River Borne Outfitters - Fishing Reports

Deschutes and Crooked River Fly Fishing Reports

2011-10-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

10/11/11

Deschutes River: 4600 CFS
The Deschutes is on the rise right now... Irrigation season draws to a close October 15th. Look for water levels to increase as they shut the canals down for the season. Water levels usually stabilize a day or two after the 15th.

Steelhead- Steelhead are spread throughout the river. This season seems to about average. Catch rates very by day, but for the most part you have to work for your fish. Good numbers of fish are still moving over Shears Falls. The run is a bit late in getting up river. I anticipate the fishing to really turn on upriver from now through November. Rising water levels can affect the bite, check before your trip and plan accordingly! The reservation side from Dry Creek to Trout Creek closes October 31st. The river bordering the reservation on the right side closes December 31st.

We still have availability for day and multi day, drift boat trips for Steelhead in October and November. It's still not too late to get in a trip on the upper river, and for what looks to be the best fishing of the season!

Trout- We have been seeing some very large trout this fall. A lot of our upriver trips are combo trout/steelhead trips. We target both species nymphing, and been catching some trout over 20" of late! These fish are fat to boot! There are caddis, October Caddis, and mayfly hatches this time of year.

Crooked River: 254 CFS

The Crooked is at very nice level for fishing right now, and fishing has been great! There are large numbers of fish available. Most average on the smaller size, but we are seeing some bigger fish as well! Focus your efforts on the pocket water while nymphing. High stick small micro may fly patterns, Copper Johns, Scuds, etc.. Make sure and adjust your indicator fairly short (2-3') from your flies. Good BWO's hatches are coming off as well. Small Parachute Adams and Purple Hazes will catch fish up top!

Deschutes and Crooked River Trout Reports

2011-08-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

8/12/11

Deschutes River
Floated Warm Springs to Trout Creek yesterday. Fishing was pretty good for August! Not much dry fly activity, sparse caddis hatches, but nymphing really produced. Copper Johns, sz#12 and smaller micro mayfly and caddis droppers were the ticket. A client of mine even landed a legitimate 20" fish, and some nice 16-18" fish.
We are still booking day and half day floats from Warm Springs to Trout Creek for trout. The river is pretty much empty, except for the rafters and fishing is not bad!

Crooked River

The Crooked is fishing good as well. The average size and numbers are down this year, but there are still plenty of fish. There has been a very consistent PMD hatch coming over in the after noon. Otherwise nymph the pocket water with the little stuff.

Deschutes Steelhead Update

2011-07-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

I've been on the river a lot this month. There have been fish around since early in July, but few and far between. Each week results improve over the prior week. We were two for three last weekend with two rods fishing very hard. Friday we landed one fish with one rod fishing very casually. Water temps hovered between 66 & 67 degrees mid day at rivermile 8. The Pelton project continues baffle most of us, stay tuned for a later update.

As far as expectations and tactics, it's late July moving into August. Mornings and evenings are your best shot at swung fish. I like dry line fishing this time of year but when the going gets tough the tough go sink tips. Don't be afraid to skate a fly in the right water. I have seen fish refuse dry line offerings, and big sink tip offerings, then absolutely destroy a skater. I like Morrish's Pom Skater but a nice Muddler will do the trick. Dry line bugs are diverse but I like something purple with a chartreuse rear end...most importantly tied sparse try the Ace in the Hole from Idylwilde with a Pumpkin Pie for a come back fly. Sink tips I like the same theme, something big, purple or black tied sparse, I like the Hobo Spey and Silvey's Tandem Tube. Water temps will dictate policy for the next 30 days. Despite seasonally cool weather and higher river flows we have a Deschutes with warmer water than the Columbia, translated, fewer strays into the lower 24. But hey if you like steelheading then you know, you get what you get! We will show up making reports not following them. Summer fishing is fun, it's warm, and the fish are smokin' hot.

We are running sled trips all summer as well as three day float trips for Steelhead between Heritage and Macks Canyon. For those not ready to stop stalking trout Warm Springs to Trout creek is a great day float and stalking fish is still on!

Visit us at www.riverborneoutfitters.com

See you on the river,

SS

Deschutes and Crooked River Fly Fishing Reports

2011-07-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

7/23/11

Deschutes River - 4610 CFS

Trout

It's Caddis time on the Deschutes. Craneflies and Aquatic Moths are present as well. But Caddis make up the bulk of the fish's diet this time of year. Mornings and Evenings are best for dry fly fishing. Though riffles and shaded back eddies will fish on top all day long. Nymph mid day other wise. Tan and Green X-Caddis sz. 14-18, Elk Hair Caddis, X-2 Caddis, and Tan and Green Sparkle Puppae are all excellent flies this time of year. Productive nymphs include PT's sz12-18, Prince nymphs, micro mayfly patterns, Fox Puppae, Silvey Puppae patterns, soft hackles, etc..

Steelhead

The Columbia is running high and cold, delaying the steelhead run this year. Though numbers are picking up over the dams and fishing is improving in the lower 24 miles of river. Water temps in the Deschutes are already on the high side. Stay tuned for an update on this potential issue...

