I want to try the Deschutes.......

[Fishin Magician]

Anybody here know the Deschutes river well enough to go with me and show me what and where??????? I have been saying for the past couple years thay I want to go and try it but I dont know the area well enough. It would be a guess finding good water and fish. Anyone interested either e-mail me or if you know my number give me a call. I can go most any day with a little notice. Thanks~~John

[SteelieSteve]

FM
I went twice in the last 2 weekends with no success. I did see the fella across the river hook 3 which he released. Natives likely. From all reports the hatchery fish are maybe 25% of those caught. You go out 84 to the sign that says Deschutes Rec. Area. Take the right turn then follow the signs to the parks on either side of the river. Go up to the parking area then you can walk up river forever(seems like anyway). I know you can read the water as well as anyone and will find fishable areas. Spinners, spoons,jiggs or fly's, also plugs that you can cast. I've had the best luck on chrome steelies over the years. Tried some jiggs last weekend with no hits. Went to spinners this weekend and fed a few to the river bottom(dangit I hate losing $3 spinners). Nobody was hooking fish while I was there. Hope this helps you.

[Fishin Magician]

Thanks S.S.~~ If you want I make spinners, I am willing to build some for you. I think they run less than a buck apiece to make. Let me know and I'll make some for you. I am gonna try the deschutes later this week or weekend.~~John

[birdhunter]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure bait flinging is still allowed below Sheras Falls to the railroad bridge. Steelhead do like eggs! Good stretch of water w/ lots of access. Go south from the Dalles and turn left at the junction for Tygh Valley. Forget the names of the roads, but they'll end up putting you on the east side of the river. Follow the signs and its not too hard. I've heard some good reports about the fishing around there lately. If you are willing to hike you can fish the other side by crossing those railroad bridges. Its a little hariy at times as they are still active. images/icons/shocked.gif Great fishing on that side as pressure is minimal. Might even be able to wade across in places, but I haven't seen the river levels. Best of luck.

[Carver_OR]

Go to the mouth of the Deschutes at the Columbia river. Walk up the Deschutes as far as your legs will take you and step in to the river at a likely steelhead holding water. Start at the top of the hole and cast and step, cast and step your way down through the hole. The river is clear but still I'll recommend using at least 12to 15 pound line. If your going to use spinners take the treble hooks off and put on siwash hooks. In line spinners are the best...try green, red and black bodies. Purchase a couple of Tadpolly's and cast them in the deeper slow moving holes. Cast down river and let them swing to the bank. Remove the trebels from them also and attach a "O" ring then barrel swivel then a siwash hook. Attach the main line to a snap not the "o" ring that comes with the plug. Be sure to tune the Tadpolly so it runs perfectly straight as it runs through the water. Check your line and hook point often as both will have nicks in them within a hour as the river is soooooo snaggy...Sharpen your hooks with a file.

Then hit like a freight train...my favorite fly.

Pat

[Tilla]

The place is called Kloan and you need a very good map, I mean a good one and 4 wheel drive, and some decent driving skills (dry weather only)It gets you into some great water 7 miles from the mouth.

[Get Bit]

Thunderstruck,
Think long and hard before you tackle the Deschutes in the boat you're talking about.
That is big water and only should be run by a big boat with lots of horses.I am fortunate enough to run the river several times a year with Rauly at the helm (20ft-200hp.). Still scares him and he guided several years over there.The Clackamas is a trickle compared to the Deschutes! Think safe.Get a guide ride several times before even thinking about it.I thought that the access road at Kloan was private?

Get Bit

[Fishin Magician]

I appreciate all the ideas. Thunderstruck~~~~~~ What's your schedule like??

[Thunderstruck]

Fishin Magician,

You can drive to a place called clone(not sure of the spelling) this will get you a few miles up river and has some real nice water. A friend of mine fished the lower Deschutes the last two days and got 5 on flies and 6 on spinners.(blue fox, Mepps)
I know of someone else that went 11 miles up in a sled(guide) and fished their way back and hooked 14 and got 9 to the bank. I have a 18' modifed Jon boat with a 45hp pump that I was debating taking up the lower river. This boat does the Clack no problem and only draws about 4" of water on plane but I can't decide. Let me know if you are planing a trip I would like to tag along.

Thunderstruck

[Thunderstruck]

Fishin Magician,

Unfortunately this Saturday is out of the question but Sunday is open. you can email me at mccullop@esi.com.

Git bit,

Yeah your right about the little boat I just didn't want to take my 21' thunderjet with the low water this year. Maybe next year.

Thunderstruck

[Get Bit]

Thunderstruck,

I've seen video of Jim Conway running it in a 16foot Smokercraft sled with a 35 hp jet.They turned it into a routine. So it can be done. The river can get you no matter what water level.The other thrill we ran into last fall was the White River dumping a bunch of silt making it real difficult to see the rocks. I would suggest taking a guided trip with Brad Staples or Danny Haik(sp.?)(Western Fishing Adventures) I don't think any of the guides on this board run the Deschutes.Jack Smith,Steve Koler, and Tomans also run it. These guys are all real pros.You are right about the water level.We go up in September and probably will walk up rather then boat. A float is also an option.

Hope it works out for you,
GetBit

[FM2]

Hey Getbit,

What would a good float be with a db. I have not drifted that river and would like to with my son but don't know much about it. I'm good on the oars images/icons/rolleyes.gif so I probably could handle some tricky water images/icons/shocked.gif . Also do you know of any shuttle service ?

[Get Bit]

FM2,
The drift down there is Macks Canyon to the mouth. I've never drifted but get spoiled riding in the sled. Very difficult section of water with several class 4's including "Washout", "Colorado",and
"Rattlesnake". Others also.Would try to find a shuttle service in Maupin. These are spendy I hear but its a long drive. I'll talk to Rauly so he can give more info on this post. He started running it as a kid with Jim Conway. Knows the river well.
Hope this helps,
GetBit

[FM2]

Thanks GB, look foward to that info !