8 PM.
Quick Tip: Fish mostly with nymphs and emergers of the Blue Wings, and the larva and pupa of the caddis, unless you see rising fish, then switch up, but now would be a good time to start using some larger Stone Fly Nymphs, Cased Caddis, and Prince Nymphs. Use your dries and wets in the swirly slow foam lines with an extended length of tippet for a better presentation. If you are not having any success, go to your attractor patterns, lightening bugs, 16’s, prince nymph, 8~14’s, small winter Stone nymphs, 14~16’s, maybe have some flash to the fly, etc...
Current Hatches on the Deschutes River: MAY FLIES: BWO’s, Size 16 or 18, Mahogany Duns, size 16 CADDIS: Igloo Case Building, Size 18 or 20. Net Spinning Caddis, size 16 STONE FLIES: Nymphs; Black, Brown, Gold, Size 8’s & 10’s CRANE FLIES: none MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 20 or 22
Fly Patterns you should have: Stone Fly Nymphs: Black, Brown, Gold, Maroon, & Purple; size 6.8.&10. Igloo Case Building Caddis: cream Larva, cream Pupa, and dark grey adult, size 18 or 20. Net Spinning Caddis: grey, olive, bright green, Larva; cream or ginger Pupa; grey wing, olive body, size 16. Midge, Pupa; red, grey and black, size 18 to 22. Rusty Spinners, size 16 or 18. Emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple’s; sizes 14’s ~ 18’s.
Other Useful Patterns: Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 10 ~ 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 14, Zug Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green.
Deschutes Water Conditions: Water Clarity: Color; green/ clear. Water Temperature: 52 degrees, White River Water Conditions: A very sleight tinge, this color is glacier grey not effecting the Deschutes.
Product Notes: Don’t forget that We have a huge clearance sale going on, most everything in the store is on sale at 30% OFF!!! Rods, Reels, Wading gear, Clothing, Vests, Packs, Glasses, and much more.
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on trophy trout fishing.
For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
Have any questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you. Please call ~ John, Karen, Nate, Leif, or Joe at: Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
Steelhead:
At this time, you can well imagine that steelhead will not be too interested in anything exepted spawning. So, that been said, it probably wouldn’t be all that good of an idea to target steelhead now, and it would be recommended to be careful not to disturb any of the steelhead spawning redds. This is very important, reasons to follow:
WHAT IS A REDD? ~ Redds are the nests of spawning fish. ~ Spawning fish dig depressions in the gravel and deposit eggs in the mound behind this depression. Depending on the species, eggs and sac-fry may spend 6 to 18 weeks in these mounds. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? ~ Wading and walking in redds can destroy the developing fish. ~ Anglers unaware of reeds can cause damage to the next year’s fish population by trampling redds and targeting spawning fish. WHAT DOES A REDD LOOK LIKE? ~ The most distinguishable feature of a redd is the oval-shaped depression of clean looking gravel along the bottom of the river. ~ Gravel in the depression will usually be a lighter color than the gravel surrounding the redd, look for mounds behind depressions. WHEN & WHERE ARE REDDS FOUND? ~Fish in the Deschutes River spawn in the following seasons: Steelhead build there redds in late winter early /spring, trout in the spring / early summer. Fall Chinook salmon in the fall / early winter. ~Trout and steelhead redds are typically found in shallow gravel beds, near islands, and riffles. Fall chinook redds are found in slightly deeper water with larger gravel. ~ Anglers are encouraged to use extra caution during these times. ~ Spawning fish are dark and sluggish and should be left alone. WHAT CAN YOU DO? ~ Minimize disturbance. Avoid fishing, walking, wading, and mooring boats in shallow gravel bars near islands, and pass by islands in the deepest channel available. ~ Don’t cast to spawning fish and gently educate your fellow anglers.
RECORDED:55 °FISHING: Fair
Red Side Trout; A Special Report Info Release
The Straight Scoop!
