FISHABLE
Stable winter flows, good nymphing and streamer fishingDeschutes River
Current Hatch Activity
Winter stonefly activity on warmer days. Midges and BWOs provide consistent subsurface opportunities. Streamers effective for aggressive fish.
FISHABLE
Stonefly nymph (Pat's Rubber Legs + Pheasant Tail) or swing streamers for steelhead
Quick Reference
3,500-5,500 CFS typical year-round. Dam-controlled releases from Pelton Dam provide stability. Flows rarely fluctuate dramatically.
45-60°F optimal. Tailwater temps stay cool even in summer—no thermal stress concerns in the canyon.
Lower Deschutes is a tailwater with exceptional stability. Flows remain consistent year-round, making this one of Oregon's most reliable fisheries.
Generally excellent clarity. Occasional algae blooms in late summer can affect visibility. The canyon stays cleaner than upper sections.
What "Fishable" Means Here
Fishable year-round due to tailwater stability. The Lower Deschutes produces native redside rainbows (14-16 inches average, up to 21 inches) and summer steelhead (July-November). Epic insect hatches throughout the season.
Seasonal Patterns
spring
March through May brings excellent dry fly fishing. Stoneflies, March Browns, and early caddis get fish looking up. Flows are stable and crowds are light. Prime time for redsides.
summer
June through August sees consistent hatches—PMDs, caddis, and Golden Stones. Summer steelhead start showing in July. Fish early and late to avoid afternoon heat in the canyon.
fall
September through November is legendary. Steelhead runs peak, October caddis hatches are prolific, and redsides feed aggressively. Many consider this the Deschutes at its finest.
winter
December through February offers solitude and willing fish. Nymphing and streamer fishing produce. Fewer hatches but fish still eat. Steelhead opportunities continue into early winter.
Alerts
Alternative Waters
Crooked River
Nearby tailwater option with excellent winter fishingMetolius River
Spring-fed alternative with stable, cold water year-roundResources
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