Deschutes Trip

[SteelieD12]

Spent the weekend fishing the lower Descutes for steelhead (mouth to Rattlesnake). Threw everything, including the kitchen sink, to no avail. Did catch a smallmouth and a couple of peamouth and had a few other grabs that did not feel like steelhead. Heard of a few fish caught, especially from the boaters, but overall the mouth was very slow.

I'd be interested in any info on good fly water/camping areas upstream of Rattlesnake from those out there that have spent anytime hiking/biking up the east bank (can pm me). I'd like to get the bike out next time to cover more water further from the mouth.

Thanks.

SD

[Two Fister]

SD,
There's lots of good fishing/camping spots upstream from Rattlesnake. You do have to keep in mind that boats aren't allowed to spot below Rattlesnake so you will have more float/jetboat camps above there. If you are looking for a camp in the mid-morning you can often find camps that people have left to float downstream before the next batch of people floating down river get there. On sled weekends it's kind of a toss up since people are heading up and down river looking for camps.

On a busy weekend if you find a good spot jump on it and set up camp as soon as you can.
TF