Crooked River - 314 CFS

The high water this winter has had an impact on this fishery. Fish numbers are down as a result of an apparent fish kill from Gas Bubble disease (from having a oxygen rich environment, a result of the prolonged high water) Though it doesn't seem to be as bad as 2006 when the same scenerio occurred.

And the fishing is actually pretty good, average fish size is down, but you can catch a lot of them. The numbers of bigger fish are down, but we are starting to see a few larger fish show up in the catch!

2011 Deschutes Steelhead Camp!

2011-06-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

River Borne Outfitters is happy to announce limited opening for the best Steelhead Camp on the Deschutes River. Our camp is fixed and set up for two ten day slots from August 1 through August 10th and August 29 through September 7th. Trips include single or dual occupancy tents, cots, sleeping pads, and a sheltered dining area. You will taxi up and the down the river in one of two 20 foot Alumaweld Super Vee jet sleds. All trips initiate from Heritage boat ramp on the mouth of the Deschutes River. Openings are slotted to maximize your fishing opportunities. Trips are two days but it feels like three. Your trip will start at 1:00 PM at the boat ramp on day one. We will ascend several class three rapids including Moody, Rattlesnake, Colorado, Gordon Ridge, and Washout on our way to camp. After we drop off our gear it is off to fishing. Camp will be set on some of the best steelhead water the Deschutes has to offer. Your next day is a full day interrupted only by Brunch and Dinner. On day three we will fish hard until brunch, then work our way down river. Our goal will be to get you back to Heritage Boat ramp around Noon. In total you will have two evening sessions, and two morning sessions with one uninterrupted day of fishing.

Our guides are expert boat handlers, Spey casters and Steelhead Anglers. Sled Camp guides are Matt McCrarry and myself. Anglers are welcome to fish their own rods. In the event you want to fish our stuff, both boats are armed with an arsenal of Winston Spey Rods. Our camp host will make sure that you are well accommodated with a first class camp and plenty of good food. A list of recommended items for overnight guided trips can be found here: www.riverborneoutfitters.com

Pricing is $800 per person, minimum of two anglers and maximum of six. We hope to see you this summer on the best trip for two handed anglers.

Contact me directly for current availability.

Regards,

Sam Sickles
c 541-521-9054
o 541-400-9602
samsickles@gmail.com

Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report

2011-06-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

Just spent the last eight out of ten days on the river. Salmonflies are still out all the way to Maupin. Fishing with the big bugs is best above Whitehorse. Fish are still taking them lower, but there are fewer bugs and fish are gorged. They are also starting to key in on other smaller offerings (PMD's, Drakes, Little Olive Sallies, etc..) The hot and or over cast days were best. Good hatches of PMDs and Green Drakes also occurred. River traffic on this section has been light for this time of year. Water conditions are high, but stable. The abundance of water, and the light pressure has me looking forward to the rest of the summer, the fishing should be great!

We still have availability for late June and July Caddis trips!

Let us know if you would like to get in on the second part of the trout season, where the river is usually even less crowded and the fishing is still great!

Warm Springs to Trout Creek Report

2011-06-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

Deschutes salmonfly action is in full swing and the fish are eagerly attacking anything that resembles a salmonfly when presented the right way in the right water. Don't let the higher than average water levels be a deterant, you just may need to adjust a bit on some of your favorite spots as they may be deeper and less accessible than normal. We are starting to see the switch to Goldens but fish are still taking adult salmonfly patterns; have both in your arsenal. Be sure you are fishing 3x or heavier tippet as these fish are violent on the strike and often times will take you on a long powerful run once hooked; they are not leader shy! As usual fishing is more successfull in the harder to reach places that we so kindly refer to as 'jungle water'! Don't be in a hurry to race to the likely spots, fish are feeding all over the river so venture out to spots you may not normally fish as you may be pleasantly surprised. Be sure to switch your patterns regularly if you are not getting activity as this can often be the difference between fishing and catching! If nymphing is your thing it too is extremely productive right now with stonefly patterns rolled along the bottom of the riffles and typical nymph water. You will want a little more weight than normal as the higher flows have the river moving along at a pretty good pace. In terms of where to go, you will find active fish in all stretches of water from Maupin to Warm Springs. Right now is that magic time of year that we get to pitch two inch long dry flys at the most aggressive fish of the year. Leave the yard work for later in the month, this doesn't last forever!

Warm Springs to Trout Creek Week One May 2011

2011-05-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

The river is empty and at first appearance, void of life. It sort of feels like November with the monochromatic look and feel of fall and winter to follow. In all reality it's spring. The upper, upper river has dropped from 6000 to 5600 cfs, an alarming 1000 cfs over it's median flow for this time of year. Water clarity is about 12 inches or less. Noticeable is the absence of any insect activity but something is going on as swallows dance in the sky about one hundred feet over head.

It's been a long cold and wet winter even in Hood River. This time of year the weather usually breaks just west of town and we have sunshine...not this year. I've seen the sun four or five time in the last 5 months so when the sun came out last Sunday we strapped up the Willie and headed to Warm Springs. Our launch time was intentionally late ensuring we would get to fish the spots most likely to give up fish at these seasonably high flows. The first run we stopped at was sterile and I thought, here we go again! Second stop gave up a couple and I actually broke one off, an obvious sign I've been fishing 15# maxima the last 5 months. The day ended up solid with many redsides to hand and a couple of bruisers that left my 4x in the dust.

