Upper Deschutes near LaPine

daveg · 02-16-2004, 05:04 PM

The annual group fishing/camping trip is going to take place at LaPine State Park. This year the kids are invited 10 to 13 years old, none of mine, but I usually try to get them out fishin.Where is a good put in and take out spots in this section of river? Don't want to have a couple of 10 year olds trying to drag a drift boat through tight spots.

I like to flyfish mainly, but probably will have spinning gear for the kids.

I want an easy float without log jams.

B-run · 02-16-2004, 05:13 PM

Can't remember where that park is, but when I was in college there, we used to put in up towards Wikiup, and drift down. There are several take outs before Pringle falls along the road.
Any lower below pringle turns into alot of private property.

MonkeyBoy · 02-16-2004, 05:43 PM

You need to watch out when you get around Pringle Falls. There used to be some logs and fast current that can be tricky to manuever around. I recommend the section just below Wickiup like B-run suggested.

ssteelheadsteve · 02-16-2004, 11:16 PM

10-13 year olds in DB or rafts from Wickiup down ?
BAD IDEA
If you still think this is doable I would rent the rafts from an outfit you never planed on going back to again.

Humpymac · 02-17-2004, 12:49 AM

I too think the water down from Wickiup has potential dangers, especially if there are youngsters that might not pay attention.

If you are at LaPine stae park there will be a boat launch there. I'm not sure how the fishing will be but the water is calmer, but still fast if it's up. There can be a deceivingly rapid flow in the spring. Watch out for sweepers.

daveg · 02-17-2004, 05:36 PM

I am thinking more of a float below all major possible obstacles like log jams and falls to line around. I just want this to be a fun trip for the younger kids (mine are both over 26 yrs. My wife and I are going over to SR this weekend and I may try to check things out.

Can a DB get under all the bridges below Pringle?

My basic rowing skills are ok, done Whitehorse about nine times, but it scares the blank out of me every time. Are there alot of sweepers on the upper stretch?

andy-ap emerger · 02-17-2004, 06:48 PM

Dave,

Check out a book at the Library titled 'Fishing Eastern Oregon.'
It's got a beautiful blue cover with a fatty Koke' on the cover. It's ten years old but...It does have a VERY GOOD DETAILED map of the area you're wanting to go. Very easy water. 3 good runs ranging from a 2.5 hour, 5 hours and a 7 hour float. So, with kids, you could judge their tolerance leve and choose which run you thought would be fitting in their capacity. I have floated the runs a few times over the last 3 years. Nearly all the runs from Pringle Falls down to Sun River & bridge below are nice gentle stretches. The fish are smaller in the 6-13 inch range. Last Autumn however, I did snatch a 17inch brown!!! So, they're in there. Have a blast. BTW...A word of caution, if you've never fished/hiked that area beware of the deep cutbanks. The whole run (nearly) from Pfalls down has extremely slick, clay banks. The water is very deep too. Stay in the boat except for well worn bank access areas. I know this from first hand experience. Eeeeks. Of course I did have a ton of beer in me and probably wasn't as focused as needed.

That's one of my favorite area's in the entire state. Beautiful....ahhh, wish I were there now!

[img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]
AP-emerger

B-run · 02-17-2004, 09:33 PM

Fished that upper stretch from Wickiup down to the take out @ Bull Bend for more than the years I spent at college. Never remember any dangerous areas or rapids of any kind. It is a flat fly fishing stretch.And yes an adult should be present in any situation. I know this stretch of river well and it is very safe. (Not sure about the above posted dangers??)
However, DO NOT go over Pringle falls.That area IS dangerous.
Sure you may not want to let teenagers loose on any river, but that stretch has no problems.
Contact Wickiup Junction store for more info.
PS I should revise my edit to say that there are a few riffles, not just "flat water" so as not to be hammered.
Don't let loose any 10 year old on any water.
But you will be fine, you can follow most of that stretch by road. And there are big browns to boot.
My sister and a brother live there in Wickiup, and drift it every weekend.
They would be more than happy to follow you or lead you down.
PM me if you would like.

[ 02-17-2004, 10:48 PM: Message edited by: B-run ]

otter · 02-18-2004, 05:06 AM

There is one log across the river just below Tethro ramp, however you can easly pass over it in the middle of the river. As was stated before the water from State Rec. down into Sunriver is flat with no log jams, there are a few hanging off the bank that you will need to watch out for. Yes you can get a boat under the bridges. You did not mention when you were heading this way, it is still snowing here so it is a little cold now. Have fun when ever you decide to head over and be safe. :smile:

[ 02-18-2004, 06:07 AM: Message edited by: otter ]

Hottamale1 · 02-18-2004, 06:17 AM

Daveg,

Since you're in La Pine...Head up top Paulina or East Lake. There, they rent small boats where the gang can fish for Trout and Kokanee not far from shore. Fishing can be very productive and the scenery is awesome.

Scott