Deschutes and Crooked River Fly Fishing Reports

6/26/12

Deschutes River
4960-CFS


The Deschutes water level has spiked a bit over the last few days as a result of recent rains.
The Salmonfly hatch is over, and the fish are in a  transitional phase. Gorged from the hatch, they are a bit fat and sassy right now... That being said the fish are starting to key in on caddis and you can find fish starting to look up, especially lower in the river where the Salmonfly hatch has been over longer. During a recent multi day trip the caddis bite really improved as we moved down river. The last day and half offered up really superb dry fly fishing on small tan and green caddis patterns. A productive combo was a x-caddis with a soft hackle or sparkle pupae dropper. Fish were caught on the dropper equally as much as on the dry.

Fish have not yet began moving into the back eddies, but any time now they will, in search of dead, spent caddis.  The back eddies, along with the miles and miles of great banks, are another place to get some good dry fly action on the Deschutes during July and August.

Look for the caddis hatch to really ramp up in July, especially during the warmer spells!

Crooked River
224-CFS

The Crooked has settled into it's summer time water level. PMD's and caddis are the food source for trout for the rest of the summer. Hatches of midges, and scuds fill out the menu.

Dry fly fishing is best when shade settles in on the canyon. Early shade can be found in areas with high palisades... Nymphing is productive all day. High stick the pocket water with micro may fly patterns, and green caddis pupae, and small midge patterns. An egg pattern can be deadly as well, though be ready to catch a few white fish!

Deschutes and Crooked River, Oregon Fly Fishing Report

6/9/12

Deschutes River:
4800 CFS

The Deschutes River Salmon fly hatch is about over. There are a few bugs around on the upper river. But significant pressure (plus the fact that the fish are gorged) has put most of the fish down. Small hatches of PMD's and PED's, along with Little Yellow Sallies are coming off. Stealth techniques and smaller offerings are one of the keys to fooling the few players you find.

Caddis will become the main food source for trout for the rest of the summer. Good dry fly fishing opportunities are available as well. Nymphing is a stand by during the day and when you can't find risers.


Crooked River:
227 CFS

The water level has dropped over the last week. Fishing has been good, though we are in between hatches. The caddis hatch seems to have ebbed a bit, and I haven't seen any PMD's yet. The Crooked is colder than the Deschutes, and hatches are behind it timing wise for that reason. The PMD hatch on the Crooked is fairly consistent through out the summer, more so than the Deschutes and along with caddis provides great dry fly fishing during the summer.

Deschutes and Crooked River Fly Fishing Reports

5/25/12

Crooked River
CFS 246

The Crooked is in great shape. The river is clear, free from algae, and fishing well.
The lack of sustained high water has not created a Nitrogen rich scenario in the river which in the past has resulted in fish kills (gas bubble disease) and a lot of weed growth.

The Grannoms caddis fly is present as are BWO's and PMD mayflies. Dry fly fishing is good on one or all of these bugs during the day.

The average size of fish is up already, I look forward to the rest of the summer. I forecast good fishing throughout with a better than average fish size than years past.


Deschutes River
CFS  5090

The Deschutes water level has spiked a bit in the last 24 hours, but I don't think it will affect the bite much. Salmonflies are out all the way to Warm Springs. Fishing is good on the big bugs up top, crowds are out as well. They current cooler weather will put a damper on the hatch for a day or two, but during weather like this is when we see Green Drakes and PMD's coming off. So fishing is good either way.

Always  make sure you have a few Green Drake patterns in your box during this time of year. A large parachute Adams will work in a pinch, but there are some pretty deadly cripple and parachute Drake patterns that work much better.

Deschutes and Crooked River Fly Fishing Reports

5/10/12

The Crooked River:
Flow 261 CFS

The Crooked is down to a very fish-able level, and barring any heavy spring rains, should stay that way. Look for the Mother's Day Caddis hatch this month (Grannoms) it can be very prolific and provide great dry fly action. Use a hi vis Brown or Black Caddis size 12-14, also there can be Blue Wing Olive and Midge hatches as well, more so on the inclement or overcast days. Nymphing with small micro may fly nymphs, midge pupa, and the such is always productive.


The Deschutes River:
Flow 4800 CFS

The Deschutes is also on the drop, and is fishing well. Salmonflies are starting to emerge in the lower river, and with this warmer weather the hatch should really come on. Look for the next three-four weeks or so to be prime time! Nymphing has been the most productive, as fish are gorging themselves on the ripe stonefly nymphs that are abundant at this time and very active getting ready to hatch! Fish two fly set ups with a large rubber legged brown or black stonefly nymph (sz.4-8)  followed by a small beadhead Hares Ear or PT nymph (sz14-16)
  
It will take a bit for the trout to take notice of the adult Salmonflies, but once they do, drop the nymph stick, grab the dry fly rod and get ready for some of the best dry fly fishing the Deschutes has to offer!


 Note: Redside Trout spawn in the spring, protect the resource and let them do there thing by watching out for Reds (trout spawning beds). Avoid dropping anchor, fishing, or wading on gravel bars.

Deschutes and Crooked River Fly Fishing Reports

1/30/12

Crooked River  74 CFS

The Crooked is low and clear right now. Fishing is good to excellent on the warmer days. Fishing slows down during the cold snaps. The low water consolidates fish, so find the deeper spots and slots and concentrate your efforts there. Hatches of Blue Wing Olives and Midges occur during this month, some dry fly fishing can be had in the early after noon. Use smaller Adams, Griffiths Gnats, Purple Hazes (sz 18-20) Nymphing small micro may fly patterns, Orange Scuds, and Midge Pupas will work when nothings happening up top. Also, Whitefish are still spawning so make sure to have a few egg patterns as well. Adjust your indicator fairly short, and high stick as much as possible!

We offer guided trips on the Crooked all year long, so if your not sure where to go, and could use some pointers on fishing the Crooked give us a call!


Deschutes River  6150 CFS

The Deschutes is running high and cold right now. But if your itching to fish...you can, just make sure it is below the reservation, as the river bordering the reservation is closed. Nymphing is most productive this time of year, pretty standard stuff. Try Stonefly patterns in black and brown, with Hare Ears or PTs dropped off. Again Whitefish are on the spawn so small egg patterns will work as well. Later on we will start to see better hatches of BWO's and some March Browns and there can be some good dry fly fishing to be had, usually with the added bonus of having the river to your self.

The Salmonfly Hatch is right around the corner! We are currently booking day and multi day Salmonfly trips starting May 15th.  Book now to secure the best dates!

Oregon Coast Winter Steelhead


The coast rivers are on the drop, look for rivers to get below 6 ft,  with 5ft+/-  to be ideal for fly fishing. There are fish in all the systems right now, and we have already had some good trips over there, but look for Feb, March, and early April to fish best as the bulk of the wild steelhead show up. These fish are much more aggressive and take to the fly much better than the typical hatchery steelhead.

If you are looking for a guided fishing trip on the coast this winter give us a call for the best fishing is still to come!

Deschutes and Crooked River Fly Fishing Reports

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

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.