The Deschutes river in central Oregon offers the finest blue ribbon trout fishing in
the Northwest. The resident rainbows, also known as “redsides”, are 100% wild.
They average in length from 12 to16 inches though many 17 to 18 inch exist.
With a little luck and skill, you may have a shot at a big boy in the 20 inch range
however it shouldn’t be an everyday expectation. With that said, these are the
strongest trout you’ll ever hook. Furthermore, Deschutes trout like to look up!
They will often eat dry flies even without a lot of bugs on the water. Fortunately,
the river consistently pumps out huge hatches of may flies, stone flies, caddis
flies, and midge in addition to many terrestrials. When the weather turns south or
the fish just aren't active, dead drifting nymphs or swinging soft hackles can be
deadly.
The lower river is open year round for trout angling. While great opportunities
exist throughout the year, my favorite time to pursue these incredible wild trout is
from mid May through June.
Trout
River Time...
We chase Deschutes trout in the lower fifty miles of the river. For years many
people didn’t know there were trout downstream from the town of Maupin some
fifty miles upstream from the mouth of the river. While the water around Maupin
and the twenty-six miles downstream to Macks Canyon campground has
become relatively more popular in recent years, the lower twenty-three miles
down to the mouth of the river remains an untouched trout fishing mecca. More
than likely, it will remain unpressured due to the lack of road access. We are
the only fly fishing guide service offering day trips in this remote section of the
Deschutes. The lower canyon is literally deserted during prime trout time. Un-
pressured fish are happy fish! Many of the trout in the lower canyon never see
an artificial fly all season. Consequently, they are much more willing to come to
our presentations. Let us be clear, there is not the numbers of fish per mile as
there is closer to the tail water. With that said, we have guided just about every
mile of the Deschutes from the dam to the mouth. We can honestly say that at
the end of the day, we catch as many fish and usually larger fish as when fishing
up river. The difference is, we don't see other anglers in the lower canyon.
Do to the lack of road access in the lower canyon, we use a 20' jet boat.
The majority of our trips originate at Heritage Landing near the mouth of the
river. Heritage is located 45 minutes east of Hood River, Oregon. Trout fishing
out of a power boat is a different experience. We look at it like a tool. It allows
us to access a remote section of the river that few others fish. Simply put, if you
like catching big trout in total solitude, the lower canyon is for you.
If you're not into the power boat thing, the Maupin area offers numerous
different floats with tremendous trout habitat as well.
Because fishing from a water craft is prohibited by law, everyone fishing the river
is on an equal playing field. The river is a proving ground for trout anglers.
Larimer Outfitters strives to help improve your fly fishing techniques, and to give
you the skill set to tackle the challenges of the Deschutes river and her wild trout.
Deschutes River, Oregon
Got Trout?
Details...
Time of Year:
April through October
Price:
Full day jet sled trip (8 Hours)
One or two anglers............$450.00/day
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 guide trip?
All of our guide trips include a big stream side lunch, beverages, boaters
passes,shuttle fees, and transportation from a designated meeting site. 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, *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.boaterpss.com
Equipment:
Rods: 9' to 10' rods in line weights #4, #5, & #6
Reels: Large Arbor with 100 yards of 20lb. backing.
Fly Lines: Weight forward nymph tapers
Tippet: 9' 4x mono leaders, 4x, 5x, &6x Flourocarbon tippet
Indicators: Yarn and foam
Lead: bb shot
Flies: Bead head Copper Johns, Pheasant Tails, Hare's ears, Deep Six Caddis,
in sizes 18-14. Copper Back Stones in sizes 6-4. EZ Caddis, Silveys Caddis,
Spent Caddis in tan and olive, sizes 14-16. PMD emergers and Duns, size 16 &
18. Yellow Sallys, size 16, Norm Woods Special, sizes 6-4. Parachute Adams
sizes 14-16.
Dressing for the climate:
Summer weather on the Deschutes is typically warm and pleasant. Breathable
waders and felt soled wading boots are a must. Cleats and a wading staff are
advised. You'll want to wear river shorts or layer with lightweight 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. With that said, bring the sun block... Most days you'll need
it. Wet wading is a great option if the weather gets hot.
Book your trip today! 541.490.9446
