Deschutes River - September 17th 2019

 | By Seamus on 9/25/2019 3:10:58 AM | Views (187)

Recorded:

65 ° F

Fishing: Fair

Deschutes River Summer Steelhead Report
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Steelhead fishing on the Deschutes River is still slow. There are some fish in the system, but not many. Only 48 steelhead have been counted at the fish trap over Sherars falls since the first of July. Very few steelhead have been caught, most of which being below Sherars Falls. There have been 1 or 2 shteelhead caught a week in the Maupin area.

The White river is doing it’s usual thing. The color of the White looks like coffee with a lot of cream. The good news is the discharge flow from the White is so low, the Deschutes is having no trouble diluting it. I drove down to see for myself and noted that the Deschutes is slightly colored, but in good shape for fishing.

The latest from the Columbia Basin Bulletin:

With a reduction in the upriver steelhead forecast by 27.2 percent, the two-state Columbia River Compact at its hearing yesterday, Aug. 28, extended the states’ ban on steelhead retention in the mainstem Columbia River that began in August to Sept. 30. The ban on retention is from Buoy 10 in the lower river estuary upstream to The Dalles Dam. The area upstream of The Dalles Dam to the John Day Dam is already closed to steelhead retention.
A review of the 2019 steelhead returns to the river by the U.S. v Oregon Technical Advisory Committee, which met Aug. 26, resulted in a reduction in the TAC steelhead forecast that pass Bonneville Dam. The preseason estimate was 118,200 fish, but TAC’s in-season forecast was dropped to 86,000. In doing so, TAC also reduced the expected passage of unclipped A-run and B-run fish to 38,000, a slight reduction from the preseason forecast of 40,250.

In addition, release of both hatchery and wild steelhead are required from the John Day Dam upstream to McNary Dam: Sep 1 – Oct 31, and from McNary Dam upstream to the OR/WA Border (upstream of McNary Dam) Oct 1 – Nov 30.
There was little disagreement about closing steelhead retention among the public who testified by telephone at the hearing.
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Deschutes Red Side Trout Report:

Fishing for redside trout overall is pretty good. Best times are mornings and evenings. Midday fishing is okay, just concentrate your efforts in fast water, such as riffles, deeper runs with a little white water chop and deep white water pockets. You will have more success by fishing smaller flies in those water types. 

PED’s and BWO’s are currently the main mayfly hatches. Not real abundant, but enough for the trout to notice.   

Caddis are hatching in good numbers, particularly in the evening. Make sure you’re fishing sizes 16’s to 20’s. in any stage. Larva, pupa and adult. Aquatic moths are also hatching in fairly good numbers, and again, fish the fast water types for both caddis and aquatic moths.

 Pattern suggestions: Thorax BWO 18’s, 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, 18’s & 20’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.

River level is 3,830 CFS and the water temperature is 62 degrees.

I encourage you to click on “Monthly Hatch Chart” to see what you can expect during this month. Its also a great way to get a sneak preview of hatches in the months ahead.

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 9/25/2019 3:10:58 AM by Seamus and last updated on 9/25/2019 3:10:58 AM.

Location

599 S Hwy 197
Maupin, OR US

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