Fly Fishing Oregon: The Deschutes River (Day 1)

Deschutes River – Day 1

Luggage
"The truth about fishing trips is that they're often more about where you go and how you get there than about what you catch..." - Gierarch

Anticipation has been running high for the past two or three months as I made gear lists, tied flies, and waited impatiently for June to arrive.  My good friend Eric of Hooked Up Films lives in Bend, Oregon where the Deschutes River runs cold and boasts large redsides and miles of fishable water.

Out the window
Out the window...

I checked reports daily and watched the hatch charts in order to know what to expect. I filled my fly boxes with big bushy foam patterns just in case the salmonflies and stoneflies were still on the banks, but tied a plethora of caddis and mayfly imitations that are staples along this famous river.

Salmonfly
The salmonflies were there to greet me...

Kissing the wife goodbye and giving the pups a pat on their heads, I boarded my flight and read John Gierach essays as the plane climbed into the clouds. Before too long, snowcapped mountains started to appear along with juniper trees and big blue lines. Touching down, I met Eric at baggage claim, tossed my gear into the Titan Expedition Vehicle, and cruised our way straight to the River.

Salmonflies
Salmonflies filled the air and the banks...

We parked in the access area and as we transferred clothing and gear to dry bags and rigged up fly rods, I could not help but notice the huge bugs that clung to the tall grass next to the water. I had not missed it. The cold weather the previous weeks had bumped the big salmonflies schedule back and the river was still full of them.

Deschutes Redside
Deschutes Redside

The drift boat was in the water and pointed down river by 4:00 and we fished our way down to a great campsite. As the sun started to dip down behind the canyon walls, the river came alive with fish coming to the surface and eating big bugs with splashy takes. I tied one of my salmonfly creations and cast to rising fish in some of the slower water. Within a couple of minutes, I hooked into my first Deschutes redside, which after taking me for a ride, obliged and came quietly to the net.

Baby Chrome
Baby Chrome

After setting up camp, Eric and I continued to work the banks and eddies near camp and brought some nice fish to hand. Thick ribeyes sizzled in the pan and mashed potatoes and Caesar salad complimented the rub. (Eric treated me well on the river.) With a beginning like this, hopes were high as we turned in for the night to the sound of the river lulling us into a coma like sleep.

Deschutes River
The Deschutes River

6 Responses to “Fly Fishing Oregon: The Deschutes River (Day 1)”

    • azwanderings

      Thanks Bruce. It just kept getting better ever day. Tough to be unhappy with a trip like this.

      Ben

      Reply
    • azwanderings

      Yeah, a little different, but a difference I can live with. Big fish on dry flies never seems to get old. Thanks David.

      Ben

      Reply
  1. Dean K Miller

    Thanks for the journey back. I grew up in Portland, OR and only fished the Deschutes once with my brothers and stepdad back in ’84 or so. I didn’t fly fish then, and we were after steelhead. Great trip. Would love to get back there with my flyrod for trout or steelies. It is beautiful country.

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      No problem Dean. It truly is some great country to fish and I highly recommend you get back up there. Thanks for the kind words. More to come…

      Ben

      Reply

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