Top 25 Flies to use on the Deschutes River

The Deschutes River is known for its abundant trout population and stunning scenery, making it a popular destination for anglers from all over the world. To help you make the most of your time on the river, it is essential to have the right flies in your box. With the right fly selection, you’ll be able to match the hatch and increase your chances of landing a trophy trout.  In this blog post, we’ve put together a list of the best flies for Deschutes River Trout.

Deschutes River Trout Fishing on the fly

Ready to elevate your fishing game on the Deschutes River? What are the best flies for Deschutes River trout? Get ready for the inside scoop on the top 20 trout flies that will have you hook, line, and sinker in no time. We are breaking down the essentials, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting to explore the world of fly fishing.

Mastering the Deschutes River requires a nuanced understanding of its ecosystem, and selecting the proper flies is paramount to success. With this arsenal of the top 25 trout flies, you can unlock the river’s secrets and create unforgettable moments on the water. Let this guide be your companion in the pursuit of Deschutes River trout.

Read ahead with us as we spill the secrets to choosing the right fly and mastering the art of the catch. It’s time to level up your angling skills and make each cast count. Let’s get down to business on the Deschutes.

Trout Season on the Deschutes River

The Deschutes River is a prime destination for trout fishing, and the best time to fly fish for Native Redband Trout is May to October.  Please make sure all anglers know the Deschutes River Fishing Rules and Regulations.  Warm Springs to Trout Creek is the most popular drift.

Northern Boundary of the Warm Springs Reservation to the Pelton Regulating Reservoir

Open Apr 22 – Dec 31 for trout and hatchery steelhead.
2 rainbow trout per day, 10-inch minimum and 13-inch maximum length.
Open for coho salmon Aug 1 – Dec 31.
No limit on the size or the number of bass.
No angling from a floating device.
See Lake Simtustus.
Closed from Pelton Regulating Dam downstream approx. 600 ft to ODFW markers.  Source: eregulations

May to June Salmon Fly (Stone Fly) Hatch

The May to June Salmon Fly (Stone Fly) Hatch is one of the most exciting times of the year for trout fishing on the Deschutes River. During this time, adult stone flies emerge from the water, and the trout are on the hunt for a meal. To match the hatch and increase your chances of landing a big trout, it’s important to choose the right fly.

Top 10 Stone Flies (Dries & Nymphs)

1. Norm Woods Fly: A classic stonefly pattern that has been a staple for many years. It is known for its realistic appearance and is a great option for imitating the natural look of the May to June Salmon Fly (Stone Fly) Hatch on the Deschutes River. This is one of the best flies for Deschutes River Trout.
2. Rio’s Jucy Stone: This stonefly pattern features a juicy, plump body that is sure to attract the attention of the trout. The lifelike appearance makes this fly a popular choice for anglers on the Deschutes River.
3. Clarks Stone Fly: A well-known and highly regarded stonefly pattern, the Clarks Stone Fly is a must-have for any angler fishing the Deschutes River. This fly has a proven track record of success and is a great option for the May to June Salmon Fly (Stone Fly) Hatch.
4. Dancing Ricky Salmon Fly: The name says it all – the Dancing Ricky Salmon Fly is designed to imitate the natural movement of the insects hatching on the Deschutes River. The realistic appearance and lifelike action of this fly make it a top choice for anglers.
5. Gees Supafly Stone: The Gees Supafly Stone is a high-floating stonefly pattern that is designed to mimic the natural look of the insects hatching on the Deschutes River. The floating ability of this fly makes it a great option for anglers looking to target surface-feeding fish.
6. Kaufman’s Stonefly Nymph: A realistic stonefly pattern, the Kaufman’s Stonefly is a great choice for anglers looking to imitate the natural look of the insects hatching on the Deschutes River. The attention to detail in this pattern is sure to catch the eye of the trout and increase your chances of a successful catch.
7. Rio’s Speculator-Nymph: This stonefly nymph pattern is designed to imitate both the natural look and movement of the insects on the Deschutes River. The lifelike design of this fly makes it a top choice for anglers during the May to June Salmon Fly (Stone Fly) Hatch.
8. Pats Rubber Leg Nymph: The Pats Rubber Leg is a durable stonefly pattern that is designed to last through multiple casts and drifts. The rugged design of this fly makes it a great choice for anglers who want a long-lasting option for fishing on the Deschutes River.
9. Bead-Head Micro Stone Nymph: This small, bead-head stonefly pattern is perfect for imitating the size and appearance of the smaller insects hatching on the Deschutes River. The bead-head design provides added weight and makes this fly a great option for fishing at different depths.
10. Bead-Head Twenty Incher Nymph: As its name suggests, the Beadhead Twenty Incher is a large, bead-head stonefly pattern that is designed to imitate the larger insects hatching on the Deschutes River. The added weight of the bead-head makes this fly a great option for fishing at deeper depths and targeting big trout.