I could ramble on and on but the jest of it is this. It's spring and if you fly fish, the Deschutes is the place to be in Oregon until sometime in early November. In another week or two we will start seeing Stones and Salmon Flies, and be working Multi Day trips on the river (still some limited availability) but for now the river is empty except for these

So for the report;-) Fished Sunday and Thursday last week. Fishing is solid but it's nymphing the bigger stuff under an indicator in the slack water. I will say despite the high flows fish are in hot pursuit of the fly should you put it near them. One spot in particular has pushed double digits both trips.

See you out there.

Deschutes and Crooked River Fly Fishing Report

2011-04-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

4/17/11

Middle Deschutes:

They have opened the canals for the season! The river below Bend is now at an ideal flow for fly fishing. This is great time of year to fish the middle Deschutes. Look for BWO's and March Brown hatches midday. Many Stonefly nymphs are present, and the trout are noticing. We have been having some good times fishing locally for Browns and Rainbows to 17 inches!

Lower Deschutes: 5970 CFS

The river bordering the Warm Springs Reservation opens to fishing next Saturday, April 23rd!
The section of river below the reservation is open year around.

The lower is still a bit on the high side, but good fishing can still be found. Hatches of BWO's and March Browns are starting to get the fish's attention, look for midday hatches for dry action, especially in the back eddies and flats. High water has fish pushed to the banks as well. Try nymphing early and late in the day with stoneflies and haresears and PT nymphs. Soft hackles can be productive as well.

We are still booking Deschutes River, day and multi day Salmonfly and Caddis trout trips. If you haven't gotten around to it, book your Salmonfly hatch now to reserve your spot during the best trout fishing of the year! Call 541-647-2584 to book a trip or for more info

Crooked River: 986 CFS

The Crooked is still running too high for good fishing. The river has been high and un-fishable for most of the winter. Look for fishing to be excellent once flows come below 300-400 cfs. The Mothers Day Caddis hatch is very prolific on this river and I anticipate some great fishing once the river reaches its summer time flows

Crooked River and Winter Steelhead Fishing Reports

2011-01-31T08:59:00.000-08:00

1/31/11

Its been a while since our last report...

The Crooked River:

They have been letting water out of the reservoir for the last two weeks blowing the Crooked out.
The water is on the drop now though, look for it to fish well once it drops below 200 cfs. Nymphing small eggs patterns, orange scuds, midge and micro may fly patterns works best.

We offer guided trips on the Crooked this time year so if your looking to be shown the ends and outs of this great winter trout fishery give us a call!

Winter Steelhead:

The Oregon winter steelhead season is in full swing. And the crowds show that people know it! The fishing has been slow-good depending on when and where you are fishing. My favorite time to fish for winter fish though is later in the run, late Feb, March and April. The crowds seem to thin out some as anglers turn their attention towards spring salmon, and the weather gets more consistent. Also the bulk of the wild fish return at this time and they make for better fly quarry, as they tend to be more aggressive towards a swung fly.

G4 Boots with Stream Tread Soles? Plus a short report ;-)

2010-11-02T18:47:00.000-07:00

I have been fishing the g4's with Stream Tread soles since mid July. I have tried every form of bolt on cleats and all were inadequate. There is definitely a difference between a review from someones guiding experience versus actually fishing in something, this is an actual fishing review. Last week I was in Jack Hagan's shop (Northwest Flyfishing Outfitters) complaining and volunteering them to his rental fleet. Jack swore up and down that if I put the AlumiBite Star Cleats in I wouldn't miss felt ever again.

So my field test included the lower 15 miles of the Deschutes Monday with flows just under 6000 CFS and near zero visibility. I waded the toughest stuff the river has to offer and finished on the east side of wagon blast. For those of you that fish the lower lower you know this is the worst wade on the river and maybe anywhere. I have to say I was impressed. I tried to fish this exact water the week before with a combination of hard bite stars and cleats. It was a disaster and I honestly pulled out and did not fish while my partners in crime put on a clinic.

So my vote is YEA, with the AlumiBites I might even say they are better than felt with studs if set up with two pucks of cleats. NAY with every other form of cleats (I have tried them all).

On a plus side, the rubber shouldn't delam like the felt is famous for. The aluminum is soft so I imagine at some point the cleats will need to be replaced. All in all I highly recommend the G4's with the cleats...for whatever that's worth.

Oh...the fishing was radical. I spent the day with Matt McCrary, also from Northwest Flyfishing Outfitters. All told we hoooked 10 landed 5. 3 of the five were big boy bad ass fish. Here is a picture of Matt with the biggest fish my guess is 35 or 36 inched. The bottom fish was the brightest fish and an absolute hotrod. Love the lower lower in late season.

__________________
Sam Sickles
www.riverborneoutfitters.com
C(541) 400-9602

Deschutes Steelhead Report

2010-10-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

The phone hasn't rung in a while so I decided to hit the lower lower with a couple buds of mine who are some serious Steelheaders. Friday there were two of us and five of them from 1:PM to 5:PM. Saturday there were three of us and six of them. Sunday was an O 4 2 kinda morning with a massive storm from that left us having a bar B Q under the trees. By the time we left on Sunday we were the only humans on the entire river. So basically Friday was on fire, Saturday a front moved in and slowed things down, Sunday we got blown off the river. 13 fish in two and a half days isn't too shabby

I'm just going to post the three big 'uns. Some serious slabs all caught inside the 4 mile mark. Two out of three came on dry lines. I love late October;-)

Expect the river to fish well under 6000 cfs. If the levels stays right expect bruisers like this for the next month. See you out there.