For those of you who may not have heard, and for those of you who have, here is the straight scoop on what's happening with us at Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop. We are NOT GOING OUT OF BUSINESS! Karen and I have decided to retire from retail. We will continue to operate all other aspects of the business such as; guided service, classes, workshops, clinics, and casting lessons. I’m in the process of putting together Fly Fishing schools for trout and steelhead in the near future, I’ll keep you posted on all of that as it develops.
Many of you are wondering how your going to get flies, leaders, tippet and other fly fishing gear,.. well don’t worry, all of those products will be available on the products pages of our web site and I’m working on those improvements as we speak!!! Thats right we’re going to have an on line E-Store. We will drop-ship anywhere, or you can pick up your products here in Maupin if thats where your headed.
Don’t forget that We have a huge clearance sale going on, most everything in the store is on sale at 30% OFF!!! Rods, Reels, Wading gear, Clothing, Vests, Packs, Glasses, and much more.
For more detailed info, or if you have questions regarding specific models we have on hand, please don’t hesitate to call. Our staff will be happy to help you. Toll free (866) 647-4721 Thanks, John Smeraglio
Now for the fishing report. Last weekend Hafele and I conducted our entomology workshop and it was great! Warm weather, good group of students, and plenty of bugs in their trays. The stone nymphs were in good numbers, it looks like that hatch will take place at its usual time, from mid May through mid June. We saw a lot of the Igloo case building caddis, some were even pupating in the trays, it was so cool. Still seeing good counts of BWO’s and those should continue to keep hatching through May. The March Browns have starting to fade out, but the Mahogany Duns will replace those in about a week or two.
Water temperature has finally reached the 50* mark and should get some of the trout to move into a little bit faster currents, but for the most part, I still would work the back eddies and slow current runs on the steep banks for best results. Most of the hatch activity is from 11 AM till around 5 PM. They did pop the flow up a bit. It went from 4,480 CFS, to 5,150 in two days, but it seems to have droped right back down to 4,800, so its normal for now.
Fish mostly with nymphs and emergers of the Blue Wings, and the larva and pupa of the caddis, unless you see rising fish, then switch up, but now would be a good time to start using some larger Stone Fly Nymphs, Cased Caddis, and Prince Nymphs. Use your dries and wets in the swirly slow foam lines with an extended length of tippet for a better presentation.
If you see sipping trout, thats a good time to work BWO spinner, parachute, thorax, or cripple style flies to help you get results, plus caddis pupa and adult patterns in the slack water and back eddies. Try fishing a slow current run along a tree line or a steep rocky bank. Have an assortment of Pupas and Emergers, and don’t forget those all important Diving Caddis, Spent Caddis, and Spent Partridge caddis patterns. Make sure they are small in size, 16’s, 18’s, ~ 22’s. Midges will hatch midday, again, best sizes to use, 18, 20, and 22’s in the same water types just mentioned.
Other useful fly patterns are, Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 10 ~ 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 14, Zug Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green.
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on trophy trout fishing.
For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
Have any questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you. Please call ~ John, Karen, Nate, Leif, or Joe at: Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
Steelhead:
At this time, you can well imagine that steelhead will not be too interested in anything exepted spawning. So, that been said, it probably wouldn’t be all that good of an idea to target steelhead now, and it would be recommended to be careful not to disturb any of the steelhead spawning redds. This is very important, reasons to follow:
WHAT IS A REDD? ~ Redds are the nests of spawning fish. ~ Spawning fish dig depressions in the gravel and deposit eggs in the mound behind this depression. Depending on the species, eggs and sac-fry may spend 6 to 18 weeks in these mounds. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? ~ Wading and walking in redds can destroy the developing fish. ~ Anglers unaware of reeds can cause damage to the next year’s fish population by trampling redds and targeting spawning fish. WHAT DOES A REDD LOOK LIKE? ~ The most distinguishable feature of a redd is the oval-shaped depression of clean looking gravel along the bottom of the river. ~ Gravel in the depression will usually be a lighter color than the gravel surrounding the redd, look for mounds behind depressions. WHEN & WHERE ARE REDDS FOUND? ~Fish in the Deschutes River spawn in the following seasons: Steelhead build there redds in late winter early /spring, trout in the spring / early summer. Fall Chinook salmon in the fall / early winter. ~Trout and steelhead redds are typically found in shallow gravel beds, near islands, and riffles. Fall chinook redds are found in slightly deeper water with larger gravel. ~ Anglers are encouraged to use extra caution during these times. ~ Spawning fish are dark and sluggish and should be left alone. WHAT CAN YOU DO? ~ Minimize disturbance. Avoid fishing, walking, wading, and mooring boats in shallow gravel bars near islands, and pass by islands in the deepest channel available. ~ Don’t cast to spawning fish and gently educate your fellow anglers.
