Spring Has Sprung
Skwalas, March Browns, BWO’s, and Caddis are all happening out here depending on the day. Last week marked the first float trip of the season for me and it was nice to be back out there with fish more than happy to take our offerings. Steelhead and trout are going to be spawning out there so be sure to keep your eyes out when fishing and make sure you aren’t wading in clean fine gravel. If you find yourself catching a couple of deeply colored up fish while standing in the easiest wade you’ve found then you’re likely in a spawning area and it’s best to let them do their thing.
River Conditions -
The flows coming out of the dam right now are currently 4,350 cfs and ranging between 48 to 50 degrees. Flows at the mouth right now after gathering the tributaries are currently 5,000 cfs and ranging between 49 to 53 degrees with some small spikes bringing the temp all the way up to 54 degrees. The temps at the mouth are subject to a lot more fluctuation this time of year. If we are having a lot of runoff from the tributaries then this temp can drop significantly. Adversely if it stays dry and we get a heat wave of early spring like we did last week then we can expect to see the temps rise to 54 degrees. The bottom line is that the temps throughout the whole lower river below the dam are highly conducive to great trout fishing!
What’s Happening With Trout -
Last week I got a great set of data points on hatches and trout activity as I was able to fish a bright sunny day as well as a dark cloudy day with a bit of drizzle. During the cloudy day with light rain I saw decent numbers of Blue Wing Olives hatch late in the morning around 11:30 am and there were even a few March Browns in the mix too. On this day the fish were nosed up pretty high into riffles. I found some fish scattered throughout the lower ends of the riffles and in the occasional pocket water but it was obvious these trout were focusing on emerging mayflies and there was plenty of food to bring them to the faster top ends of riffles to feed. As the hatches began to subside in the mid afternoon I found fish sliding into the softer pockets in those same riffles and along some nice foam lines closer to the bank where they were still looking to feed on the same dry flies and nymphs. The Skwalas were flying pretty consistently by 2 pm and anytime I didn’t fish a single dry I was sure to fish a dry dropper with a Skwala dry as my upper fly. Unfortunately I was only able to find one fish willing to take the larger dry but it was fun nonetheless and plenty of action on the dropper kept me amused.
On the second day while out guiding it was quite sunny with only the occasional cloud rolling past and topped out at about 70 degrees. Both myself and the other guides I was working with noted that there were great numbers of Skwalas and large size 12 and 14 early season Caddis hanging in the trees and fluttering about. The sun made for very little Mayfly activity but it did disperse fish throughout wider ranges in each of the riffles we fished. On both of the days I attempted to cover a bit of our classic Deschutes pocket water and though a couple fish were found it was clear that the flows and water temps were yet to bring good numbers into that water. I’m sure as we see temps come up a bit more that water type will turn on!
It’s the time of year when we can expect to have some good streamer fishing coming about. I only briefly fished a streamer on my day of fishing but was able to find a couple short strikes indicating a willing contender or two. Honestly I found myself quite smitten and content fishing a dry fly and dry dropper. If it had been less productive I’m sure the streamer rod would have found its way out of the boat more. If you like fishing trout spey or streamers on a single hander this is a great time of year for it.
Bookings For 2026 -
I typically send out an email reminding everyone to lock in their dates for 2026 but this year has booked up quickly. I still have some dates in April and the first week of May for those of you chomping at the bit to rid your cabin fever. These April and early May dates can be a blast with some good dry fly and dry dropper fishing to be had and plenty of trout spey potential. The next slot I have available is the third week of July through the first week of August. For those of you looking to book day trips during that time we typically meet earlier that way we can let our fish rest when the water temps rise in the afternoon. Camp trips in late July and August from Trout Creek to Maupin can be a blast and water temps closer to the dam make for better fishing throughout the whole day. The last slot that I have open is the 4th week of August which is a great time for a Steelhead camp trip or day trips. Aside from those time frames I am mostly booked with the exception of the odd day here and there. I do sincerely apologize for those of you I am unable to get on the water this year. If I could I would row two boats!
Flies that are working -
Henry’s Fork Foam Stone Size 10, 12, and 14
Olive Chubby Chernobyl Size 10, 12, and 14
CDC Comparadun March Brown Size 12 and 14
Olsen’s Front End Loader Caddis in Olive and Tan Size 14
Finfetcher Caddis in Tan or Olive Size 14 and 16
CDC Comparadun BWO Size 16, 18, and 20
Hi Vis Parachute BWO Size 16, 18, and 20
Silver Bead Green Glo Brite Perdigon in Size 16 and 18
Silver Bead Blue Glo Brite Perdigon in Size 16 and 18
Silver Bead Roza’s Green Tag Jig Size 16
Pink Bead Tasmanian Devil Size 16
Pink Bead Hares Ear Size 16 and 18
Pink Bead Green Collared Pheasant Tail Size 16 and 18
Copper Bead Quilldigon Size 16 and 18
Egan’s Frenchie Size 18, and 20
Sculpzilla in Natural and Olive Size 4 and 6
Olive Bugger Size 10
Mayers Mini Leech in Black and Olive Size 12
Jigged Kreelex Minnow in Rainbow or Gold/Silver, Sizes 6 and 8
Thanks for tuning in to my first fishing report of the 2026 season. I hope everyone has a great spring on the water and finds plenty of willing contenders on The Fly Is Right! Tight lines to all and I’ll see you on the water!
