Little Deschutes River is a stream near Bend. The most popular species caught here are Rainbow trout, Brown trout, and Brook trout. 66 catches are logged on Fishbrain. Please use your best judgement when determining where you can fish, and make sure you follow local regulations.
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What flies to use on the Deschutes River?
Due to the small size of the stream, we use smaller flies than in larger sections of the river. Midges and small mayflies work very well here, both on the surface and below it. Blue-winged olives (Baetis) are a super common mayfly. Small stoneflies and caddis pupa can also be effective here.
Where is the best fishing on the Deschutes River?
LOWER DESCHUTES RIVER The Lower Deschutes is likely Oregon’s most well known and most sought after spot to fly fish for both Wild Trout and Steelhead. With trout populations running over 3500 trout per mile, the first 50 miles below Pelton Dam offers some of the finest trout opportunities in the state.
Is the lower Deschutes open for fishing?
Lower Deschutes River Fishing Regulations Open all year for trout and hatchery steelhead. 2 rainbow trout per day, 10 inch minimum and 13 inch maximum length. Open for Chinook salmon upstream to Sherars Falls Aug 1 โ Oct 31.
Is steelhead fishing open on the Deschutes River?
Steelhead and salmon fishing are open on the lower Deschutes from Moody Rapids upstream to Pelton Dam.
How do you fish the lower Deschutes for trout?

What is the salmon fly hatch Deschutes?
Salmonfly & Golden Stonefly Hatch on the Lower Deschutes River. The stonefly hatch (also known as the salmonfly hatch) begins early in May on the Lower Deschutes River and provides nearly a month long opportunity to target the river’s wild redsides with huge dry flies.
Can you fly fish in Bend?
Rated by Fly-Fisherman Magazine as one of the Top 10 โfly fishing towns in the United States, Bend is truly a fishing paradise.
Can you use lures on the Deschutes River?
Bait/Lure Fishing Method: Crayfish, night crawlers, spinners, and plugs. Benham Falls to Lake Billy Chinook are restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Insect Hatch/Flies to Use: Check the Middle Deschutes River Major Hatches chart below. The use of dry flies has been successful.
Where can I fish the Deschutes in Bend Oregon?
Deschutes River, Upper Brown trout are commonly caught anywhere below Crane Prairie Reservoir (including in Wickiup Reservoir), while brook trout also inhabit the smaller river above Crane Prairie.
What is the daily limit for trout in Oregon?
The daily bag limit in Oregon for trout is five fish of any combination of trout species measuring between eight and twenty inches in length. One harvested trout per day can measure over twenty inches. Bull trout are prohibited from harvest.
Is the Middle Deschutes open for fishing?
Middle Deschutes River Fishing Regulations Open all year for trout.
Why is the Deschutes River so low?
The low water flows are due to an irrigation diversion and a leaky dam.
Is there catfish in the Deschutes River?
Brown Bullhead Catfish (Ictalurus nebulosus) LOCATION: Gilchrist Mill Pond (Little Deschutes River), Haystack Reserfvoir, Ochoco Reservoir, Prineville Reservoir, Little Deschutes River downstream of Gilchrist, Oregon, and sometimes in Deschutes River downstream to Lake Billy Chinook.
Are there salmon in the Deschutes River?
The Deschutes River is home to migrating salmon and steelhead virtually year-round.
What is considered lower Deschutes River?
Different Sections of the River: The last 100 miles of the Deschutes River from Pelton Dam to the mouth of the Columbia is considered the Lower part of the Deschutes. It was designated an Oregon Scenic Waterway in 1970 and a Federal Wild and Scenic River in 1988.
Can you fish the Deschutes River in Bend?
The reel deal. The Deschutes River is home to many species of prized native fish and some of the most idyllic fishing spots reside in public Bend parks. In addition to river fishing, the District also features fishing ponds at Pine Nursery and Shevlin Parks that are stocked by Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.
How do you fish a salmon fly hatch?

Can you fish Tumalo Creek?
Tumalo Creek is a great little spot to fish for rainbow and brown trout. Fish in these streams are relatively small, however you may find decent size fish in the deeper pools. This is a great Deschutes tributary to pull out the lightweight gear (3/4 weight fly rod).
What kind of fish are in Wickiup Reservoir?
Fishing for largemouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout and kokanee salmon at Wickiup Reservoir in Oregon. The second-largest reservoir in Oregon, Wickiup Reservoir is an 11,000-acre lake in the west-central part of the state. This bass, trout and salmon fishery has 60 miles of shoreline to explore.
How do you fish the Metolius river?
- Open all year below Allingham Bridge.
- Open May 22 โ Oct 31 above Allingham Bridge.
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Fly fishing only, barbless hooks required upstream of Bridge 99.
- All tributaries are closed with the exception of Lake Creek. ( Lake Creek is managed under Central Zone Regulations)
Can you keep native rainbow trout in Oregon?
Oregon Hatchery Trout Limit You can catch as much hatchery trout as you like in Oregon but you are not allowed to take everything home. The rules clearly state that anglers should only take home 5 small trout that are between 8-20 inches long.
What is considered a steelhead in Oregon?
The steelhead, a sea-run rainbow or redband trout, is the largest race of rainbow in Oregon. They are famous worldwide for line-peeling runs and putting up spectacular, acrobatic fights. Features: Steelhead are rainbow or redband trout (O.
What fish are in season right now in Oregon?
- Dungeness Crab: December to August.
- Sturgeon: April to August.
- Pink Shrimp: April to October.
- Albacore Tuna: June -October.
- Pacific Halibut: Short seasons in summer, until catch quotas met, set at June 22-24, July 6-8, July 20-22, and Aug 3-5.
What kind of fish are in Haystack reservoir?
The reservoir offers decent chances for a variety of species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee, bluegill, black crappie and largemouth bass. Legal-size rainbow and brown trout are stocked annually in Haystack by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.