Deschutes River Steelhead Report

2010-10-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

This season has been a challenging one to say the least. Warm water temps effected fishing early, fluctuating water levels have been an issue of late. The White River has been doing it's thing on the lower river. The numbers of fish seem about average, but the river has been busy. More anglers and less fish than last year, coupled with the adverse conditions mentioned above and you get the picture.

With that being said we have had some good days, and the river is starting to thin out with the start of hunting season. The irrigation canals are turned off on the 15th and the river will be higher, but more stable from here on out. Look for the upper river (Warm Springs-Maupin) to fish well into November. The lower river clears out this time of year and this when we can expect a push of B-Run fish (12-15lb. steelhead bound for Idaho!) to turn into the river. If you are after the steelhead of a lifetime this is the time to be on the lower river! From Warm Springs to Trout Creek the reservation side is open until the end of the month. We traditionally experience some of our best fishing of the season on this stretch during the last two weeks of the month.

The season is drawing to a close but we still have some availability for lower river jet boat trips and upper river drift boat floats. If you haven't gotten your fill yet give us a call. I predict some of the best fishing of the season is going to be had in the next couple of weeks!

Deschutes Steelhead Report

2010-09-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

Long time no see...no excuses!

Steelheading on the Deschutes in 2010 is a completely different animal than it was in 2009. What we lack in numbers this year is more than made up for with 30" inch natives with shoulders that don't quit. Over the last ten days I have spent on the river I have seen more 10 pounders than I saw all last year. We released a half dozen legitimate 12 pounders and two fish in the fifteen pound range. Sure, we are not having 40 fish days but we are seeing steady fishing with multiple opportunity to swing fish daily. Water temps have remained in the mid sixties despite the cool weather fronts that have moved in and out of the CRG (Columbia River Gorge). It's almost like summer came and went without notice. Fall tactics should be in full effect. Dry lines, drab patterns, skaters...oh yeah, and if that doesn't work go big and ugly, and don't delay. Dry line fishing has been tough this year. Grabs are soft and lack luster. As the temps drop back into the mid fifties in the next 30 days expect the return of the freight train takes.

Labor day has passed which means fishing pressure will even out from Warm Springs to the mouth. We are currently booked in September for sled trips and have some availability for drift boat trips. October is going to be return of the "Killer B's", if you are interested in fishing with us this fall don't wait, we will be booked out by mid September.

Hope everyone has had a great couple of months, the best is yet to come.

Tight lines,

RBO

Deschutes Steelhead Report 8-4-2010

2010-08-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

Fishing is good early and late. Water temps are unreasonably high due to PGE's Round Butte experiment. Fish are spread from Buckhollow to Heritage, by my count 82% natives. The 82% comes from the last seven days I have been on the river. The fish pictured above is cookie cutter of the natives we have been landing 28-31" and full of piss and vinegar. Please make sure you pressure these fish and release them as soon as possible. Carry a net as this quickens the landing process significantly. If the bite is not on get down and dirty immediately, do not dilly dally trying to move fish to a dry line fly. With temps in the mid to high 60's these fish need a presentation in their wheelhouse. Good luck and we will see you down there.

Regards,
RBO

Deschutes Steelhead Report

2010-07-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

Fishing has been tough due to water temps. We hit 13 on our last trip thanks to the steelhead slayer pictured left. The summer heat is in the canyon, mornings fish best but fish can be found all day if you know where to look. To date fish have been landed well above the carnival runs on the lower river. We look for fishing to improve dramatically as the river is artificially cooled at round butte. Sled days are pretty much booked up through the second week in August but fishing should be good out on the day stretch from Pine Tree to Macks Canyon. Call us for available drift boat trips.

Regards,

RBO
541-647-2584

Deschutes Steelhead Report

2010-07-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

Every year we float Macks Canyon to Heritage on the 4th of July with close friends. About every other year we hit chrome. Ordinarily I expect to catch Steelhead. This day was different. We show up at Mack's to an empty campground and parking lot. On the 20 mile drive down the lower access road we saw one drift boat and only a few campers. It was 90 degrees in the canyon and the sun was high in the sky. We are late and our friends John and Michelle have put on ahead of us. No big deal I can guess where his boat is parked, probably on one of the most productive pieces of steelhead water on planet earth. Pretty good guess, we didn't have to float long to find our friends. I gave John some trouble for his errant casting which showed the lay-off for trout fishing since late April. A couple hundred feet down the run I notice that John is wading pretty deep, the river must still be up a bit and this is an ugly wade. The run comes to a standard uneventful July ending so we move on. At this point we have already settled into racing down to wagonblast or some other piece of carnival water. The next run down gives up fish, but rarely. John decided to stay in the boat with his dry line so I head up with my faithful friend RB Meiser. As I reach my destination I notice John coming up, apparently he can't stand the idea on not getting his ass kicked in July. Dry lines first...three casts in and John is well into his backing with a fish breaking water down and clear across the river...this fish COULD GO ALL THE WAY!. Luckily this fish was worked back to the pool where he was measured, photoed and released.

