The Mighty Deschutes

[easymends]

Headed up to the great Northwest for some fishing and camping. I left the Portland area over a year ago and its great to be able to revisit and fish the Deschutes, especially in mid June when the big bugs are out and the weather is in the high 80s. The past couple weeks had the river high and off color from a very strange weather pattern in early June. Our timing couldn't have been better, not a cloud in the sky for three days and lots of fish to hand.

During the early part of the day, fish were keyed in on the Goldens. Still tons of them in the air and on the water dropping eggs. During the later part nymphing was great with green drake nymphs picking up most of the fish. Actually saw a few adult drakes but non cloudy days isn't ideal to get them going. Evenings were caddis heaven, tons of them! More than I remember in the past, swinging soft hackles and green rock worms were deadly.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/JToddW/IMGP1256.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/JToddW/IMGP1257.jpg

Also visited the middle Deschutes around Crooked River Ranch. I have explored this part of the river before but this time hiked even further in. Lots of fish, anything over 12 inches is a trophy. Mostly all small bows mixed in with browns. Nymphs were the key, anything small was working. What a beautiful stretch of river with nobody around for miles.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/JToddW/IMGP1274.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/JToddW/DSC_0063.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/JToddW/DSC_0067.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/JToddW/IMGP1280.jpg

[Scott V]

Now that in my opinoin is a true "epic" trip. I am jealous.