Descutes

[Labelman]

Any news on how it's fishing? Trout vs. Steelies?
Hoping to get over there this weekend or next. :shrug:

[BlackfeetFF]

Im also planning a trip to the deschutes in the near future, and need a little info on how to fish and how the fishing is, since i've never been there before, i need directions, techniques and anything else would be much appreciated. thanks!

[Bubba]

I am probably heading over to the Deschutes this weekend, its where i do most of my fishing. I usually use a spinning rod, both 8 1/2 foot pole and a 6' pole. usually use a rooster tail, vibrex spinner, or blue fox they usually work pretty well. I never fly fish so if thats what you do i really cant help. My father goes that way about every other weekend and he's had a so so turn out this year so far i guess it all depends on the river level and color.

[T Loop]

All steelhead in the Deschutes are either spawning or spawned out and should be left alone. Trout fishing has been pretty good. Check Westfly.com for flies and tactics. i have been doing pretty well nymphing with a #8-10 stonefly nymph with a #18 pt or hare's ear on a dropper. Green or olive caddis larva have also been okay.There have been inconsistent BWO hatches around noon-3 or 4. Look for risers in the slower water and backeddies, try #18 sparkle duns or BWO parachutes.

The river adjacent to the Warm Springs reservation is closed until trout season. It is open from Seven miles above the locked gate to the mouth. Try either up or downstream from Maupin. There are tons of turnouts along the road both ways.

Good luck.

[rob allen]

Amen windknot fishing for summer steelhead (last years) this time of year IS WRONG!! even where it's popular it is wrong and a poor representation ethical sportsmanship.

[andy-ap emerger]

Nice Job Rob & WK
Leave the steelhead alone. No need to go high horse here. Just common sense. We've got ourselves apretty smokin' fishery. Be good to it!
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"Carp-On!!!"

[toonboater]

>>i need directions, techniques and anything else<<

Go to Maupin. For most first timers, the Big D can be overwhelming. The secret is to keep it simple and treat it like you would a small river. I assume you will be fly fishing. Do all your casting from a few feet off the bank to no more than 10-15 feet out. Find the riffles and nymph the bottom end and work up to the top using a stone fly with a hare's ear dropper. Good luck.

[drbfish]

The two steelhead I saw last saturday where beat up and dark. I don't know why you would fish for them. Besides the trout there are so fun who needs steelhead!

Dave's tips are:
Like above, don't get caught up in the whole big river thing. Break it down and fish the bank and 15-20 feet out. There are a lot of fish in the 10 feet from the bank. In the morning and late afternoon use a stone fly nymph with a small dropper. During mid day use a few sparkleing caddis type nymphs. Or flash back pt that kind of thing. The last few weekend the fish have been very active (not on the surface) around mid day and any thing with flash seems to work. Move a lot. It is a big river if you don't find fish, or dont find water you are comfortable with, move! The wind has been kicking up around 3, the water is a bit cooler then I think is normal for this time of year. It is a good time of year to be over there so enjoy and have a good time.

[Beaver1]

Any weather reports over there??? I know the west is going to get a ton of rain, but is it going to stay dry there? Thanks for any info.

[Fly guy only]

cudos to all about the steelies. 18" reside on a 5-6 weight rod is just as good with a light drag. The dual fly combo is perfect and the farther you attempt to cast, the more time you will spend untangling the birds nest you caused in your line. This time of the year is perfect, because no big hatches are going on and all the fair weather folks are still home griping about the wet slopes. Nymphs and the occasional mid day (maybe March Brown by now) could offer limited surface action, but bottom fishing is the way I have caught the majority of fish on Big D. I usually wade in the water, but if trees aren't in the area you are casting, no need as 10-20 feet from the bank is where I find all the fish anyway. If you are not an accomplished wader, and swimming is not your strong suit, don't go out very far anyway, as one step could be a 12" drop and the water moves. Take A LOT of bugs for nymphing, you are going to lose them. Also would be a good idea to have all or your knots tied well and know how to do it fast as you will be getting a lot of practice with the bottom and trees. The beginning of trout season (last Saturday in April), really brings the masses, so this is the perfect time.