Deschutes River - September 29th 2021

 | By Seamus on 9/28/2021 8:00:00 PM | Views (519)

Recorded:

71 ° F

Fishing: Fair

Deschutes River Summer Steelhead
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Deschutes River steelhead fishing closures extended through end of the year, coho also closing early
September 28, 2021
THE DALLES, Ore.—Due to the poor returns of steelhead to the Columbia River Basin, ODFW is extending steelhead fishing closures on the Deschutes River through Dec. 31, 2021.
The current forecast for steelhead above Bonneville Dam indicates that this will be one of the lowest runs on record. ODFW has been monitoring the fish passing over Sherars falls and the Deschutes run is mirroring those elsewhere in the Columbia River Basin.
Closing steelhead fishing will provide protection for wild steelhead and ensure that hatchery broodstock and fish reintroduction programs needs are also met.
"The closure to steelhead angling implemented in September had a dramatic impact on the number of steelhead encountered by anglers as compared to recent years. Extending these closures to the entire basin will ensure protection of these iconic fish for the remainder of this run year," said Jason Seals, District Biologist for the Lower Deschutes.
"We understand this has an impact on anglers and local communities and it's a tough decision, but the right one in this case," continued Seals. "We appreciate anglers understanding and support for these actions as necessary to help future generations of Deschutes steelhead."
ODFW is also closing angling for coho salmon early (dates below). This will help to reduce angling impacts when fishing with similar gear types. These species overlap significantly, spatially and temporally in the Deschutes River.
Angling will remain open for trout in the Deschutes River from Moody Rapids upstream to the Pelton Regulating dam as stated in the 2021 Sportfishing Regulations.
The temporary rules is as follows:

Deschutes River

I-84 upstream to the Lower End of Moody Rapids
Closed to all angling for all species through Dec. 31

Moody Rapids upstream to Sherars Falls
Closed to steelhead angling through Dec. 31
Closed to coho angling Nov. 1 to Dec. 31

Sherars Falls upstream to Pelton Regulating Dam
Closed to steelhead angling through Dec. 31
Closed to coho angling Oct. 1 to Dec. 31
    
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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:
Coho Salmon


Rainbow Trout

This Fishing Report was submitted on 9/28/2021 8:00:00 PM by Seamus and last updated on 10/4/2021 12:20:48 PM.

Location

599 S Hwy 197
Maupin, OR US

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