July is my favorite month of the year to fish. The crowds are light, the weather is fantastic, and every run and camp is available. We are now booking Summer Steelhead on the lower 24 miles of the Deschutes River. We hope you can join us this year. Please call 541-647-2584 to book a trip or check us out www.riverborneoutfitters.com.

Regards,

RBO

Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report

2010-07-03T13:10:00.000-07:00

7/1/10

The Deschutes Caddis hatch is slow to come on with all the intermittent weather. The peak of the Caddis hatch is still to come when summer finally arrives here in Central Oregon. Fish are still looking up though, fish the grassy banks with some cobble, micro eddies, back eddies, and anywhere you find shade. Just because you aren't seeing rising fish, doesn't mean you can't catch them up top. Find the right water and you will have success. Nymphing can be productive, though there are still fish spawning or that are post spawn and are easy targets for nymph fisherman. So when in doubt dry fly fish!

2010-05-31T18:26:00.000-07:00

TC-HF 5/28-5/30/10

Fishing is hot, when the weather heats up. Things slow down with the cooler days. Plenty of big bugs still as far down as Maupin. We had good success on the cooler days by pitching big bugs around known lies, also found some fish during some intermittent Drake and PMD hatches.

A boat went down this weekend in Whitehorse (not ours thank god) Everyone was okay. As of now the boat is still in the rapid, somewhere down low around House Rock. If you find some river booty below there shoot me a P.M. and I can point you in the direction of the likely owner.

Take care, tight lines, and most of all...
be safe out there on the river!

Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report May 23, 2010

2010-05-23T23:27:00.000-07:00

Short and sweet, been a long weekend. Fishing is great but it's not easy. Conditions are tough, wet, cold, and windy. Bring some PMD, BWO, Caddis emergers, variety pack of 16 bead heads, the world famous posse bugger....and oh yeah, some Stones, Norm Wood Special should do.

Look for water that is hard if not impossible to fish and you will find many players. That is not to say that there aren't some fish to lift out of the popular runs, but if you want to fish the players find some rip rap, boulders, and beyond your comfort zone wading.

The Salmon Fly hatch has the brakes on until this front moves through and the temps come back up. That is not to say you won't find some players but it is to say the fish are not stupid at this point. Fish hard and often because you never know when the big day or week will be...my guess Memorial Weekend and the week after.

Posted some pictures here.
http://picasaweb.google.com/RiverBorneOutfitters/May202010?authkey=Gv1sRgCJTYxLGTrODs4gE#

Have a great week.

SS

Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report May 15, 2010

2010-05-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

Well it's official, big bugs are showing from Penton Dam to the Falls. Fishing has been strong for the last week with most of the action coming subsurface. Fish are not keying on the big bugs just yet. Dry fly fishing will become more and more productive as the hatch progresses. When the Hatch progresses so does the angler pressure. Fishing from a driftboat is the best way to access the Deschutes. If you have time we recommend three days from Warm Springs to Maupin. It is not uncommon to raise dozens of fish a day on drys when the fish get keyed in. If you don't have time choose the day floats from Warm Springs to Trout Creek or Nena to Harpham flats. As everyone heads to Warm Springs remember there is no better access on foot or by vehicle than the Maupin area, and the fishing is second to none.

Carry some big foam bodied salmonflies and goldens. When nymphing use a big stonefly and size 14-18 beadhead as a dropper. Most beadhead patterns in the 14-16 size range will bring fish to hand, with mayfly patterns being the most productive.

The weather is great this weekend so enjoy.

Regards,

RBO

Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report -5/3/10

2010-04-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

The Deschutes 2010 Season has officially begone. The section of river bordering Warm Springs Reservation opened up to fishing April, 24th. Though sections of the Deschutes are open year round the April opening date signals the beginning of the season for many. We are currently experiencing our spring high water period. The watermasters need to make room in the reservoirs for the snow melt, they release water into the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers to do so. One benefit of dam released events versus traditional run off is that you will usually have good water clarity. Fishing in high water is entirely possible, and potentially productive. Focus in on slower water and seams where fish can escape the heavy flows. Fish fairly long leaders and use split shot. Traditional stone fly nymphs and small droppers work well. Some erratic dry fly hatches can come off this time of year. Look for March Browns, Mahogany Duns, BWO's, and Caddis to be present.

Redside Trout and Steelhead are Spawning in the River Right Now! Stay off of the gravel beds, don't drop anchor in areas you suspect spawning activity. There are also a lot of steelhead smolts in the river. If you are catching fin clipped fish they are smolts. Very your tactics and the type of water you fish if you are finding them on a regular basis!

Deschutes and Crooked River Fly Fishing Reports

2010-04-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung here in Central Oregon. Look for fishing to improve dramatically with the arrival of warmer weather.

Currently, the Crooked River is blown out as a result of annual water releases out of Prineville Resevoir. Look for fishing to be great once the water levels come down below 3oo cfs ideally. In May the Mothers Day Caddis start to show and this prolific hatch makes for some great dry fly action. A size 16 Brown Elk Hair Caddis will do the trick. Try using hi viz patterns to help be able to see your fly in a sea of naturals and foam bubbles.