As we end March and we approach April, then steelhead are in full spawn mood. About 1/2 of the steelhead will spawn in the main stem of the Deschutes River, while the other 1/2 will find there way up some of the small tributaries to spawn for most of the month of April.
At this time, you can well imagine that steelhead will not be too interested in anything exepted spawning. So, that been said, it probably wouldn’t be all that good of an idea to target steelhead now, and it would be recommended to be careful not to disturb any of the steelhead spawning redds. This is very important, reasons to follow:
WHAT IS A REDD? ~ Redds are the nests of spawning fish. ~ Spawning fish dig depressions in the gravel and deposit eggs in the mound behind this depression. Depending on the species, eggs and sac-fry may spend 6 to 18 weeks in these mounds. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? ~ Wading and walking in redds can destroy the developing fish. ~ Anglers unaware of reeds can cause damage to the next year’s fish population by trampling redds and targeting spawning fish. WHAT DOES A REDD LOOK LIKE? ~ The most distinguishable feature of a redd is the oval-shaped depression of clean looking gravel along the bottom of the river. ~ Gravel in the depression will usually be a lighter color than the gravel surrounding the redd, look for mounds behind depressions. WHEN & WHERE ARE REDDS FOUND? ~Fish in the Deschutes River spawn in the following seasons: Steelhead build there redds in late winter early /spring, trout in the spring / early summer. Fall Chinook salmon in the fall / early winter. ~Trout and steelhead redds are typically found in shallow gravel beds, near islands, and riffles. Fall chinook redds are found in slightly deeper water with larger gravel. ~ Anglers are encouraged to use extra caution during these times. ~ Spawning fish are dark and sluggish and should be left alone. WHAT CAN YOU DO? ~ Minimize disturbance. Avoid fishing, walking, wading, and mooring boats in shallow gravel bars near islands, and pass by islands in the deepest channel available. ~ Don’t cast to spawning fish and gently educate your fellow anglers.
Water temperature is 38*, focusing on slower water, use sink tip lines with different sink rates, (type 3, 6, 8...) to changing the depth of your patterns to get these steelhead to move and bite. At times, you’ll find Steelhead on the upstream and downstream edges of back eddies. Cast short, let the fly drift down, and let it hang down for an extended period of time, like about 20 or 30 seconds, retrieve it slowly with an occasional twitch.
River level is 4,690 CFS from Pelton Dam, as you fish a run, try staying close to the bank. This will reduce the risk of spooking fish out of there resting spot because the water is so clear.
Making sure you slow your fly swing speed down as much as possible, this helps to get the fish interested in the fly, and then follow it. Use flies that have a little flash on them during low light conditions, and dull fly colors when the light is more favorable. Have fun!
Red Side Trout:
Not much has changed in the past week or so, the Blue Wing Olive hatch is in full swing. The size of these insects are the largest of the three hatch cycles, about a 16 or 18 does the trick for nymphs, emergers and adults. Trout Feeding activity takes place from 12 until about 2:30 PM. Obviously, thats when you will get the most activity from the BWO’s and the Igloo Case Building Caddis. These caddis run about size 18 to 20, very good pattern to go to if the trout are not responding to the olive may flies. The Spring Stone (Skwala’s) have started to hatch. A bit of an early start for them, but we’ll take em! They are a size 8 as the nymph and adult, Hatch occurs in the afternoon, and should be fished close to the bank.
Fish mostly with nymphs and emergers of the Blue Wings, and the larva and pupa of the caddis, unless you see rising fish, then switch up. Use your dries and wets in the swirly slow foam lines with an extended length of tippet for a better presentation.
