Middle Deschutes River Fishing Report

The Middle Deschutes has been fishing well above average for the past two weeks, with browns becoming increasingly aggressive and outnumbering rainbows for many anglers. Nymphing, small streamers, and dry flies on caddis, midges, PMDs, and BWOs have all been productive, with egg patterns growing in importance as browns near spawn.

Reported location: day use areas south of town; Old Mill; wave park; First Street Rapids; Tumalo State Park; Riley Ranch

Hatches in this report: caddis, midge, PMD, BWO.

Flows have risen after irrigation season ended, making it a strong option for targeting brown trout on streamers.

River has risen with the end of irrigation season, allowing for aggressive streamer fishing and deeper nymph presentations. Fish are more spread out in likely holding waters.

Good fishing expected with mornings and evenings providing the most action; PMD hatches after 10 AM and evening dry fly fishing with PMD, PED, caddis, and BWO.

Hatches in this report: PMD, PED, Caddis, BWO.

Day use areas south of town have been fishing well with nice browns and rainbows caught primarily on nymphs and small streamers. Trout spey with small olive streamers is an effective and enjoyable technique this time of year.

Reported location: day use areas south of town

Currently in good shape with many productive spots between Bend and Lake Billy Chinook; anglers should watch for rising water levels as irrigation canals turn off over the next week and a half.

Reported location: Bend to Lake Billy Chinook

Middle Deschutes from Bend to Lake Billy Chinook is fishing well now. Flows expected to bump slightly when irrigation canals are shut off.

Reported location: Bend to Lake Billy Chinook

Dry fly action has been active throughout the day on a variety of bugs, though rising fish have not been consistent in their selectivity. Whitefish are spawning and browns are nearing spawn, making egg patterns increasingly important alongside standard nymph rigs.

Reported location: Old Mill area

Hatches in this report: Caddis, Midge, PMD, BWO.

Dry fly action has been very good with increasing BWO activity and mayflies and midges replacing caddis as the dominant hatch. Nymphing stonefly-to-attractor rigs and streamer fishing are producing larger fish, with streamer fishing expected to improve as fall progresses.

Reported location: Old Mill, wave park, First Street Rapids, Tumalo State Park, Riley Ranch, Drake Park

Reported water clarity: clear

Hatches in this report: BWO, Caddis, Caddis, PMD, Midge.

Dry fly action has been very good with caddis, mayflies, and midges present; fish are rising close to banks. Nymphing with stonefly/attractor combos and streamer fishing are more effective for bigger fish, with streamer fishing expected to improve further into fall.

Reported location: Old Mill, wave park, First Street Rapids, Tumalo State Park, Riley Ranch, Drake Park

Hatches in this report: caddis, mayfly, midge, PMD, BWO.