It has been a great fall so far on the Lower Deschutes, aside from the steelhead shutdown. If you’re unaware, steelhead fishing is closed on the entire Deschutes River and the river is closed to all forms of angling below Moody Rapids. Check the MyODFW page for more details. Fishing for trout has been killer and it should continue to be good through the week. The weather is looking fairly cool and wet for the week which could lead to some fun dry fly action. I’d be surprised if there aren’t a few killer blue wing olive hatches in store. Mahogany duns may be around as well. The October caddis hatch has been thick, fish typically key into dries close to dark. Pale morning duns are starting to phase out but they’re still around. Nymphing has been great, most of our guides are fishing perdigons, two-bit hookers, and other patterns that look like small mayflies. Slim shady’s are the fly to have during a BWO or PMD hatch. October caddis pupa and stonefly nymphs are the best larger nymphs to use. Don’t let the steelhead closure stop you from heading down to the Lower, it’s an amazing place to fish for some trout.

Recommended Dries: Hackle Stacker PMD #14-18, Parachute PMD #14-18, Hackle Stacker BWO #18-22, Parachute BWO #16-20, Black or Tan Elk Hair Caddis #12-20, X-Caddis #12-20

Recommended Nymphs: Black or Brown Jimmy Legs #8, Deep October Caddis Pupa #10-12, Jigged Hares Ear #14-16, Jigged Pheasant Tail #14-16, Psycho Prince #14-16, Duracell Jig #14-18,  Copper John #14-18, Slim Shady PMD #18, Slim Shady Olive #18-20, Olive or Tan Sparkle Pupa #16-18, Nitro Caddis Pupa #16-18