If you see sipping trout, thats a good time to work BWO spinner, parachute, thorax, or cripple style flies to help you get results, plus caddis pupa and adult patterns in the slack water and back eddies. Try fishing a slow current run along a tree line or a steep rocky bank. Have an assortment of Pupas and Emergers, and don’t forget those all important Diving Caddis, Spent Caddis, and Spent Partridge caddis patterns. Make sure they are small in size, 16’s, 18’s, ~ 22’s. Midges will hatch midday, again, best sizes to use, 18, 20, and 22’s in the same water types just mentioned.
If you are not having any success, go to your attractor patterns, lightening bugs, 16’s, prince nymph, 8~14’s, small winter Stone nymphs, 14~16’s, maybe have some flash to the fly, etc...
Current Hatches on the Deschutes River are: MAY FLIES: BWO’s, Size 16 or 18 CADDIS: Igloo Case Building, Size 18 or 20. STONE FLIES: Little Brown size 16 & Spring Stone (Skwala’s) size 8 CRANE FLIES: none MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 20 or 22
Check out our “HATCH CHART” for more.
Fly Patterns you should have: Igloo Case Building Caddis, size 18 or 20, Midge, size 18 to 22. Make sure that you have some Rusty Spinners, size 16 or 18, emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple Patterns.
Other useful fly patterns are, Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 10 ~ 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 14, Zug Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green.
Deschutes Water Conditions: Water temperature 38 degrees, color is clear. White River Water Conditions: A very sleight tinge, this color is glacier grey / light green, not effecting the Deschutes.
Be sure to check out our great deals in the Specials section of fisheyesoup.
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on trophy trout fishing.
For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
Have any questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you. Please call ~ John, Karen, Nate, Leif, or Joe at: Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
The Blue Wing Olive hatch is in full swing. The size of these insects are the largest of the three hatch cycles, about a 16 or 18 does the trick for nymphs, emergers and adults. Trout Feeding activity takes place from 12 until about 2:30 PM. Obviously, thats when you will get the most activity from the BWO’s and the Igloo Case Building Caddis. These caddis run about size 18 to 20, very good pattern to go to if the trout are not responding to the olive may flies. The Spring Stone (Skwala’s) have started to hatch. A bit of an early start for them, but we’ll take em! They are a size 8 as the nymph and adult, Hatch occurs in the afternoon, and should be fished close to the bank.
Fish mostly with nymphs and emergers of the Blue Wings, and the larva and pupa of the caddis, unless you see rising fish, then switch up. Use your dries and wets in the swirly slow foam lines with an extended length of tippet for a better presentation.
If you see sipping trout, thats a good time to work BWO spinner, parachute, thorax, or cripple style flies to help you get results, plus caddis pupa and adult patterns in the slack water and back eddies. Try fishing a slow current run along a tree line or a steep rocky bank. Have an assortment of Pupas and Emergers, and don’t forget those all important Diving Caddis, Spent Caddis, and Spent Partridge caddis patterns. Make sure they are small in size, 16’s, 18’s, ~ 22’s. Midges will hatch midday, again, best sizes to use, 18, 20, and 22’s in the same water types just mentioned.
If you are not having any success, go to your attractor patterns, lightening bugs, 16’s, prince nymph, 8~14’s, small winter Stone nymphs, 14~16’s, maybe have some flash to the fly, etc...
Current Hatches on the Deschutes River are: MAY FLIES: BWO’s, Size 16 or 18 CADDIS: Igloo Case Building, Size 18 or 20. STONE FLIES: Little Brown size 16 & Spring Stone (Skwala’s) size 8 CRANE FLIES: none MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 20 or 22
Check out our “HATCH CHART” for more.
Fly Patterns you should have: Fall Caddis Pupa, 8, Igloo Case Building Caddis, size 18 or 20, Crane Flies, size 16n or 18, and Midge, size 18 to 22. Make sure that you have some Rusty Spinners, size 16 or 18, emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple Patterns.
