Deschutes River - August 28th 2021

 | By Seamus on 8/27/2021 8:00:00 PM | Views (457)

Recorded:

81 ° F

Fishing: Fair

Deschutes River Summer Steelhead
Special Emergency Closure Report
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SALEM, Ore.—In response to extremely low returns to date of Columbia Basin upriver summer steelhead, ODFW is adopting additional emergency rules to increase protections for wild summer steelhead in certain Oregon Columbia River tributaries.
Passage counts of summer steelhead at Bonneville Dam from July 1 through Aug. 26 are the lowest since counts began in 1938. This continues a pattern of several years of low returns for many populations and comes during a period when flows throughout the basin are generally low because of drought. Within this run are ESA-listed wild summer steelhead destined for the Upper Columbia and Snake rivers, as well as several mid-Columbia tributaries.

On Aug. 16 and 23, fisheries scientists from the U.S. v Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) downgraded the forecast for A-index summer steelhead from an already low preseason estimate of 89,200 to an in-season estimate of 35,000.
 
“We’re in uncharted territory here” said Shaun Clements, ODFW Deputy Administrator for Fish Division. “The combination of a historically low run on top of multiple years of low runs, and the very poor environmental conditions that seem likely to continue based on the most recent drought forecast, mean this is a regional problem.

We know these actions are going to negatively affect anglers this year and we don’t take that lightly,” Clements continued. “But they are unfortunately necessary at this time to give the fish the best chance to rebound and ensure the populations can support fisheries in future years.”

The rules will close steelhead fishing in the lower Umatilla and in additional areas of the Deschutes and John Day rivers beginning Sept. 1. See more details on the emergency regulations below. They are addition to existing steelhead closures in portions of the lower Deschutes and John Day rivers.

These changes come on top of measures already taken in mainstem Columbia River fisheries to protect summer steelhead during their migration to the tributaries. Because of the low pre-season forecasts for summer steelhead, fishing seasons in 2021 were crafted with additional measures to protect steelhead.
These included extensive closures to retention of steelhead in mainstem angling areas (including some tributary river mouths), and implementation of no-angling sanctuaries in Oregon tributary mouths that serve as cold-water refuges for migrating steelhead.

The actions taken today are part of a multistate response and put protections in place in mid-Columbia Oregon tributaries that are expected to have low to very low returns. While wild steelhead mortalities are generally low under normal fishing regulations, and fisheries are not generally a limiting factor for recovery, the additional restrictions will further reduce effects on wild summer steelhead during this unprecedented low return.
 
“The fact that we’re having to make these restrictions underlines the urgency in addressing the factors that are ultimately causing these declines, notably addressing issues with the Columbia River hydrosystem and protecting/restoring habitat in the tributaries,” said Clements. “It is only by addressing these factors that we will really move the needle on recovery.”

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 8/27/2021 8:00:00 PM by Seamus and last updated on 8/29/2021 7:11:19 AM.

Location

599 S Hwy 197
Maupin, OR US

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