The annual emergence of Pternarcys and Golden Stones is now out along the entire length of the Lower Deschutes, and the fish are certainly taking notice. Between Pelton Dam and Maupin, the Deschutes is host to the most prolific hatch of these bugs anywhere in the country. It is quite a spectacle.
I have done several multi-day trips on the stretch between Warm Springs and Maupin lately. Earlier on, closer to the middle of May, the dry fly fishing was a little spotty, with some high and off-color water, and many of the fish still in transition as the hatch worked its way upstream. In the last week and a half, however, the water has dropped and cleared, the fish have lined up where they should be, and we have had some spectacular sessions of dry fly fishing. Continue reading