Other useful fly patterns are, Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 10 ~ 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 14, Zug Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green.
Deschutes Water Conditions: Water temperature 38 degrees, color is clear. White River Water Conditions: A very sleight tinge, this color is glacier grey / light green, not effecting the Deschutes.
Be sure to check out our great deals in the Specials section of fisheyesoup.
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on trophy trout fishing.
For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
Have more questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you. Please call ~ John, Karen, Nate, Leif, or Joe at: Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
Steelhead:
Steelhead fishing is slow. In February, Steelhead start moving into the small tributaries of the Deschutes to prepare to spawn. They also will seek out spawning beds in the main stem of the Deschutes and start competing for reds to spawn from now until the end of March.
At this time, you can well imagine that steelhead will not be too interested in anything else, like flies drifting past them, and so forth. Thus making it even more difficult to get a hook up. So, that been said, it probably wouldn’t be all that good of an idea to target steelhead now, and it would be recommended to be careful not to disturb any of the steelhead spawning redds. This is very important, reasons to follow:
WHAT IS A REDD? ~ Redds are the nests of spawning fish. ~ Spawning fish dig depressions in the gravel and deposit eggs in the mound behind this depression. Depending on the species, eggs and sac-fry may spend 6 to 18 weeks in these mounds. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? ~ Wading and walking in redds can destroy the developing fish. ~ Anglers unaware of reeds can cause damage to the next year’s fish population by trampling redds and targeting spawning fish. WHAT DOES A REDD LOOK LIKE? ~ The most distinguishable feature of a redd is the oval-shaped depression of clean looking gravel along the bottom of the river. ~ Gravel in the depression will usually be a lighter color than the gravel surrounding the redd, look for mounds behind depressions. WHEN & WHERE ARE REDDS FOUND? ~Fish in the Deschutes River spawn in the following seasons: Steelhead build there redds in late winter early /spring, trout in the spring / early summer. Fall Chinook salmon in the fall / early winter. ~Trout and steelhead redds are typically found in shallow gravel beds, near islands, and riffles. Fall chinook redds are found in slightly deeper water with larger gravel. ~ Anglers are encouraged to use extra caution during these times. ~ Spawning fish are dark and sluggish and should be left alone. WHAT CAN YOU DO? ~ Minimize disturbance. Avoid fishing, walking, wading, and mooring boats in shallow gravel bars near islands, and pass by islands in the deepest channel available. ~ Don’t cast to spawning fish and gently educate your fellow anglers.
Water temperature is 38*, focusing on slower water, use sink tip lines with different sink rates, (type 3, 6, 8...) to changing the depth of your patterns to get these steelhead to move and bite. At times, you’ll find Steelhead on the upstream and downstream edges of back eddies. Cast short, let the fly drift down, and let it hang down for an extended period of time, like about 20 or 30 seconds, retrieve it slowly with an occasional twitch.
River level is 4,690 CFS from Pelton Dam, as you fish a run, try staying close to the bank. This will reduce the risk of spooking fish out of there resting spot because the water is so clear.
Making sure you slow your fly swing speed down as much as possible, this helps to get the fish interested in the fly, and then follow it. Use flies that have a little flash on them during low light conditions, and dull fly colors when the light is more favorable. Have fun!
February brings the rivers first of three generations of BWO hatches. This means that the size of these insects are the largest of the three hatch cycles, about a 16 or 18 does the trick for nymphs, emergers and adults. Feeding activity takes place from noon until about 2:30 PM. Obviously, thats when you will get the most activity from the BWO’s and the Igloo Case Building Caddis. These caddis run about size 18 to 20, very good pattern to go to if the trout are not responding to the olive may flies.
Fish mostly with nymphs and emergers of the Blue Wings, and the larva and pupa of the caddis, unless you see rising fish, then switch up. Use your dries and wets in the swirly slow foam lines with an extended length of tippet for a better presentation.