The Deschutes River doesn't open up entirely until April 24th. Look for fishing to be good early nymphing stoneflys and micro may droppers, PTs, and/or HaresEars. Water temps are on the warmer side at this time, possibly a result of the new fish passage tower on Billy Chinook. The stonefly hatch might be a little early this year!

River Borne Outfitters on Facebook

2010-02-12T17:10:00.000-08:00

Check us out!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=182009406240&ref=ts

Winter Steelhead Report February 9, 2010

2010-02-09T05:29:00.000-08:00

Fishing conditions are tough. The rivers are low and clear. Tactics remain the same, cover a lot of water, swing everything, and find fish in transition. We continue to scratch out dime bright fish. This fish came at the bottom of a tailout in 24" of gin clear water.
We have been jumping some fish in really skinny water moving up river despite the lack of rain. For those waiting on the next big push of water to get after it...you may be in for a long wait. Weather forecasts are not good but you know how that goes.

See you on the river;-)

SS

Winter Steelhead

2010-01-25T19:36:00.000-08:00

Hi All! Fishing has been good locally and semi-locally. Timing has been great and the fishing gods have blessed us on all but one outing. The last two weeks have been solid and we have been performing the wood shampoo. Swinging the Sandy and nymphing the Hood have been productive. Look for fishing to improve over the next couple of months. Traditionally we like to fish the drop...that said we have been fishing the river on the rise with great results. With the higher water don't overlook the areas normally too low to swing. Type 11 to 8 have been go too tips with lighter more sparsely tied maribou spiders. We have some limited opening over the next couple of months. Look forward to seeing you out there.

Sam

Winter Steelhead

2010-01-12T08:09:00.000-08:00

The chill in the air, a freezing east wind, breaking ice off your guides after every cast, everybody and their dog out trying to catch a fish. There is nothing like chasing winter chrome. That's been winter fishing late December through the first week in January. With the last push of water and air temperatures hovering around 40 degrees the fishing has really turned on. I have been fishing non stop since Chrstmas in my local haunts and it's been poor to very good. In my 20 years of chasing winter steel I have never seen so many early natives. I turned back a 15 pound buck last week, and as of Sunday I have seen many fish. I hope this trend continues.

Most of my winter fishing is local but I know of a couple guys that have been putting the crush on them on the coast. My openings are limited this year, and as always the river condition is critical as well as fragile, but hey, so far so good. I look forward to hearing from you this season for winter steel or to talk about Trout and Steelhead trips in the spring.

Regards,

Sam
541-400-9602

Crooked River Fly Fishing Report

2009-11-22T09:51:00.000-08:00

11/21/09

Don't call it a come back, or... maybe you should for the Crooked is fishing well!

After a high water event a few years ago caused rampant gas bubble disease, and a major fish kill, the population of wild Redband trout has rebounded quiet successfully.

The whitefish population seems to be in check, (which was not the case over the last few years) with the catch being more trout than whities. The whitefish are spawning right now so look to fish small egg patterns, or even orange scuds, with a micro mayfly or midge dropper. Fish can be taken on top with small (18-20) Blue Wing Olive and midge patterns.

River Borne Outfitters has recently acquired a permit to guide on the Crooked, and we are now offering half and full day walk in trips on the Crooked River all year round!

For more information feel free to give us a call at 541-647-2584

or check us out online @

www.riverborneoutfitters.com

Deschutes Steelhead Report 10/29/09

2009-10-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

Warm Springs-Trout Creek

Every year I try and get in a float on the day stretch before they close the Indian side (closes October 31st) We usually get a fish or two, enjoy the day and say goodbye to some of our favorite runs until next year. Well this year was no exception, except that the fishing was off the hook! It was the best day I have every had on this stretch. Fitting climax for an unbelievable season. We hooked 15 steelhead, and one Jack chinook (which was the surprise of the day), between two of us! This section of river has seen a recent push of 1 salt fish into the area. As most of the fish caught were 24" cookie cutters, all were fairly bright for this time of year. We did catch a couple of 2 salt fish that were darker and looked like they had been there for awhile. Another note on the day that added to the perfection was the lack of crowds, we were one of two drifters, and one pontoon guy. We had every run to ourselves that we wanted to fish! This was a far cry to the week prior, fished this stretch during the same day of the week, and you needed to bring your own rock to find a spot. You just never know, but that's the beauty of steelheading, you just gotta keep at it and eventually the stars align, and you hit just right and then it's on!

Tight lines, and I hope to see you on the water
(just not in one of my favorite runs!)
-V

Deschutes River Steelhead Report 10/24/09

2009-10-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

Warm Springs-Maupin

Fishing has improved since the water level increase a week ago put the fish off the bite. Water temps are still above 50 degrees. The river was very busy though, especially for the mid week. Trips earlier were less busy with better fishing, you never know though. Its seems that some days everybody calls in sick at the same time! Look for fishing to stay good through the Month and in to November. Remember that the reservation side of the river between Warm Springs and Trout Creek closes October 31st, and the whole section of the river bordering the reservation closes for trout on the 31st. We will be offering guided drift and jet boat trips through November so if you haven't got your steelhead fix yet give us a call!

