Deschutes Fishing Forecast
Redside rainbows in high desert
Open year-round (check section regs)
Most sections open year-round. Some tributaries have seasonal closures. Wild steelhead regs apply seasonally
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 1:48 PM
48°F
4380 CFS
2 AM - 4 AM
WD-40
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
freestone
44°F - 52°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days
March Brown
Mayfly
Western March Brown, afternoon hatches
Midge
Midge
Winter midge fishing
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 38-44°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| February | 40-48°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| March(Now) | 44-52°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Salmonflies |
| April | 48-56°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Salmonflies |
| May | 52-60°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Salmonflies |
| June | 54-62°F | Terrestrials, Hoppers, Caddis |
| July | 58-66°F | Terrestrials, Hoppers, Caddis |
| August | 60-68°F | Terrestrials, Hoppers, Caddis |
| September | 56-64°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| October | 50-58°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| November | 44-52°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| December | 40-48°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Access Points & Parking for Deschutes
Warm Springs
Below Pelton Dam access.
Maupin
Town access with services.
South Junction
Lower canyon access.
Sherar's Falls
Historic fishing area.
How to Fish Deschutes: Tips & Tactics
The Deschutes River is Oregon's most famous trout stream, offering incredible fishing for wild "redside" rainbow trout and seasonal steelhead runs.
Best Times of Day
The salmonfly hatch in late May/early June is legendary. Summer offers excellent caddis fishing. Fall steelhead runs draw anglers.
Recommended Techniques
Dry fly fishing is the tradition. Swinging flies for steelhead. The Deschutes rewards accurate casts and proper drift.
Water Conditions
High desert canyon setting. Hot summers - fish early and late. Strong winds are common. Rattlesnakes present.
Fly Selection
Salmonfly and golden stonefly patterns. Caddis patterns throughout summer. Stimulator and October Caddis. Steelhead patterns.
Local Knowledge
The salmonfly hatch draws crowds from around the world. Maupin is the primary destination. Float fishing is popular.
Local Tips
Maupin is the heart of Deschutes fishing. The salmonfly hatch is legendary. Desert canyon setting is stunning.
When is the Best Time to Fish Deschutes?
Spring
Salmonfly hatch in late May. Prime time.
Summer
Excellent caddis fishing. Fish early and late.
Fall
Steelhead runs begin. October Caddis hatch.
Winter
Limited trout fishing. Some steelhead.
Recommended Equipment for Deschutes
Rod
9-foot, 5 or 6-weight for trout. 7-8 weight for steelhead.
Line
Floating for dries. Sink-tip for steelhead.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Watch for rattlesnakes.
Essential Flies
Deschutes Fishing Regulations
Season
Check Oregon DFW for current regulations.
Limits
Redsides are wild - catch-and-release encouraged.
Special Regulations
Steelhead regulations vary by season.
Bait Restrictions
Artificial flies and lures only.
Notes
The Deschutes is Oregon's most famous trout stream.
Always verify current regulations with Oregon fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Deschutes
Local Fly Shops
- Deschutes Angler - Maupin
- Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop
- The Fly Fisher's Place - Bend
Guide Services
- Deschutes Angler Guides
- John Smeraglio
- Deschutes River Outfitters
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
3000 - 6000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 65°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Oregon Trout Rivers
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