If you see sipping trout, thats a good time to work BWO spinner, parachute, thorax, or cripple style flies to help you get results, plus caddis pupa and adult patterns in the slack water and back eddies. Try fishing a slow current run along a tree line or a steep rocky bank. Have an assortment of Pupas and Emergers, and don’t forget those all important Diving Caddis, Spent Caddis, and Spent Partridge caddis patterns. Make sure they are small in size, 16’s, 18’s, ~ 22’s. Midges will hatch midday, again, best sizes to use, 18, 20, and 22’s in the same water types just mentioned.
If you are not having any success, go to your attractor patterns, lightening bugs, 16’s, prince nymph, 8~14’s, small winter Stone nymphs, 14~16’s, maybe have some flash to the fly, etc...
Current Hatches on the Deschutes River are: MAY FLIES: BWO’s, Size 16 or 18 CADDIS: Igloo Case Building, Size 18 or 20. STONE FLIES: Little Brown size 16 CRANE FLIES: none MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 20 or 22
Check out our “HATCH CHART” for more.
Fly Patterns you should have: Fall Caddis Pupa, 8, Igloo Case Building Caddis, size 18 or 20, Crane Flies, size 16n or 18, and Midge, size 18 to 22. Make sure that you have some Rusty Spinners, size 16 or 18, emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple Patterns.
Other useful fly patterns are, Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 10 ~ 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 14, Zug Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green.
Deschutes Water Conditions: Water temperature 38 degrees, color is clear. White River Water Conditions: A very sleight tinge, this color is glacier grey / light green, not effecting the Deschutes.
Be sure to check out our great deals in the Specials section of fisheyesoup.
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on trophy trout fishing.
For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
Have more questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you. Please call ~ John, Karen, Nate, Leif, or Joe at: Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
Steelhead:
Steelhead fishing is slow. In February, Steelhead start moving into the small tributaries of the Deschutes to prepare to spawn. They also will seek out spawning beds in the main stem of the Deschutes and start competing for reds to spawn from now until the end of March.
At this time, you can well imagine that steelhead will not be too interested in anything else, like flies drifting past them, and so forth. Thus making it even more difficult to get a hook up. So, that been said, it probably wouldn’t be all that good of an idea to target steelhead now, and it would be recommended to be careful not to disturb any of the steelhead spawning redds. This is very important, reasons to follow:
WHAT IS A REDD? ~ Redds are the nests of spawning fish. ~ Spawning fish dig depressions in the gravel and deposit eggs in the mound behind this depression. Depending on the species, eggs and sac-fry may spend 6 to 18 weeks in these mounds. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? ~ Wading and walking in redds can destroy the developing fish. ~ Anglers unaware of reeds can cause damage to the next year’s fish population by trampling redds and targeting spawning fish. WHAT DOES A REDD LOOK LIKE? ~ The most distinguishable feature of a redd is the oval-shaped depression of clean looking gravel along the bottom of the river. ~ Gravel in the depression will usually be a lighter color than the gravel surrounding the redd, look for mounds behind depressions. WHEN & WHERE ARE REDDS FOUND? ~Fish in the Deschutes River spawn in the following seasons: Steelhead build there redds in late winter early /spring, trout in the spring / early summer. Fall Chinook salmon in the fall / early winter. ~Trout and steelhead redds are typically found in shallow gravel beds, near islands, and riffles. Fall chinook redds are found in slightly deeper water with larger gravel. ~ Anglers are encouraged to use extra caution during these times. ~ Spawning fish are dark and sluggish and should be left alone. WHAT CAN YOU DO? ~ Minimize disturbance. Avoid fishing, walking, wading, and mooring boats in shallow gravel bars near islands, and pass by islands in the deepest channel available. ~ Don’t cast to spawning fish and gently educate your fellow anglers.
Water temperature is 38*, focusing on slower water, use sink tip lines with different sink rates, (type 3, 6, 8...) to changing the depth of your patterns to get these steelhead to move and bite. At times, you’ll find Steelhead on the upstream and downstream edges of back eddies. Cast short, let the fly drift down, and let it hang down for an extended period of time, like about 20 or 30 seconds, retrieve it slowly with an occasional twitch.
River level is 4,690 CFS from Pelton Dam, as you fish a run, try staying close to the bank. This will reduce the risk of spooking fish out of there resting spot because the water is so clear.
