Lower Deschutes River Guided Fly Fishing Day Trip

The mighty Deschutes is the gem of Central Oregon fly fishing rivers and is well known for the feisty redsides that tear backing from reels and snap robust tippets. The Lower Deschutes should be on every angler's bucket list of places to visit to fly fish.

Healthy salmon fly eating redband

The River

The Lower Deschutes is a tailwater that releases from Lake Billy Chinook and runs north where it joins the Columbia River. The first half of the river is a premier trout fishery we guide from April to November that produces large populations of healthy, wild trout. The last half of the river to the Columbia is considered more of a steelhead fishery that thrives from July to October.

The Lower Deschutes has unique regulations regarding boating and fishing. It is prohibited to fish out of the boat and regulations require that all anglers get out of watercraft while fishing. This gives us guides and anglers the challenge of only pursuing the fish on foot.

Guided trips are either day trips or multiday trips depending on your preference or time constraints. If you are looking for a holistic adventure into the wild and scenic section of the Deschutes, then the Trout Creek to Maupin float is an exceptional trip that highlights the utter beauty the river has to offer. This is a three-day trip that covers 30 miles of river.

pre-salmon fly hatch is a premier time to nymph the river

The day trips are the most popular and the best for people looking for activities to do on their vacation to Central Oregon or if you want the opportunity to learn the river better as a local or visiting angler. The Warm Springs to Trout Creek section is some of the best trout fly fishing in the state and has copious amounts of fish.

The peak times to fish the river begin during the iconic salmonfly hatch in May and goes until September. But in my opinion, some of the best fishing comes early and late in the season. October and November give us some fantastic days of fishing on the day stretch of the Lower D. April and May give some epic spring fishing days as the weather warms and fish get active.

The river has it all, no matter if you prefer dry fly fishing, swinging streamers, or tactical nymphing and we are happy to make sure you get what you want out of your trip.

The Trip

A guided Deschutes trip includes any terminal tackle, rods, reels, lines, and wading gear needed for the participants. Simply show up with a good pair of sunglasses, sunscreen, and adequate clothing for the weather. The trip also includes a fresh lunch that can be enjoyed on shore along with cold nonalcoholic beverages.

Grace with a good one on the day stretch

Cater the trip to your fly fishing goals by discussing aspects of the sport you want to work on during the trip. Ask for instruction in casting, fly selection, or reading water to maximize the learning for the day or simply enjoy a great day on the river.

A drift boat is the best method of experiencing the river as you can get places quickly and cover more water. But we also offer walk and wades as the river offers ample trail access to the best section of the river.

I work with The Fly Fisher's Place to coordinate trips on the Lower Deschutes. Book a guided trip with Michael Dooley, PhD Fly Fishing.