To Book a Trip Call
541-647-2584
or email info@riverborneoutfitters.com
For more details on trip options and pricing check us out online at
www.riverborneoutfitters.com

Macks to the Mouth 15-18 October

2009-10-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

Higher water levels in October are par for the course on the Deschutes. Clarity is good and water temps are in the low 50's. We have been catching fish dispite the change in river flow. We ended up with 8 fish in 3 days with the highest production day being yesterday afternoon. The good news is the fish we have been catching are quality natives. The landing rate is about 30% for this trip and out of the 8 only one was a hatchery. We get a big push of large steelhead in the lower river each October. Fishing by sled from Mack's Canyon can put you all by yourself in a matter of minutes. Look forward to seeing you!

SS

Deschutes River Steelhead Report 10/11/09

2009-10-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

Trout Creek- Maupin

Fishing is excellent in this stretch of river right now. The bulk of the run seems to be above Maupin now, though there still is some good fishing to be had lower. We were seeing more two salt fish on this trip, with more than a few fish caught between 28-30 inches. Water temps are starting to drop a bit, last temp I took was about 52 degrees +/-, fish are still being taken on top with quite a bit of regularity. If you have been wanting to catch a steelhead on a skater, this is the time to try! When the temps get below fifty degrees sink tips and leaches are best.

Deschutes River Fishing Report 10/5/09

2009-10-05T17:47:00.000-07:00

Just finished taking a weekend off with a couple pals celebrating somebodies 40th birthday. Fishing was incredible. Hooked many fish despite the extreme windstorm that left the Deschutes River Canyon blocked in by a cloud of dust. Water temps were hovering around 55 degrees and the air temp was in the 60's most of the weekend. For those who could bare the wind there were some very grabby fish around. Total encounters of the fishy kind was well into the thirties with three guys fishing. With the cloud cover we fished dry lines most of the time. The Chinook above came courtesy of the The Lady Caroline on a dry line swing. Fishing was so good we didn't leave the canyon until dark. We still have a couple opening in October and hope you can make it down this season.

Deschutes River Steelhead Report- 9/30/09

2009-10-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

Just got off another 3 day trip. Fishing started off hot, as we hooked fish in our first 4 out of 5 stops. Then the weather changed a bit, and the bite slowed we were suspecting an unstable barometer to be the culprit. Or maybe we angered the steelheading gods by scoffing at how easy steelhead fishing was becoming. Any ways it was looking to be an average trip as far as numbers goes, the count at 1:00 o'clock on our last day stood at 4 for 5 fish. Then it busted wide open and we managed to hook seven fish in matter of four hours. At one point having a double hook up! Fishing ranged from average to excellent depending on what section of river we were in. Look for the fish to spread out more evenly through October. Water temps are still ideal for dry lines, though the fish we caught were on tips and leaches mainly because these setups were easy casting in the ever present wind.

Deschutes River Steelhead Report 9-23-09

2009-09-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

Hi all. Just got done with a 6 day tour on the lower river. Conditions varied by the day. Fishing was solid given the constantly changing visibility and record anglers below Mack's Canyon. The White River continues to wreak havoc on fly fisherman. Knowing where there are always fish is a big help when visibilty is low. We found fish each day some more than others. Dry lines were effective in the mornings and evenings and we found fish mid day with sink tips. Fishing from a sled helped us focus in on open water either in front of or in back of the crowds. I expect lot's of traffic this year given the record returns As of Tuesday the river has cleared to about 3 feet of visibility. Looking forward to an outstanding fall on the upper and lower Deschutes. We look forward to fishing with you this fall.

SS

Deschutes River Steelhead Report 9-7-09

2009-09-09T07:20:00.000-07:00

Fished from the sled Sunday Monday. River condition was less than clear but fished well. Water temperatures dropped from 61 to 58 on Monday. Drifters made up most of our company for the weekend so most runs were available at one time or another. Sunday was incredible with high winds and overcast skies we raised many fish...almost exclusively on dry line swings. Monday was great, the skies cleared a little and we found many fish on dry lines and sink tips. Sunday we found mostly natives:), Monday mostly hatchery fish. The big fish are coming early this year my count was 4 fish over 32". SEE THE LINK BELOW FOR PHOTOS!

The white river is still puking mud but there isn't enough volume to put the river down. Nights are becoming chilly and with luck as fall approaches so do lower freezing levels. Looks like clear sailing.

The steelhead returns will break the 1999 record. As of this week year to date numbers are 140% of 1999. We look forward to lots of drift boat and sled trip on the upper and lower river this fall.

Please drop us a line to check available opening.

Riverborne Outfiters
541-647-2584

http://picasaweb.google.com/RiverBorneOutfitters/LaborDayJetBoatTrip2009

Deschutes River Steelhead Report 9-3-09 (late)

2009-09-04T18:51:00.001-07:00

Deschutes Fishing Report 9-3-09
Sorry for the lapse in reports. Been fishin'. The White has been a pain. That being said we have been hitting fish...that's right dry line and sinktips 50/50. Don't be discouraged there are lots of fish in the river and they are biters. Crowds will move upriver after labor day, they always do. We still have some opening for late September and spread out through October. Pick your pleasure, driftboat or sled.

Look forward to seeing you, will post a better report Tuesday.

