Deschutes Salmonfly Hatch Report

The salmonfly hatch on the Lower Deschutes is late this year due to the high snowpack and cooler water in the Deschutes River watershed... almost as late as it used to be before PGE's SSW tower began operating in 2010. Currently the big bugs are spread out from the lower river down stream from Mack's Canyon all the way to Pelton Dam.

Dry fly fishing is consistent below Whitehorse and moving upstream every day. The bugs are present but hunkering in the grass because of the colder air temps. Today is the last cold day for a while and when the weather heats up around Thursday fishing should go off just about everywhere.

With higher flows the trout really spread out and hug the banks, opening up lots of good water to fish. Look for places where the current deflects off of objects or other current seams and pushes towards shore.

While the dry fly fishing hasn't been stellar yet on the upper river we have been doing well on dry / dropper rigs. I have been really liking tungsten bead head nymphs around a size 14 tied on jig style hooks so they ride level.

There have also been some good mayfly hatches. The trout have been rising to smaller bugs more consistently closer to Maupin but on the upper river from Warm Springs to the reservation boundary area size 14 and 16 mayfly imitating nymphs have produced well. Usually I gravitate towards more natural pheasant tails and nymphs without beads or flash, but because of the faster and slightly colored water flies like the Copper John, bead head prince, and bh flashback pheasant tails have been working well.

I am looking forward to a full on dry fly bonanza later in the week! Have fun and be safe out there.

Chris