Lower Deschutes Trout Fishing Report

A typical day of trout fishing begins at the Warm Springs boat launch. This time of year it can be pleasantly deserted. Put on your waders, string up the five weights, and tie on the killer fly.

Caddis hatches have held up well and trout can be found slurping them in medium paced water behind alder trees and in the foamy slack water where trout eat caddis dancing under the trees as well as a variety of small dead, or spent, bugs trapped in the film.

I typically carry a handful of caddis patterns such as x-caddis, foam bodied x-caddis, E/C caddis, elk hair caddis, Mercer's missing link. Additionally I like to have some parachute flies handy, such as the purple para wulff. A few cream colored sparkle duns and a rusty spinner or five rounds out my July/August dry fly box.

A handful of nymphs will make sure you are prepared for anything... a good producer as of late has been the red copper john (size 16).

A summer trip down the Lower Deschutes would not be complete without a few Silvey's Prime Time Pupae and Edible Emerger's. Basically if it starts with "Silvey's" it is going to crush. These can be fished on top or down deep.

It has been hot and dry, but wet wading has kept us cool and comfortable (just wading boots and shorts - no waders). The air is a bit hazy as several wild fires are burning in Central Oregon. Mild weather and possibly rain are on the way next week. Stay cool.

Chris