View Full Version : Summer Fly on the Deschutes
A friend of mine from South Carolina really wants to fly-fish the Deschutes next weekend while he is here on business. I realize that we will have to fish very early and very late late in the day. I am familiar with the common patterns for the spring. Do the same patterns work this time of year also? I've never fished the Deschutes this time of year. What kind of presentation? I am looking for any tips on how to catch some fish during this heatwave. I would like to show him a good trip despite the temperature. ( P.S. We will be fishing Warm Springs and the Mecca area) Thank you.
Mad Mikey
08-12-2002, 10:19 PM
Too early for WS and Mecca, best bet for a day float from Beavertail to Macks. Go Macks' to the mouth for a two nighter if the rower is good on the sticks and knows the river.
Navigator
08-12-2002, 10:54 PM
DCR -- Mad Mike is talking steelhead. Good advice if that is your quarry. There should be plenty of redside (aka rainbows) action by Mecca and Warm Springs. During the day try prince nymphs, pheasant tails, hare's ears - try different sizes and depths. I control my depth by using different patterns for the lead fly and fish the nymph on a dropper - something that floats for the upper 1/3 of the column or a big bead head with a small nymph on the dropper for getting down. A small elk hair caddis works great in the evening - don't be afraid to drown it and fish it as a wet fly on a swing. The good news is that the fish are there. The tough thing is keep experimenting until you get them to take something. I have gone as far as trimming a dry to look like an emerger after getting refused over and over. A small adjustment like that can trigger a strike. Good luck.