Tight lines,

Sam

Deschutes River Steelhead Report 8/18-8/22

2009-08-21T08:17:00.000-07:00

Just got back from three tough days of steelhead fishing. With record counts over the dams, and reports of good fishing I had high expectations. On the first I day did a float with the patient angler and co. He had been there for the two days prior and had yet to touch a fish, not a good sign. We did not improve the score this day. On the next day I did a guided trip with some boys from Texas. A fish was hooked and lost in the AM on a spinner,and that was it. On day three I met up with Sam, for my first opportunity to take a ride in his new boat a 20' Super Vee. We hooked up early then nothing the rest of the day. Saw a few caught by the side planers at that was it. Sam's command of the boat, and knowledge of the lower river is exceptional. He is very excited to put his new ride to work! With the exceptional numbers of fish, all we need is a little cool weather to bust things wide open. When that happens you can bet Sam will be ready, willing and able to take you to the fish in style! If your interested get a hold of us and we'll set it up.

To Book a Trip call 541-647-2584
or email info@riverborneoutfitters.com
For more trip details and pricing check us out online at
www.riverborneoutfitters.com

Deschutes Steelhead Report 8-10-09

2009-08-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

Well...it's official! There are many steelhead in the river and they are active. I have been fishing below Macks Canyon for the last couple of weeks and dispite the high water temps and the crowds we are finding fish. The offical count is 9 for 13 on trip 1 and 6 for 6 trip 2. As to be expected the big fish trip was fishing out of the sled.
Water temps are in the high sixties but the fish don't seem to care one bit, in fact we have even been skating some fish up. No one fly has seemed to matter as long as they are sparse. Sink tips and big stuff have produced zero. Evenings and morning are most productive as would be expected but we have hit several fish on the surface into the middle of the day.
This is the best early fishing I have seen in ten years. I hope to see you below Macks this summer and fall.

Deschutes River Fly Fishing Reports

2009-07-13T21:46:00.000-07:00

7/6-7/12

Trout Creek-Maupin

I just spent the last six out of seven days on the river. Fishing has ranged from to good to lights out. The best fishing was had on the hotter days, stalking rising trout in the back eddies, riffles, and on the banks. Look for sipping trout early in all areas feeding on dead bugs. Caddis are in effect, but we are not at the peek yet. Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis, and Sparkle puppas have been top producers. Fishing should only get better, fishing pressure is light, but rafting traffic is starting to pick up.

-Vail

Deschutes River Fly Fishing-Warm Springs to Trout Creek

2009-06-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

6/25/09

Warm Springs-Trout Creek

There are still a few golden stones around. If you want to catch fish up top on Stoneflies you can, but not for long. We spent most of the day nymphing with excellent results. Many large redsides to hand, the crowds were fairly light. Look for the caddis and pmd's to become the main food source now.

-Vail

www.riverborneoutfitters.com

Deschutes River Trout Creek-Maupin

2009-06-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

6/16-6/18

Trout Creek-Maupin

The salmon fly hatch is about over on this stretch. We were able to catch some fish on the big bugs in the beginning of the float. But the action slowed down as we progressed downstream, with last fish being caught on a stonefly dry at Whitehorse. Below, the best action came nymphing. With small copper johns, caddis pupae, etc.. producing best. For the dry fly purists we are in between hatches at this point. There are a few caddis around and with overcast weather you can expect some mayfly hatches. Within a week or two the caddis will become more abundant and become the main food source for the fish. Dry fly fishing with elk hairs and x-caddis on the banks and in the riffles will be most productive.

-Vail

www.riverborneoutfitters.com

WS-TC

2009-06-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

6/9/09

Fished with Dan Rockey and crew.. We weren't the only ones on the river this day. Fishing was still good though will everyone having opportunities for fish. High rod was probably a dozen or so. Had some great back eddy action during lunch. Fishing small soft hackles and emergers in the surface film. Rest of the fish were caught on Stone dries.

www.riverborneoutfitters.com

Trout Creek-Maupin

2009-06-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

6/4-6/6

With a week of thunder storms, and big rains I had my doubts about this trip. Especially since they were calling for more of the same for the first day. As we launched things looked promising, with blue skys, warm temps, big bugs, and willing fish. After lunch we noticed ominous clouds to our South. Within minutes, we were engulfed in a wicked thunder and wind storm that produced dust clouds, and snapped tree limbs filling the river with debris and sent us seeking refuge to ride it out! As a result of the storms the river level rose and muddied a bit. Fishing was a affected a bit on the next day as the fish acclimated to the change. By day three, the water cleared and dropped and the fish were up on top again looking for the big bugs. We did noticed the numbers of stoneflies diminish as we got closer to Maupin, mainly seeing goldens, and not many in the grass. This section of river is past the peek and slowing down, but the stonefly hatch is still in full affect up higher!

Deschutes River Warm Springs-Trout Creek

2009-05-31T19:23:00.000-07:00

5/31

Fishing is Good! Started out great with a large Redside to the net at the first stop, followed by a few missed opportunities. A bit of a mid day lull was followed with some more good fishing. All fish were caught on top with adult stonefly patterns, except for one that took a small PMD.

Warm Springs-Trout Creek

2009-05-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

5/29/09

Fishing is good! Salmon Flies are out and fish are taking drys on the surface. Nymphing works also, small stuff still most productive, but fish are being taken on large stone nymphs. These work best early and late in the day!