Fly Fishing for Steelhead
Steelhead run in the Deschutes River during the summer and fall. In our opinion they 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 river is our favorite float for Deschutes steelhead. We prefer to use spey rods for steelhead, but anglers have been successfully fishing the Deschutes River for decades with single handed fly rods.
Deschutes River Steelhead Video
Deschutes Steelhead Season
Deschutes River Steelhead season begins in July, as steelhead enter the river in fishable numbers. Good fishing can be had any time July through December. After December there are fresh steelhead to chase on other Oregon rivers, and we leave Deschutes steelhead to rest before they spawn the following spring. Click here for a detailed month by month look at Deschutes Steelhead Season.
Spey Rods & Equipment
While anglers have been fly fishing the Deschutes River for steelhead successfully with single handed fly rods for decades, it is hard to deny the advantages of fly fishing with a two handed spey rod. Cast further, control the fly better, require less casting space, and work smart, not hard. These are virtues of spey casting! For fishing the Deschutes spey rods 11 to 13.5 feet are most useful, rigged with scandinavian and skagit style shooting heads. Click here for more Deschutes Spey Rods & Equipment.
Deschutes Steelhead Flies
For fishing the Deschutes River for steelhead you will need a variety for flies to fish with floating lines and sink tips. Some famous steelhead fly patterns were developed on the Deschutes, including the Street Walker, Mack's Canyon, Freight Train, Ferry Canyon, and more. Make sure you bring flies that are tied on good hooks! Click here for a closer look at Deschutes Steelhead Flies.
Read more about Deschutes River Steelhead
Back to Deschutes River
PO Box 42, Maupin, OR 97037 / 541.978.0152 / Email / 
