Numerous anglers have been reporting great Summer Steelhead fishing on the Deschutes. Check out the fish counts on Aug 12, 28,314, then Aug 13 35,054. These are record breaking numbers for Steelhead counted over Bonneville Dam. Fishing should be great throughout the fall.
Fishing from Maupin to the mouth of the Columbia should be outrageous this month. As we get later in the fall the fish will spread themselves out all the way up to Warm Springs and Pelton Dam. Use a floating line or a short sink tip swinging the long runs the Deschutes is famous for. The Deschutes was built for Spey casting and the perfect river for using your lighter rods like the new Winston 12ft 6inch 6/7 BIIX.
Steelhead flies for the Deschutes lean more toward the classic side. Sparse, lighly dressed, and light in weight get these fish moving. Try Idly’s Postman, Silvey’s Pool Cleaner, Low Water Fierce Allegiance, Bennet’s Last light and other similar patterns.
We have openings this Sept, Oct and the underrated November for multi day Deschutes River steelhead trips give us a call to discuss options.–CD
