Deschutes River - September 18th 2021

 | By Seamus on 9/17/2021 8:00:00 PM | Views (371)

Recorded:

67 ° F

Fishing: Fair

Deschutes River Summer Steelhead
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Nothing has changed from my last steelhead report. Very low return numbers in the Columbia and of course the Deschutes.
I drove down to Sherars Falls to look at the fish trap reader board. Only 21 steelhead have been counted from July 1st until now. Need I say more? 

         ODFW has implemented the following:
Effective Sept. 1 the following emergency regulations are in place:
Deschutes River
From markers at lower end of Moody Rapids upstream to Sherars Falls, closed to angling for steelhead from Sept. 1-30.

From markers at lower end of Moody Rapids downstream to the mouth at Interstate 84 Bridge closed to angling (all species) from Sept. 1-30.

Managers will monitor the return and consider whether the fishery can reopen in October or whether further restrictions are needed.

Umatilla River
From Hwy 730 Bridge upstream to Threemile Dam, closed to retention of steelhead Sept. 1-Dec. 31.

John Day River
Upstream of Tumwater Falls, closed to angling for steelhead from
Sept. 1-Dec. 31.

Walla Walla River
Upstream of the Oregon/Washington state line, closed to retention of steelhead Sept. 1-Dec. 31.

Anglers are reminded that several previously adopted emergency rules in the Columbia River Zone and certain adjacent tributary mouths, including the Deschutes and John Day rivers, remain in place. Always check the angling zone report at MyODFW recreation report for the latest regulations, https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/

Support these wild Steelhead conservation organizations!

@theconservationangler @wildsteelheadcoalition @wildfishconservancy
@thewildsalmoncenter @wildsteelhead @nativefishsociety
@deschutesriveralliance
    
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Deschutes Red Side Trout Report:
 
Trout fishing is fair. We are enjoying cooler temperatures these days and boy it’s so nice to be able be out and not feel like your heads on fire. Early mornings and evenings are still the best time to fish.     
 
Caddis, BWO’s and Aquatic Moth are the main hatches. Fish below riffles where the water deepens and slows down. Fish Midge patterns in back eddies in the morning until about 11am. Watch for subtle rising trout keying in on Midge pupa. If the fish are picky, add a long piece of tippet to reduce drag to give your flies a more natural look. If that isn’t working try the fast water areas with caddis pupa.

Sometimes bigger is better. This time of year the Crawfish shed their outer shell. This is when they are the most venerable, trout know it and feed on them more now than any other time of year. So break out your Crawdad, Crawfish, Wooly Buggers,.. etc. patterns. Fish them in deeper water, strip them back slowly with the occasional fast strip, to make them look like they’re trying to escape. This can produce some aggressive strikes.

Keep in mind that the aquatic insect population of the Deschutes River has decreased over the last 10 years. Trout do not have the abundance of insects to feed on as they did in the past, so, they are forced to hunt for bigger meals in order to survive. That’s not to say we didn’t catch trout back in the day with the above mentioned patterns, it’s just that trout might be relaying on them more.     

Other Pattern Suggestions: Elk hair Caddis, 16’s, 18’s, Hares Ear Soft Hackle, 14’s & 16’s, Prince Nymphs, 10’s and 12’s, Sparkle Soft Hackles, 16’s, 18’s, CDC BH Pheasant tails, 14’s, & 16’s Double bead caddis, 14’s and 16’s. Lightening Bugs, 16’s, Rainbow Warriors, 16’s & 18’s.

We will show you some other new patterns that have just arrived that we think will help change the minds of some of those stubborn red side trout.

Please join and support the Deschutes River Alliance. We are fighting very hard to preserve, protect and maintain the health and wellness of the Deschutes River.

Go to this link to find out what’s been happening and educate as many friends as you can. http://www.deschutesriveralliance.org/
If you have Q’s, Please don’t hesitate to call, we will be glad to help!

Thanks, see ya soon
John Smeraglio
Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop
599 S. Hwy 197, Maupin, OR. 97037
(541) 395-2565
john@flyfishingdeschutes.com




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Catch Information

Species:
Rainbow Trout

This Fishing Report was submitted on 9/17/2021 8:00:00 PM by Seamus and last updated on 9/20/2021 4:56:23 PM.

Location

599 S Hwy 197
Maupin, OR US

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