MARGINAL
Lower Deschutes closed Pelton Dam to Warm Springs boundary until April 22. Mid-section (Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls) remains open with fair brown trout nymphing. Upper river above Benham Falls closed until May 22.Deschutes River
Current Hatch Activity
Midges are the primary game in February. BWOs showing on overcast afternoons in the lower canyon (when it reopens). Little Brown Stoneflies starting to emerge mid-February in upper sections. Best nymph patterns: hot-beaded Stoneflies (#6-8), Perdigons (#14-16), PMD nymphs (#14-16), midge larvae (#18-22), and Scuds (#14-16). Nymphing is by far the most productive method right now.
MARGINAL
Nymph rig: hot-beaded Stonefly (#6-8) trailed by a Perdigon (#14-16) or PMD nymph (#14-16). Euro-nymph in riffles around Bend.
Quick Reference
~4,500 CFS near Madras (10-day avg 4,519 CFS), ~4,200 CFS at Moody (10-day avg 4,257 CFS). Well within the optimal range. Dam-controlled releases from Pelton Dam provide stability.
38-44°F estimated for February. Water temps are at winter lows but the tailwater maintains fishable conditions in open sections.
Flows are stable and well within the optimal window. The lower canyon section is seasonally closed (reopens April 22), but the mid-section from Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls remains open year-round with fair fishing.
Excellent winter clarity. No runoff or turbidity issues. Clean, clear water throughout the open 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-roundRiver Intel Weekly
Weekly flow updates and fishing intel.
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