Fly Fishing the Deschutes River
Fly fishing Oregon's Deschutes River for trout and steelhead is a classic Oregon fly fishing experience. River Runner Outfitters provides guided fly fishing trips on the Lower Deschutes River near Maupin, Oregon.
The Deschutes River
The Deschutes River flows over 250 miles, from its spring source in the Cascade Mountains, through Sunriver and Bend, Oregon, to the Columbia River on the Oregon Washington border. From Round Butte and Pelton Dams, the lower 100 miles of the Deschutes River flow north through a 1,000 foot deep basalt canyon, just two hours southeast of Portland, Oregon. River Runner Outfitters is based in Maupin, in the heart of the Deschutes canyon and near the best fly fishing.
Fly Fishing for Redsides
The Lower Deschutes is Central Oregon’s premier fly fishing river. Native rainbow trout average 14 to 16 inches and rise eagerly to dry flies. The Deschutes has several exciting hatches that will challenge your fly fishing skills, including a spring salmonfly hatch. The Lower Deschutes has over thirteen public boat launches, giving anglers the opportunity to take day floats as well as extended camping float trips through the remote canyon sections. The upper river includes day floats from Warm Springs to Trout Creek, and the 35 mile float from Trout Creek to Maupin. This is the best trout water, period. Read more about Fly Fishing for Redsides.
Fly Fishing for Steelhead
Deschutes River steelhead run during the summer and fall. In our opinion steelhead are the greatest fly fishing game fish that swims. Down river from Maupin you will find the best steelhead water. Pine Tree to Mack’s Canyon is an awesome steelhead day float. Down river from Mack's Canyon the Deschutes flows another 23 miles to the Columbia River. This lowermost section of the Deschutes River is our favorite run for summer steelhead. We prefer spey fishing for Deschutes steelhead, but anglers have been fly fishing the Deschutes for decades with single handed rods. Read more about Fly Fishing for Steelhead.
Deschutes River Camps & Food
The best way to fly fish the Lower Deschutes River is to take a four day camping float trip with River Runner Outfitters. All camps and meals are completely catered, and camping equipment is provided. During the spring and fall you will enjoy the protection of a steel framed canvas wall tent. Meals will be served in the wall tent, which will serve as a gathering place at camp. Meals are prepared on the river by our house chef. We use only fresh ingredients, and prefer local, organic, and sustainable. Read more about our Deschutes River Camps and Food.
PO Box 42, Maupin, OR 97037 / 541.978.0152 / Email / 