Deschutes River - September 12th 2020

 | By Seamus on 9/24/2020 1:32:17 AM | Views (245)

Recorded:

62 ° F

Fishing: Fair

Deschutes River Summer Steelhead Report
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Todays update.
I just can’t win. Just a couple of days ago I reported blue skies with very little smoke.
Now the air quality is at an extreme health hazard level whereas the air quality index is 544.
Looking across the river from my fly shop, I can barely make out the opposite canyon wall.
It’s much like a heavy fog bank one would experience during winter, except, It’s smoke!

Breathing is difficult, and obviously, driving is hazardous due to very poor visibility.
It’s a good idea to have your lights on and slow your speed. Wildfires have pushed out a lot of wildlife from their usual habitat areas. This means they are moving around much more than normal and are crossing roads and highways more frequently. So, again, take it easy, be patient and keep your eyes pealed.

If you are in our area and plan on doing some camping, the Deschutes river access road and campsites are open. The Deschutes River corridor is in the extreme fire danger ruling. No camp fires allowed and no smoking unless you are in your vehicle. This rule is in effect until October 15th. Please be safe.

White river is still milky / brown, but not as bad as it was a few days ago. The visibility in the Deschutes River is much better and is fishable down to the mouth. The wind has died down and it’s very calm now. The smoke is also gone, not completely, but at least the sky is blue! The camp sites along the Deschutes river remain open. For those of you visiting for the first time, no camp fires are allowed.

Steelhead fishing is slow. Steelhead counts over The Dalles Dam is very slightly higher than last years numbers. The few steelhead that have been caught are in the lower 30 miles.
 
Water temperature in the Deschutes has dropped enough to draw more steelhead in from the Columbia. You still have to put a lot of time in to find one, but the odds now are a little better. I’d say is still best to fish below Jones Canyon. Get out there and have some fun.

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Deschutes Red Side Trout Report:
 
Trout fishing is fair, you need to put a little bit more effort into your game. BWO’s, and Caddis are the current hatches. The abundance of these hatches are low. This means that most of your fishing should be done with nymphs and wet flies.   

Fish fast water runs, pockets, riffles and the deep runs below those riffles. Try back eddies first thing in the morning. Great for spent caddis and midge patterns. During the day, if you want to brave the heat, fish those rocky steep bank deep water runs. Add a long piece of tippet to get your flies deep!

Hatches are BWO’s and Caddis. I suggest using sizes 16’s to 20’s. in any stage, larva, pupa and adults.

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, 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.

River level is 3,670 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.

Thank you for your understanding and patience. Again, I will do whatever I can to provide you with the best customer service I can, given the current Covid 19 circumstances.

Stay away from me,

  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 9/24/2020 1:32:17 AM by Seamus and last updated on 9/24/2020 1:32:17 AM.

Location

599 S Hwy 197
Maupin, OR US

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