In addition to these top 10 stoneflies, the Deschutes River also sees hatches of caddis flies and mayflies. To maximize your chances of success, it’s a good idea to have the following top 5 caddis flies (dries & nymphs) and top 5 mayflies (dries & nymphs) on hand.

best flies for Deschutes River Trout-Caddis Patterns

1. Elk Hair Caddis: An all-time favorite among fly fishers, the Elk Hair Caddis is a must-have for the Deschutes River. The fly is made with elk hair, which gives it a natural look, and is tied in a way that makes it float well on the water, making it more visible to the trout.
2. Never Sink Caddis: A highly effective caddis fly pattern, the Never Sink Caddis is designed to float high on the water. This makes it easy for the trout to see and increases your chances of landing a catch. The fly is made with high-quality materials that are designed to last through multiple casts and drifts.
3. Better Foam Caddis: The Better Foam Caddis is a highly effective caddis fly pattern that is made with high-quality foam. This gives the fly a lifelike appearance and makes it more durable, ensuring that it lasts through multiple casts and drifts. The foam material also makes it easier for the fly to float well on the water, making it more visible to the trout.
4. Twisted Caddis Nymph: A highly effective caddis nymph pattern, the Twisted Caddis is designed to imitate the natural movement of the insects on the Deschutes River. The fly is made with high-quality materials that are designed to last through multiple casts and drifts, and its lifelike appearance makes it an effective choice for trout fishing on the Deschutes River.
5. Peeking Caddis Nymph: The Peeking Caddis is a highly effective caddis fly pattern that is designed to imitate the hatching insects. The fly has a realistic appearance and movement, making it an effective choice for trout fishing on the Deschutes River. The Peeking Caddis is made with high-quality materials that are designed to last through multiple casts and drifts, ensuring that it remains effective throughout the trout fishing season.

Mayflies

1. Parachute Adams: A classic mayfly pattern that is both effective and easy to use. The parachute design provides a realistic appearance and movement to the fly, making it one of the best flies for Deschutes River Trout.
2. Parachute Pale Morning Dun: A mayfly pattern that is designed to imitate the pale morning duns hatching on the Deschutes River. The parachute design provides a realistic appearance and movement to the fly, making it a great choice for the river.
3. Red Quill Nymph: A mayfly pattern that is designed to imitate the nymph stage of the insects hatching on the river. The red quill design gives the fly a realistic appearance, making it a great choice for the Deschutes River.
4. Pheasant Tail Nymph: A mayfly pattern that is both lifelike and durable, making it a great choice for the Deschutes River. The pheasant tail design gives the fly a realistic appearance and texture, making it a great choice for the river.
5. Prince Nymph: A mayfly pattern that is designed to imitate the natural look and movement of the insects on the river. The prince’s design gives the fly a realistic appearance and movement, making it a great choice for the Deschutes River.

