Redside Trout Fly Fishing: Ultimate Tips for Memorable Trips
Get ready for some super cool stuff with the Deschutes River Guide! We’re talking about fishing, but not just any fishing—Redside Trout Fly Fishing. We will camp, take day trips, and learn techniques like Trout Spey and Dry Fly Fishing. Oh, and don’t miss May’s Salmon Fly Hatch—it’s like a trout party! So, if you like fun, adventure, and catching fish, you’re in the right place. Let’s have a blast on the Deschutes.
Embark on our Deschutes River trout drift, a 35-mile multi-day fly fishing and camping journey, floating from Trout Creek to Maupin. Engage in the daily fishery for native “redsides” while relishing the comfortable and secure ride between fishing spots on a drift boat. Experience the changing character of the Deschutes around every bend. Each evening, reach a fully equipped riverside camp for a well-prepared and enjoyable overnight stay.
The Deschutes is a valid blue ribbon stream. A day on this fantastic river will leave you wanting more of its stunning scenery and remarkable fish. The section we fish offers Redband Rainbow Trout all year long and Steelhead from August through December. Full-day, half-day, and multi-day guided fly fishing trips are available.
Deschutes River Trout Fishing-Single Day Trips
Our single-day trout float trips on the Deschutes River are a fantastic opportunity to meet this famous fishery and catch Native Redside Trout. Deschutes River Warm Springs to Trout Creek Campground is our one-day float trip. This Deschutes River Fly Fishing float trip covers 10 miles of quality trout water and is a great introduction to all anglers. Trout Season opens April 22 on the stretch from Warm Springs to Trout Creek. The rest of the Deschutes is open year-round. You can not fish from a boat on the Deschutes so be ready for some walking and wading. You will drift from one fishing spot to the next, getting out of the boat to wade and fish. The wading can be difficult on the Deschutes but we tend to fish close to shore and you don’t wade very deep. Our goal for each trip is to fish places that are within the comfort zone of our anglers. We practice catch, photo, and release of all Trout and Steelhead. Here is a map of our one-day float trips.
Deschutes River Trout-Fly Fishing Seasons
The first month of Trout Season is going to be a nymph and bobber or Euro Nymph game until the magical salmon fly hatch starts in Mid-May. Large stonefly nymphs with tungsten beads to fish deep runs and riffles. As these big stonefly nymphs start to move to shallow water, then grass and trees, Redside Trout key on these big bugs subsurface. As temperatures warm up you will see Yellow Sally’s, Caddis, and PMD hatches, but when the Salmonflies take flight it is big dry fly time on the Deschutes River.
Once the big bugs come out (joined by every fly angler in Oregon plus more) the action can be crazy good. If you are looking for solitude, skip May on the Deschutes River. Traffic is heavy, fly fishing is heavy, and at times it can look like combat crazies buggy-whipping every tree and grass-lined bank. We don’t guide to sell flies, we guide to put clients on solid Native Redsides. Here are some of the bugs you will find from April to June:
Nymphs: Big Salmon Flies, Yellow Sallies, Smaller Mayflies
Dry Flies: BWO, PMD, Yellow Stones, Big Salmon Flies, Caddis
Deschutes River Fishing Season-Summer
In June and July, we see the crazy salmon fly traffic die down a bit and the Caddis Flies steal the show. Our Deschutes River fly fishing trips for trout tactically stay the same with smaller bugs. We fly fish the same structure, but we downsize our flies to match the massive balls of Caddis that hatch in rocky riffles and trees. If you like fishing a dry-dropper rig in riffles, book a trip in June or July. We get some great PMD hatches each evening and casting to rising trout in slick pools is very exciting and the hookups are electric. Here are some bugs you will find from June to August:
Nymphs: Caddis Larva, Caddis Pupa, Caddis Emerger, Smaller Mayflies
Dry Flies: PMD, Caddis from Dark to Tan, Midges, Aquatic Moths
Fall-Deschutes River Fishing Seasons
September weather cools and the Deschutes Native Redsides get some relief from a hot summer. Caddis are still the main hatch with PMD’s, BWO, and the October Caddis! We will nymph fish with a bobber or Euro Rig and wait for Redsides to show their noses. If you like to Swing Trout Spey flies September and October are great. We like to Trout Spey all year long! The October Caddis is a great hatch for Trout and Steelhead. If our Steelhead fish counts are good, we like to chase chrome from October to December. Please follow Deschutes River Steelhead Trips for more information. Here are some trout bugs you will find in the fall and winter on the Lower Deschutes River:
Nymphs: Caddis Larva, Caddis Pupa, Caddis Emerger, Smaller Mayflies, March Brown, Little Dark Stones Best Trout Files
Dry Flies: PMD, October Caddis, Caddis from Dark to Tan, Midges, Aquatic Moths, BWO, March Browns
Deschutes River Fly Fishing Tactics for Trout
Fly fishing for trout is an art form, and mastering various techniques enhances the angler’s experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we will learn effective fly fishing techniques, from the nuanced Trout Spey to the artistry of Euro Nymphing and the classic Dry Fly Fishing.
