Deschutes River redbands on the fly
Central Oregon’s Deschutes River is legendary among fly fishing circles in the American west, and the native redband rainbow trout that call the river home are just as iconic. Indigenous to the insect-rich Deschutes River, they have evolved to remain insect feeders their entire life. This makes them a fly caster’s dream.
The fast-moving stream cuts through a steep-walled canyon, and the striking western scenery only adds to the experience of hooking a Deschutes river redband. These redband rainbows tend to be thick, powerful trout that average about 14 inches, and sometimes grow to over 18 inches.
Fly fishing this river has been the mission of John Smeraglio for decades. John owns and operates the Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop in Maupin, and guides on the river, too. According to him the trout fishing in the lower Deschutes River picks up after the spawn finishes in May. “The fishing holds up well until August,” says Smeraglio. “When the temps rise the bugs will start hatching at night.” The redbands then start to feed at night, and become less active during the day.
Early season hatches shifting
Smeraglio reports that the timing of some of the hatches has shifted in recent years in response to the new water mixing regimen at the Round Butte Dam upstream. The new model means warmer temps in spring, and hatches of golden stones and giant salmon flies now come off earlier by about 7 to 10 days.
Smeraglio says that he targets about 35 miles of the river below and above Maupin. There is excellent bank access for the fly along the reach, and Smeraglio offers walk-and-wade trips. The Deschutes Canyon Fly shop also offers one day drift trips, and can secure multiple day floats for their clients as well.
Hatches and flies for Deschutes River redbands
In May the giant salmon fly hatch begins. Also called the giant orange stonefly, (Pteronarcys californica), the three-inch fly drives trout crazy. The golden stonefly, (Hesperoperla pacifica), also emerges in late spring, and is nearly as big as the giant. We are talking about big flies here, in sizes 5 through 8.
In June look for the green drake, another big bug in sizes 10 or 12 and in late June the little yellow mayfly (size 16) will emerge. Three caddis hatches happen in June, too.
Smeraglio says to concentrate your efforts near the bank, since the food and currents are best for the redbands in this zone. This is especially true when the hatches actually happen. The adult bugs will gather in shoreline brush and trees and on the rock riprap along the railroad causeways. Cast to these edges and the trout will snatch it.
While fishing dry flies is a gas, Seraglio says most Deschutes fishing is with pre-emergent patterns. “About 70% of Deschutes River redbands fly fishing is with wet flies and nymphs,” he says.
Change patterns, location often
Smeraglio points out two common mistakes anglers make when fishing the Deschutes River for redband trout. “A lot of guys don’t change patterns enough,” he says, “and they stay in one spot too long. You up your odds by changing patterns frequently, and changing the water you fish.”
Barbless hooks are suggested, but not required. Anglers may keep two trout between 10 and thirteen inches. However, Deschutes River redbands are a true wild western trout, and catch and release will ensure that generations will enjoy them, too.
Guided trips: John Smeraglio, Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop (541) 395-2565
http://www.flyfishingdeschutes.com/about-us
