Multi-Day Fishing—Deschutes Trout
Trip Logistics
These expeditions begin in early May and last through July, fishing for “Redsides” on the spectacular Deschutes River. The enormous rainbow trout known as “Redsides” are close to the shore at this time, feasting on a variety of insect hatches that occur in the spring and early summer. The most well-known of these hatches, the stone fly, aka salmon fly, begins on May 1 and continues until early June.
About Your Deschutes Trout Fly Fishing Trip
We have 3- and 4-day tours available throughout the season. We float about 35 miles on the Deschutes River. Our journey begins 20 miles north of Madras, Oregon, at Trout Creek and concludes just upstream of Maupin, Oregon. You’ll see some of Oregon’s most gorgeous high desert land, and fish miles of superb trout waters while eating exquisite shore lunches and enjoying first-class camping accommodations.
Please read the following information carefully. This is designed to provide all the information you need to make your trip run as smoothly as possible. However, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
THE PACKET
Prior to your trip, RRO will include a copy of our trip release waiver in your trip packet. Please read it carefully, sign it, date it, and return it to us by mail or email. Prior to the start of the excursion, all guests must sign the waiver. Craig will be prepared with extras.
We strongly recommend that you consider purchasing travel insurance from one of the listed companies. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS. See our Cancellation and Refund Policy.
CAR SHUTTLE SERVICE
Your vehicle will need to be shuttled to our Wapinitia takeout location. Be sure that you have a full tank and a spare key. Please be aware that your vehicle will be traveling on an 8-mile gravel road.
All transportation arrangements will be made at the river. The cost of the shuttle is $80.00 per vehicle.
"THINGS TO BRING" LIST
Pack your luggage as directed on the “Things to Bring List.” Your luggage will be repacked into waterproof bags so please follow directions. Excess luggage will be left behind!
- 2 changes of clothes (combined fishing and camp attire)
- 1 warm jacket
- 1 windbreaker
- 1 pair of shoes for camp (tennis or hiking shoes)
- 1 pair river sandals (we like Chaco or Teva)
- 1 set of quality rain gear (pants, coat, and hat)
- Good sleeping bag and pad (cots are provided)
- Good waders
- Good wading boots (felt sole, spiked sole or both)
- Fly vest
- Polarized sunglasses, chums, and holder to prevent loss
- Long-billed hat
- Greaseless sunscreen
- Small flashlight
- Personal toiletry items
- Camera/cell phone
- Liquor and mix (plastic bottles please)
- Iced down or cold beverages (we provide one case of assorted soft drinks, water, and lemonade in each boat)
- Do not forget your Oregon Fishing License
NOTES:
Pack your fishing gear in a separate small boat bag, including fishing gear, windbreaker, rain gear, sunscreen, all things you will need during the day.
EXCESS LUGGAGE AND SUITCASES WILL BE LEFT BEHIND.
Pack no more than you will need for the river trip. We suggest packing clothes in large zip-lock bags and then into a duffel bag or stuff sack. Duffel bags will be repacked in special waterproof dry bags. Sleeping bags and clothes all should fit easily into our waterproof dry bags.
Camping equipment, tents, cots, chairs, and all meals are provided.
See also Gear and Flies.
FISHING GEAR, RODS & TACKLE LIST
Pack your fishing gear in a separate small boat bag, including fishing gear, windbreaker, rain gear, sunscreen, all things you will need during the day.
Rods:
Anglers visiting the Deschutes are recommended to bring at least two fly rods: one for dry fly fishing and one for nymph fishing. Our guides have extra rods; however, we recommend 1 extra rod per every 3 fishermen, and this can save a trip in case of a broken rod. (PLEASE NOTE: if you break a borrowed rod, you are responsible for the replacement cost, with a rod of equal value).
The Deschutes River is unique, requiring different rod weights depending on the time of year:
May – June
- Dry fly fishing: 9 or 9½ ft. 5 wt. for the big flies
- Nymphing: 9½ or 10 ft. 5 or 6 wt. for mending and lifting line
Late June – August
- Dry fly fishing: 9 ft. 3wt or 4wt for the small flies
- Nymphing: 9½ or 10 ft. 4wt or 5 wt.
Reels:
You will want to bring a reel with a good smooth drag, especially when fishing light tippet.
Lines:
Lines are the most overlooked and maybe the most important part of our gear. Make sure your lines are clean. We recommend a weight forward or a cut-down double tapper. I also like to overload my rod 1 line size especially when casting larger flies.
Leaders and Tippets:
Each angler should have 2 good leaders. We recommend a 7½ ft. leader for fishing the larger flies and a 9 ft. leader for the smaller flies. Tippets are important – I am a big fan of flouro-carbon tippets. For the big flies, you will need IX, 2X, and 3X tippets and for the smaller flies, you will need 3X, 4X, and 5x tippets.
NOTE:
See also Things to Bring and Flies Lists
FLIES LIST
Flies are listed in the order of most recommended.
May, early June – Stone Patterns:
- Norm Woods special (calf tail wing stimulator) #8, #10
- Chubby Chernobyl #6, #8
- Stimulator (orange, yellow, olive) #8
June, July:
- EC Caddis #14, #16, #18
- Elk hair caddis #14, #16
- Comparadun # 16, #18
- Purple haze #14, #16, #18
- Parachute Adams #14, #16, #18
Nymphs:
- Bead head prince #6, #8, #10
- Bead head pheasant tail #12, #14, #16
- Copper johns #14, #16, #18
- Bead head hairs ear #8, #10
- Case caddis #8, #10
- Kaufman stone #8, #10
Accessories:
- Dry shake
- Nippers or scissors
- Strike indicators
- Pinch on Split Shot
See also Things to Bring and Fishing Gear Lists.
NIGHT PRIOR
Arrive the night before your scheduled departure in Madras. We’ve compiled a list of places to stay in Madras and the surrounding area to make your stay more enjoyable. We’ve also included a list of restaurants and dining establishments.
Places To Stay:
Inn at Cross Keys Station
541-475-5800
Motel 6
541-475-7217
Quality Inn
541-475-6141
Restaurants:
Rio Restaurant (Mexican Cuisine)
541-475-0424
Black Bear Diner
541-475-6632
Geno’s Italian Grill (Italian)
541-504-4300
Great Earth Natural Foods (Café)
541-475-1500
After breakfast at a restaurant of your choice, you will drive to Trout Creek which is the launch point for our trip. You must arrive by 8:00 a.m. Drive time from Madras is 30 minutes.