Deschutes River 

Pacific Northwest

There is good reason that the Deschutes is Oregon’s best known river. The Deschutes is a desert oasis rife with wild rainbows, hearty steelhead, whitewater and stunning scenery. During the steelhead fly fishing season the Deschutes becomes a “temple of spey.” This is one of the first rivers in the U.S. where the guides regularly employed the use of spey rods to cover water for these anadromous jewels. As such, all of our guides are proficient in two-handed casting instruction. Due to the dam-controlled nature of the Deschutes most of the steelhead season provides ideal conditions for fly fishing a floating line. If you’ve ever yearned to see a powerful, ocean-fed fish rise to the rivers’ surface for a fly then this is the place!

With day trips and multi-day float trips for both trout and steelhead, the Deschutes is one of the west’s most unique and captivating systems. The quintessential Deschutes trips are deluxe, multi-day float trips on both the upper and lower portions of the river. Best done as a three night, four day float, these trips offer anglers the best shot at the river’s trout and steelhead and represent one of the West’s greatest downriver fly fishing adventures. At Fly Water Travel we pride ourselves on our relationships with the guides who know the Deschutes best. Guides include Colin Carr, Brian Silvey, David Renton, Tom Larimer, and Chris O’Donnell.

Location:
The Deschutes River flows north through central Oregon, eventually draining into the Columbia River near The Dalles, Oregon.

Deschutes River Fishing Program:
The Deschutes has the distinction of being one of the West’s best rainbow trout fisheries, as well as being a world-class steelhead river. Fishing for the famed “redsides” which range from 12-20 inches, can be good throughout the year. The steelhead fly fishing gets going as early as July on the lower river and peaks on the upper river from mid September through October. Typical flows range from 4,000 –5,500c.f.s. Drift boats are used for transportation but no fishing is allowed from the boat. Be prepared for aggressive wading and dealing with low overhanging bushes especially when trout fly fishing.

Be prepared for long days on the water when steelhead fishing. Catching tends to be most productive in the low light hours of the day. Your guide will typically have you out on the water at the first hint of light in the morning and fish hard until mid-day. At that point you’ll stop for a streamside lunch and perhaps a siesta. In the afternoon your guide will have you back out on the water for the “evening session.”

Fly fishing for trout on the Deschutes may be one of the most unique angling experiences to be found in the American west. The fish are all native, wild “redsides.” This is a distinct sub-species of rainbow trout that tend to be some of the hardest fighting trout, for their size, you’ll ever find. Add to that the size of the river these fish swim in (4,000 – 6,000 cfs) and you’ve got a real battle on your hands! The Deschutes is a very healthy river system with an abundance of food for the trout. This means a “typical” day could have you fishing small mayfly emergers on 6x tippet, then bouncing large stonefly nymphs along the river bottom before spending the evening swinging caddis soft hackles. Variety of bugs is the key component here and our guides are all well-prepared to lead you through ever-changing fishing techniques.

Deschutes River Non-Angling Activities:
Whitewater rafting, wildlife viewing, riverside relaxation.

Deschutes River Accommodations and Meals:
Camp Trips: Your hosts will set up a comfortable camp each night. With larger groups, the bag boater will make their way down river to have camp set up by the time you arrive. Your guides will provide your tent and all camping gear. Note: You will need to bring your own sleeping bag!

Day Trips: The Imperial River Company is a beautiful multi-use facility right on the banks of the Deschutes River. You will enjoy one of twenty-five individually decorated theme rooms of Oregon. All of their rooms are well appointed, very comfortable, and most have two beds and have the unsurpassed serenity of the Deschutes right out the door. They all have coffee makers, refrigerators and wader dryers. They are very spacious, include microwaves, and can adjoin one another. The 2nd floor rooms have vaulted ceilings for an open, light feel. None of their rooms have televisions (except the Imperial Suite) or phones to interrupt your relaxation. Satellite TV is available in the quiet bar, and games are available in the lobby. All rooms have WiFi access, and A/C. Look for the log book that many guests have written in, and share in their experiences.

Dining in the Imperial Restaurant is an experience you won't soon forget. Their delicious menu items are cooked with care and creativity and utilize local ingredients to bring their unique Imperial Desert Cuisine to your table. The indoor dining room and outdoor patio both have a fantastic view of the Deschutes River. Trimmed in rough juniper posts and hand painted juniper boughs, the Imperial Restaurant is a casual place to unwind after your adventuresome day. Sip a glass of merlot and watch the fish rise while an angler tries his luck from the rivers’ edge. Their beef comes from the Imperial Stock Ranch, just 16 miles from the lodge. They raise all natural, range-grown Angus beef that is the mainstay of their menu. Hand selected, properly aged for 3 weeks and cut to their specifications the steaks are something that will keep you coming back for more.

Deschutes River Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Maupin, OR and overnight at Imperial River Lodge.
Day 2: Full day of guided fishing for trout. Overnight at Imperial.
Days 3-5: Full days of guided fishing for steelhead, camping riverside each night.
Day 6: Float / fish all day. Return home at the end of the day.
 

“Our Deschutes River trip with Colin Carr was terrific. The food was fantastic, the guides very helpful and accommodating, and the weather and fishing were great. All in all it was a ‘10 out of 10’.” J.F., CA

"We had an amazing time on the river with Chris O'Donnell. He did an amazing job finding some great spots to catch some nice fish, and had a lovely demeanor. We really loved the experience, and would be happy to use Fly Water again for a trip. We thank you very much for making our holiday so special, and will be in touch when we’re ready for our next trip!" M.S., NY

Complete Trip Details