Each method brings its charm and challenges, catering to different scenarios on the water.
- Trout Spey:
Trout Spey is a dynamic approach that requires finesse and skill.
- Equip yourself with a two-handed rod, a Skagit or Scandi line, and a selection of sink tips. The setup is crucial for executing the Spey cast effectively.
- Seek out expansive river reaches or areas with ample swinging rooms. Tailouts of pools and slower runs are ideal spots for Trout Spey.
- Mastering the art of the swing is critical. To optimize your trout spey success, vary your retrieve speed, experiment with different fly patterns, and pay attention to the water temperature. Read More
- Euro Nymphing:
Euro Nymphing is highly effective, especially in waters with active and selective trout.
- A sensitive, long nymphing rod, a thin-diameter fly line, and a selection of weighted nymphs are essential tools for successful Euro Nymphing.
- Keep the nymphs close to the riverbed, utilizing tight line techniques. Focus on subtle strikes and be prepared to adapt to changing conditions.
- Euro Nymphing is a highly effective technique for slower currents and deep runs. Overcast days often trigger increased nymphal activity, making them an opportune time to employ this technique.
- Dry Fly Fishing:
Dry Fly Fishing is the epitome of fly fishing finesse, requiring precision and an understanding of trout behavior.
- Match the hatch by observing insect activity. Carry a variety of dry fly patterns to imitate the prevalent insects on the water.
- Identify likely feeding zones, such as riffles and eddies. Trout often holds in these areas, making them prime spots for dry fly presentations.
- Perfect your presentation by focusing on delicate casts. Stay observant, as rising fish provide valuable clues. Experiment with different drifts and retrieves to entice even the most selective trout.
Rates-Single Day Deschutes Trout Trip
One to Two Anglers $ 500.00
All Single Day Trips Include:
*One Guide per Boat
*Fly Rods, Flies, and Tackle
All Single Day Trips NOT Included:
*Waders and Boots
*Food-Snacks-Beverages
*If you want to bring a fly rod a five-weight is perfect for trout
*Transportation to Warm Springs Boat Ramp
*Vehicle Shuttle
*Guide Gratuities
Location and Travel
What to Bring
Dress for the weather. Our trips can go until dark and once the sun goes down, the canyon cools off. Our weather can change fast too, so please be prepared. You will need an Oregon Fishing License, a Tribal Permit, and a Boaters Pass. We covered these topics in a blog post, Deschutes River Fishing Regulations. Please bring your own snacks and drinks for day trips. Sunglasses, sunscreen, chapstick, and a hat are great items to include.
Multi-Day Trips for Deschutes River Redside Trout
Multi-Day Fly Fishing Trips for Trout
Clients who do not know often ask what is the difference between a multi-day and single-day trout trip on the Lower Deschutes River? We often reply what is the difference between white and black, or what is the difference between a Maserati Alfieri and a Ford Pinto? Remember, some is good, but more is better! Multi-Day Deschutes River Fly Fishing Trips for Trout offers anglers and outfitters time & space to spread out and fish productively. You won’t boat race to reach a hot spot; just relax, waive to the outfitter that’s in your spot, and float to the next opportunity! You will cover more unique water that will test all of your fly fishing skills. Warm Springs to Trout Creek is very cool, but Trout Creek to Harpham Flat is a special experience.
Camping Essentials
Packing the right essentials ensures a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. We’ve compiled a list of must-haves, from durable tents and cozy sleeping bags to portable cooking equipment. Prepare for evenings by the campfire under starlit skies, creating lasting memories in the heart of nature. Follow the Deschutes River fly fishing float trip for more information.
The Ultimate Experience Multi-Day Trips
Our Deschutes River fly fishing trips for trout start at Trout Creek (9 AM PST) with a Guide and Bagger Boat. Two clients per guide boat and a Bagger or Gear Boat. If you have 4, 6, or 8 in your group, we supply one Guide per 2 anglers. We will gear up at the ramp, and clients will pack everything they do NOT need for that day in a dry bag and hand it off to the Bagger. The Bagger will row down to our first-night camping spot. The Bagger will set up camp, put your dry bags next to your tent, and have drinks and hors d’oeuvres prepared for our evening arrival (9 PM PST). The Guide and Clients will fly fish their way downstream, breaking for a robust lunch around 1 PM PST. We try to pick a nice lunch spot that has some great fishing. Some clients like to relax at lunch, and some prefer to keep catching Redside Trout.
