Fly fishing near Bend, Oregon
Ranked as one of America's greatest fly fishing towns, Bend, Oregon is surrounded by many great rivers and lakes. One stands out as Oregon's premier blue ribbon fly fishing river, the Lower Deschutes. Although the Deschutes River runs right through downtown Bend, an hour drive to Warm Springs will take you to the famous fly fishing section below Pelton Dam. Many fly fishing opportunities exist near Bend, and should be explored, but a trip to Central Oregon isn't complete without fly fishing the Lower Deschutes River.
guided Fly fishing near Bend, Oregon
Fly fish near Bend, Oregon with local knowledge... to experience the best fly fishing near Bend, take a guided float trip with Central Oregon based River Runner Outfitters. Float Warm Springs to Trout Creek with a friendly experienced guide, catch brilliantly colored native rainbow trout, and be back in Bend in time for dinner. The Lower Deschutes is the most productive fly fishing river within an hour drive of Bend.
The Warm Springs to Trout Creek float is a nine mile drift through the first stretch of river accessible below Pelton Dam. The Deschutes River flows through a 1000 foot deep basalt canyon, dotted with sagebrush and juniper, with alder trees lining the banks. This is the most popular section of the Lower Deschutes River to fly fish for trout, and for good reason. There are roughly 2000 to 3000 wild rainbow trout per mile from Warm Springs to Trout Creek, providing the best river fly fishing for trout near Bend. There are no rough rapids in this section, making for a relaxing day of fly fishing and sight seeing.
Both dry fly and nymph fishing are productive from Warm Springs to Trout Creek, and many hatches bring the trout to the surface. The salmonfly hatch happens in May and June, while caddis flies hatch all summer long. Steelhead begin to run in this seciton early October, making for a unique fly fishing treat. Steelhead will often take nymphs drifted under an indicator, and add measurable excitment to a day of fall trout fishing.
A streamside lunch will be provided by River Runner Outfitters on full day guided float trips. Grab breakfast in Bend, drive 42 miles to meet your guide, float and fish the Deschutes for about eight hours, and be back in Bend in time for dinner with family and friends. Fly fishing the Lower Deschutes is one of many outdoor recreation opportunities surrounding the Bend area.
Alternatively, multi-day camping float trips from Warm Springs to Maupin offer the ultimate in Oregon fly fishing on the Deschutes River.
other fly fishing opportunities near Bend
While the Lower Deschutes is Central Oregon's premier fly fishing river, there are other streams and lakes in the Bend area that should not go without mention. The tributaries of the Lower Deschutes hold trout, and are also close proximity to Bend.
The Metolius River (30 minutes from Bend) is one of the most challenging fly fishing rivers in the state. A spring creek by definition, the Metolis bubbles from the ground at Black Butte. Wild rainbow trout and bull trout inhabit the Metolius, and will test the most experienced angler's fly fishing skills. No guided fishing is permitted on the Metolius.
The Crooked River (40 minutes from Bend) is a tailwater fishery released from Bowman Dam. Wild rainbow trout are plentiful, although average a smaller size. The scenery along the Crooked River is beautiful, with canyon walls towering over the river. The water itself is not particularly attractive in caparison to other Bend area rivers.
The upper and middle Deschutes River holds brook trout, brown trout, and wild rainbow trout, depending on the stretch. The uppermost section of the Deschutes is a pretty little spring creek, flowing from Little Lava Lake to Crane Prairie Reservoir. This stretch of river flows through alpine meadows, lined with lupine and indian paintbrush. The middle Deschutes flows from Bend north to Lake Billy Chinook. This rough stretch of river carves a deep canyon, only accessible by hiking in. There are a few access points near Crooked River Ranch.
The Fall River is a short drive from Sunriver, Oregon and provides spring creek fishing for rainbow and brown trout. The gin clear water of the Fall River makes for very challenging fishing, and the trout are very spooky.
The Cascade Lakes along Century Drive offer lots of big fish opportunities, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and largemouth bass.
Bend, Oregon fly shops
To provide the best guide and outfitting services on the Lower Deschutes River, River Runner Outfitters is located in Maupin, Oregon, on the banks of the Deschutes. However, we have lived in Bend for many years and know the city well. We have relationships with the best Bend fly shops that will outfit you with everything you need to fly fish the Deschutes. Assisting with lodging and dining is also part of our service at your request, and we have recommendations to suit every budget. Let River Runner Outfitters be your complete guide to fly fishing Bend, Oregon.
