Lower Deschutes-Beavertail area

[FloridaJoe]

Hello all.
I am new to the sport of fly fishing and even newer to this site. I am going camping this weekend down around beavertail and macks canyon area. Anyone been down there lately. Any snow on the roads. I only usually go down in the summer so I don't if there get snowed in or not. Anyways... any advice on flies to use right now? I will mostly just be messing around learning the feel of my new rig, but I thought it couldn't hurt to get some insight.

Thanks,
FlJoe

[Slow and Low]

Originally Posted by FloridaJoe

Hello all.
I am new to the sport of fly fishing and even newer to this site. I am going camping this weekend down around beavertail and macks canyon area. Anyone been down there lately. Any snow on the roads. I only usually go down in the summer so I don't if there get snowed in or not. Anyways... any advice on flies to use right now? I will mostly just be messing around learning the feel of my new rig, but I thought it couldn't hurt to get some insight.

Thanks,
FlJoe

Joe,

Drove over the pass today and it was clear. Can't speak for the current conditions. It was raining in Welches. Drive safe.

[Wild Chrome]

Make sure you have extra water and spare tires. You don't want to get stuck down there! (Don't ask me how I know) Not much help this time of year.

[Two Fister]

The area should be clear of snow, but you may run into some on the drive over if you are coming from Portland or west of the Cacades.

There can be some good fishing this time of year depending on the water temps. If it's overcast look to backeddies and slow water around mid day for a Blue Winged Olive hatch. Nymphing will produce most of your trout. The March Browns should be getting active so I would go prepared with both nymphs and duns. It wouldn't hurt to have some Little Black Stonefly patterns as well. They are mostly a Middle D pattern (in my experience), but they can put on a show in the lower river as well.

Watch out for steelhead redds. The summer fish should be just about done spawning right around now from my experience. I wouldn't target steelhead spawning areas as you may be pulling fish off of redds that are trying to get done.

Have fun and don't forget to bring some firewood. It can get cold at night this time of year!
TF

[Shakespeare]

Red Copper John Nymphs (down deep along the rocks) were the ticket a week ago when I was there.

There was a short Blue Wing Olive hatch and even some small black stone flies hatching with some fish surfacing... but spooky.... but you can get em if your stealthy.

Good luck!