Deschutes River Primetime-Evenings
We will load up after lunch and drift to productive trout water and fish from spot to spot until that magic primetime arrives. The sun dips behind the steep canyons and Redside Trout look up and become very active. We try to focus on two to three spots and work that water pretty hard. You will see noses poking up in shallow riffles, as bugs start to pop. Big Salmon Flies in May, Caddis & Mayflies in June, July, August, and October Caddis in September-October. Evenings on a multi-day trip are amazing and stay with our clients for a lifetime! Targeting healthy Redside Trout rising to bugs is something all fly anglers should experience.
Camp Life-Deschutes River
Drifting into camp at dusk with fish tales of rising Redsides is an amazing feeling. You can see the camp lights in the distance, and smell food being prepared for a late dinner. All meals are a special event on our multi-day trips, but dinner is the best! Your dry bags are next to the tent and it’s time to get out of waders and into camp clothes. Enjoy a beer or glass of wine while you change, then jump into appetizers and stories of a great day on the Deschutes River. We have great tents that sleep two anglers comfortably. Fall to sleep with the sound of the Deschutes River inducing a solid night’s slumber.
Multi-Day Trip Part II
Wake to the smell of Coffee, Juniper Trees, Sage Brush, and prepare for a full day of fly fishing action on the Deschutes River. Sip coffee, pack your dry bag for day two, and hit some of the great camp water before your sit-down hearty breakfast. A pre-breakfast Redside on a size 16 Parachute Adams is a great way to start your day! Anglers can cover some more camp water as your guide readies the drift boat and helps the bagger load up. You will see the bagger boat and operator at lunch. We generally shove off from camp around 10 AM and float from spot to spot targeting Redsides on Nymphs, Dry Flies, and Dry Dropper Rigs. Remember we can not fish from a boat so parking, walking, and wading are on the agenda for day two. We never over-extend our client’s ability to wade and fly cast and enjoy instructing clients on casting and techniques. Lunch break is around 2 PM and you can relax and enjoy a fantastic shore lunch. Some clients like to fish after a big lunch, others prefer a nap! Either way, all know the evening primetime is near! We will fish the prime evening hatches and slide into camp where you are greeted with smiles, appetizers, libations, and your tent ready for a change & dinner.
Multi-Day Trip Part III
Rinse and repeat part II! Please note we can outfit more than a 3 Day Trip. Most of our multi-day trips are three parts ending around 2 PM at Harpham Flat boat ramp. Your vehicle has been shuttled to the boat ramp and you can pack up and drive back to PDX or RDM with memories of a lifetime. We look forward to our Deschutes River Fly Fishing Adventure with you very soon.
Rates-Multi-Day Deschutes Trout Trip
Multi-Day Fly Fishing Trout Trips are priced per angler, a minimum of two.
Three Day, Two Night Float Trips: $1700
All Multi-Day Trips Include:
*One Guide per Boat
*Fly Rods, Flies, and Tackle
*Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
*Tent and cot
All Multi-Day Trips NOT Included:
*Waders and Boots
*If you want to bring a fly rod a five-weight is perfect for trout
*Transportation to Trout Creek Ramp
*Vehicle Shuttle
*Guide Gratuities
*Alcohol
*Pillow and Sleeping Bag
Location and Travel
Out-of-state anglers can fly into Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) or Portland International Airport (PDX). Our multi-day trout fishing trips start at Trout Creek Campground and end at Harpham Flat. Most out-of-state anglers rent a car and stay in Bend, Redmond, or Madras the night before their trip then back to PDX or RDM that evening.
Redmond to Trout Creek is 43 miles
Bend to Trout Creek is 60 miles
Madras to Trout Creek is 17 miles
What to Bring
Summer trout fishing on the Deschutes River is fantastic. Camping on the river for two to three nights is epic. Our mornings-evenings can be cold so a jacket will be nice. Dress in layers with sunblock light long sleeve shirts and shorts if you decide to wet-wade. A sun hat and polarized sunglasses are needed. Sunblock, chapstick, and a spare change of fishing clothes. Most bring camp clothes that they wear for 2-3 days after we get off of the water. Pack medications and toiletries for 3-4 days. You will need a valid Oregon Fishing License and Boaters pass. Follow Deschutes River Fishing Regulations for more information. Please enjoy alcohol responsibly and don’t forget your sleeping bag and pillow.