Streamers-Best Flies for Deschutes River Trout

1. Marabou Muddler: A versatile streamer pattern that is known for its soft, marabou feathers, which provide a lifelike swimming action in the water. The marabou muddler is commonly used to imitate small baitfish and is effective for targeting trout on the Deschutes River.
2. Conehead Trina Bugger: A streamer pattern that is designed to imitate the movement of larger baitfish. This fly features a conehead that helps to sink the fly and a marabou tail that provides lifelike swimming action. The conehead Trina Bugger is a great option for targeting larger trout in the Deschutes River.
3. Wooly Bugger: A classic streamer pattern that has been a staple in fly fishing for many years. The Wooly Bugger is made with a marabou tail and a weighted bead-head, which helps to sink the fly and create a natural swimming action in the water. This fly is effective for targeting a variety of species, including trout, on the Deschutes River.
4. Rio’s Hot Head Leech: A streamer pattern that is designed to imitate the look and movement of leeches. This fly features a bead-head and a marabou tail that provide a lifelike swimming action in the water. The Rio’s Hot Head Leech is a great option for targeting larger trout in the Deschutes River.
5. Sculpzilla: A streamer pattern that is designed to imitate larger baitfish and is effective for targeting larger trout in the Deschutes River. The Sculpzilla is made with a variety of materials, including marabou feathers and flash, that provide a lifelike swimming action in the water.  This streamer is one of the best flies for Deschutes River Trout.

We love to swing big streamers on Trout Spey rods on the Deschutes River.  Please follow Deschutes Trout Spey for more information.

Best Flies for Deschutes River Trout-Honorible Mention

Make sure you have some midge flies for Deschutes River trout fishing.

Griffith’s Gnat

The Griffith’s Gnat is a timeless midge pattern that consistently fools trout on the Deschutes. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a reliable choice in challenging fishing conditions.

 Zebra Midge

When trout are keying in on midge larvae, the Zebra Midge is your ticket to success. Its slender profile and subtle color variations mimic the natural prey, enticing even wary trout.

Blue Winged Olive

A true classic, the Blue Winged Olive is a must-have in your arsenal. This fly excels during mayfly hatches, representing the delicate olive-bodied insects that trout find irresistible.

X-Caddis

Known for its versatility, the X-Caddis excels in imitating various caddisfly species. Its design ensures a realistic profile, making it a compelling choice when trout feed on caddis emerge.

Sparkle Pupa

The Sparkle Pupa is your go-to fly when the river comes alive with caddis pupae. Its sparkling body and realistic silhouette make it reliable during caddis activity.

Tips for Successful Fly Fishing on the Deschutes

Fly fishing on the Deschutes River is an adventure waiting to unfold, and with a few savvy tips, you can elevate your angling game. Here’s the lowdown on ensuring a successful day on the water:

Read the River

Understanding the river’s currents, pools, and riffles is like deciphering nature’s code. Trout love specific spots, so look for deeper pockets and submerged structures where they congregate.

Presentation is Key

How you present your fly matters. Practice different casting techniques to mimic insects’ natural movement. Gentle, precise casts often yield better results than aggressive ones.

Timing is Everything

Pay attention to the time of day and the season. Trout have preferred feeding times, and being on the water when they’re most active increases your chances of catching one.

Match the Hatch

Take a cue from Mother Nature. Observe the insects around you and select flies that closely resemble what the trout is feasting on. Matching the hatch is a game-changer.

Patience Pays Off

Fly fishing is an art that requires patience. Stay calm, focus on your technique, and be prepared to wait for that perfect moment when a trout decides to strike.

Conclusion

Our exploration of the top 20 trout flies unveils the essence of angling mastery in the vast tapestry of Deschutes River fly fishing. These thoughtfully chosen patterns serve as gateways to the river’s diverse ecosystem.   From classic Elk Hair Caddis to captivating attractors like Chubby Norm, our journey encapsulates the artistry of fly selection. Yet, success on the Deschutes extends beyond flies; it’s about reading currents, perfecting presentation, and patience.

Thanks for reading our blog Best Flies for Deschutes River Trout.  It is important to have a variety of flies on the Deschutes River to match the hatches from April to October.  Anglers will need subsurface and surface flies in different colors and sizes.  Remember to match the insects’ size, color, and make a natural presentation.  Deschutes Redside Trout will hang close to the banks and rest in shallow riffles.  Fly Anglers should always start short and work your way to deeper water.  Follow Deschutes River Fly Fishing Guides for more information.

Deschutes River Fly Shops

Here are some of our favorite fly shops for the Lower, Middle, and Upper Deschutes River Trout Fishing.

Big Y Fly Hood River OR
Fin and Fire Redmond OR
Deschutes Angler Maupin OR
Confluense Fly Shop Bend OR