Making sure you slow your fly swing speed down as much as possible, this helps to get the fish interested in the fly, and then follow it. Use flies that have a little flash on them during low light conditions, and dull fly colors when the light is more favorable. Have fun!
Steelhead fishing is slow. In January, Steelhead start moving into the small tributaries of the Deschutes to prepare to spawn in the upcoming months of February and March. A lot of them will spawn in the main stem, and will continue to “mill around” before moving onto their “Red Beds”.
Water temperature is 36*, focusing on slower water, use sink tip lines with different sink rates, (type 3, 6, 8...) to changing the depth of your patterns to get these steelhead to move and bite. At times, you’ll find Steelhead on the upstream and downstream edges of back eddies. Cast short, let the fly drift down, and let it hang down for an extended period of time, like about 20 or 30 seconds, retrieve it slowly with an occasional twitch.
River level is 4,700 CFS from Pelton Dam, as you fish a run, try staying close to the bank. This will reduce the risk of spooking fish out of there resting spot because the water is so clear.
Making sure you slow your fly swing speed down as much as possible, this helps to get the fish interested in the fly, and then follow it. Use flies that have a little flash on them during low light conditions, and dull fly colors when the light is more favorable. Have fun!
Red Side Trout:
Trout fishing isn’t too bad for mid January. Feeding activity takes place from noon until about 2:30 PM. Obviously, thats when you will get the most activity from the BWO’s and Igloo Case Building Caddis hatches.
Fish mostly with nymphs and emergers of the Blue Wings, and the larva and pupa of the caddis, unless you see rising fish, then switch up. Use your dries and wets in the swirly slow foam lines with an extended length of tippet for a better presentation. For these patterns, use sizes 18 ~ 20.
If you see sipping trout, thats a good time to work “spent” BWO and caddis patterns in the slack water and back eddies. Try fishing a slow current run along a tree line or a steep rocky bank. Have an assortment of Pupas and Emergers, and don’t forget those all important Diving Caddis, Spent Caddis, and Spent Partridge caddis patterns. Make sure they are small in size, 18’s ~ 22’s. Midges will hatch midday, again, best sizes to use, 18, 20, and 22’s in the same water types just mentioned.
If you are not having any success, go to your attractor patterns, lightening bugs, 16’s, prince nymph, 8~14’s, small winter Stone nymphs, 14~16’s, maybe have some flash to the fly, etc...
Current Hatches on the Deschutes River are: MAY FLIES: BWO’s, Size 20 CADDIS: Igloo Case Building, Size 20. STONE FLIES: Little Brown size 16 CRANE FLIES: none MIDGE: Midge pupa Size 20 or 22
Check out our “HATCH CHART” for more.
Fly Patterns you should have: Fall Caddis Pupa, 8, Igloo Case Building Caddis, size 18 or 20, Crane Flies, size 16n or 18, and Midge, size 18 to 22. Make sure that you have some Rusty Spinners, size 16 or 18, emerger patterns like Soft Hackles, Caddis Pupas, and don’t forget those Cripple Patterns.
Other useful fly patterns are, Bead Head CDC Prince Nymph 10 ~ 12, light bright dubbed Soft Hackle (green), bright green sparkle Green Rock Worms, and Silvey’s Prime Pupa’s, Lighting Bugs size 14, Zug Bugs size 14, King Prince Nymph, size 12~16 and a red, green and gold Copper John’s 16 ~ 18s, and a wire bodied Prince Nymph size 10, in black, red, or green.
Deschutes Water Conditions: Water temperature 38 degrees, color is clear. White River Water Conditions: A very sleight tinge, this color is glacier grey / light green, not effecting the Deschutes.
Be sure to check out our great deals in the Specials section of fisheyesoup.
Click on "Private Lakes" for more info on trophy trout fishing.
For information regarding Deschutes River hatches, click on “HATCH CHART”.
Have more questions? Allow our helpful staff to assist you. Please call ~ John, Karen, Nate, Leif, or Joe at: Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop Toll free (866) 647-4721
