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Middle Deschutes River

Your Direct Line to the Water

Guide Report

9/28/2024 – Reports from the Middle Deschutes have been quite positive! The stretch downstream of Benham Falls has been a popular spot for nymphers and dry fly enthusiasts alike. While a dry-dropper with a byouant caddis or small stonefly pattern (#10-16) and a red or yellow jig Napoleon (#14-16) will slay, while a Copper John or Psycho Prince (#14-18). If you’re willing to drop nymphs below and indicator, a #6-10 Rubber Legs with any of the aforementioned flies should do well.

For those pre-spawn browns, Sculpzillas (#6-8) or small whitefish patterns (#4-8) might entice them enough to give you a solid strike.

9/17/2024 – As many people fish the bodies of water that close later in the year, the fishing on the Middle Deschutes can often go overlooked! The evening Caddis hatch has been popping off to say the least. As per usual, the Elk Hair Caddis (orange and tan #14-18) is a great fly at any point in the day. A yellow or orange Stimulator (#12-16) can be a good option along the banks or in the quicker water where a less buoyant fly might sink. October Caddis are starting to pop up here and there, but the fish don’t seem to be consistently keying in on them.

In terms of nymphing, a lot of things have been working well: two nymphs below an indicator is perfect for the deep holes and eddies. Some of my favorite patterns include: Frenchies (#14-18), a tan Walt’s Worm (#16-18), and TJ Hookers (#8-12) are some of my go-to’s.

General Weather

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Details

About the Water

Benham Falls to Lake Billy Chinook

Beginning at the base of Benham Falls, this section of the Deschutes travels north through the town of Bend, through Redmond, Terrebonne, and then all the way to Lake Billy Chinook. Anglers can expect to encounter everything from smooth meandering flows over sandy bottom, to rolling whitewater characteristic of steep elevation drops in this year ‘round fishery. Increased irrigation needs and reduced flows make the summer months the most preferred time of year to fish the Middle Deschutes. Outside of the city limits, most river access requires a walk or hike into a small canyon. However, a little exploring will generally reward you with wildlife, scenery, and hungry trout.

Current Hatch Information

Dry Flies

Caddis – Saddle #16-18, Little Brown Stonefly #16, March Browns #12-14, October Caddis #8-10

Subsurface Flies

Caddis Pupa Nymphs (Spotted) #14, Golden Stonefly Nymph #8-10, Mayfly Nymphs (small) #18-20, Midge Larva and Pupa #18-22, October Caddis Pupa #8-10, Salmonfly Stonefly Nymph #6-10, Streamer-style fly patterns (2” to 4”) – imitating juvenile rainbow trout, whitefish, sculpin, Streamer-style fly patterns (3” to 5”) – imitating juvenile rainbow trout, whitefish, sculpin, Kokanee, Woolly Buggers