Steelhead Camp
River Time...
The lower Deschutes river in north Central Oregon is one of the greatest summer
steelhead fisheries on the face of the planet. On it's course to the Columbia river,
the river cuts it’s way through an immense basalt canyon. Sage brush and alder
line the banks, and wildlife is abundant. It is very common to see otter, mink, deer,
big horn sheep, and a wide variety of bird life during a days’ fishing. Mile after
beautiful mile of classic steelhead water exists within this high desert oasis. Huge
pools, enticing riffles, sexy glides, broad tail outs, and intricate pocket water will
challenge your skills an angler. The river screams for two-handed rods and
traditional presentations.
And then there’s the fish... Most are the beautiful, sleek, one salt summer
steelhead that weigh five to seven pounds. What they lack in size, they make up for
in heart. Their size is by design however. Their slender build allows them to
ascend even the smallest spawning tributaries. The river see’s it’s share of eight to
twelve pound two salt fish as well. More than likely, these bigger fish are main
stem spawners or possibly strays from other Columbia river tributaries. Their
bodies are much broader and deeper than the one salt fish.
As mentioned, the river attracts many strays from other rivers in the Columbia
system. As steelhead travel up the Columbia, the are greeted by the cool, inviting
currents of the Deschutes. This can dramatically inflate the number of fish in the
lower 20 miles of the river. Many of these strays will ascend the lower river. Of
these stray fish, none are more saute after then the B run fish. More than likely
destined for Idaho’s Clearwater river, these two salt giants are big, powerful
animals that have fueled more than one fish story over the years. They can easily
reach the twenty pound mark and each one will test you.
One of the greatest attributes of the river is that it’s fish respond extremely well to
surface presentations. Skating dry flies on top or swinging a wet fly just below the
water’s surface on a 10' to 12' leader and a floating line is the standard operating
procedures on the Deschutes during low light periods. The time honored tradition
of the classic wet fly swing or grease line presentations account for the majority of
steelhead hooked on the river. While we prefer floating lines on top, occasionally
the fish have different ideas. Sink-tip methods are very effective in the high sun of
the mid day or late in the season when the water temperature cools down.
Occasionally, there are those days when the fish just don’t want to come to the
surface. My approach is simple. We let the river, the fish, the given conditions, and
the anglers preference dictate the method we choose to fish with.
For gear, a 12'6 to 14' spey rod in line weights 6 to 8 rigged with a short belly spey
line will allow you to fish surface presentations. However, many folks are
gravitating to Scandinavian shooting tapers for their floating lines. Skagit style
shooting tapers with sink-tips are a dream to cast when fishing big leeches and
intruders during the mid-day.
Our goal at Larimer Outfitters is to share our knowledge of the Deschutes, her
steelhead, and the necessary techniques to be successful. More so, we want you
to have a fun, memorable experience!
Deschutes River, Oregon
Experience
The
Greatest
Summer
Steelhead
River On
The Planet...
If you're a serious steelhead junkie and want the ultimate fishing experience,
consider booking a two or three night camp trip. This is sage brush steelheading at
it's best! With endless fly water, strong runs of fish, and overwhelming beauty, the
lower Deschutes River may be the greatest summer steelhead fishery on the planet.
A camp trip is a great way to experience everything the Deschutes has to offer.
Your trip will begin at Heritage Park near the mouth of the river in the mid afternoon.
From there, we ascend the river's amazing canyon in our 20' jet boats to a campsite
up river. Our camp will be set up on a beautiful piece of steelhead water prior to your
arrival. Despite the fact that we are in the wilderness, camp is very comfortable.
You'll be staying in a large, four season tent with cots and sleeping pads. A large
dinning tent protects us from the elements while cooking and dinning. You will eat
well during your stay. Furthermore, we also provide a private solar shower.
Whenever possible, we try to camp near one of the many clean outhouses.
You'll spend the next two or three days fishing the greatest summer steelhead river
in the Northwest. Your days will begin fishing camp water while breakfast is
prepared. After a quick bite to eat, we head out in the jet boat to fish new water. We
fish hard until mid-day then return to camp for big lunch and a relaxing afternoon.
Most folks elect to grab a nap after lunch. In the afternoon to evening, we either fish
camp water and/or head out in search of different pools. We finish off the day with a
light dinner and cocktails under the desert sky.
The final morning of your stay, we fish until late morning and return to Heritage
Landing around 11:00am.
A Deschutes River camp trip is an incredible experience. You will become
completely emersed in the river, the steelhead, the wildlife, and the breathtaking
desert canyon. It truly is a trip of a lifetime.
Details...
Time of Year:
July through mid-October
Price:
Steelhead camp trip (Three days, two nights minimum)
One or two anglers............$1800.00
Three angler.......................$2700.00
Additional days...................$300.00 per angler.
Book Your Trip Today:
You may book on-line or check availability by clicking the BOOK NOW button above.
Or, if you would like to talk to us in person, please give us a call at 541.490.9446.
We can set up your trip or answer any questions you may have.
Booking Policy:
A 50% deposit is required to reserve your space. All deposits are due at the time of
your booking. Deposits are non-refundable within 60 days of the start date of the
trip. Trips cancelled due to water conditions will be rescheduled or refunded.
What is included with your camp trip?
Our steelhead camps include boaters passes, all meals, snacks, beverages, tents,
sleeping pads & cots.
We carry a small fly shop's worth of flies though we recommend bringing a
selection as well. C.F. Burkheimer rods equipped with Ross Reels and Airflo Fly
lines will be available for use. Waders available upon request.
What is NOT included with your camp trip?
Fishing license, alcoholic beverages, sleeping bags, personal items, & guide
gratuities.
What is NOT included with your camp trip?
Fishing license, alcoholic beverages, sleeping bags, personal items, & guide
gratuities, *BLM Boaters Pass.
* A Bureau of Land Management Deschutes River Boaters Pass is
required for all boaters on the Deschutes.
You must purchase a Boaters Pass prior to your guide trip. Additionally, Fridays,
Saturdays and Sundays from July 1 through October 15 are limited use weekends.
If you are booking a trip during this time, you must obtain a Boaters Pass
IMMEDIATELY. You will be responsible for the cost of the trip if you show up on
limited use days without a Boaters Pass and there is no availability.
You can purchase a Boaters Pass at www.boaterpass.com
Equipment:
Rods: 12' 1/2 to 14' Two-handed rods in line weights #6, #7,& #8,.
Reels: Large Arbor with 150 yards of 30lb. backing.
Fly Lines: Short belly, floating Spey lines, floating Scandinavian shooting tapers, &
Skagit style shooting tapers with 9' to 12' T-14 sink-tips.
Tippet: 10lb. & 12Lb. Maxima Ultra Green
Flies: Hairwings with charteuse or pink butts and skaters in black or purple.
Intruders, & leeches in purple, purple & pink, black & blue, and black & chartreuse.
Dressing for the climate:
Weather on the Deschutes can very depending on the time of the year. It can get
over 100 degrees in August. Conversely, November can be below freezing. Please
come prepared! Breathable waders and felt soled wading boots are a must.
Cleats and a wading staff are advised. You'll want to layer with fleece and
synthetic long underwear. A Gore-tex shell will keep you warm and dry in the worst
of weather. A full change of clothing stored in a dry bag can save the day in the
case of an unexpected baptism.
Book your trip today! 541.490.9446
