The Deschutes is Calling

Springtime on the Deschutes is awesome. The days are getting longer, the fish are awakening from a cold long winter and the bugs are becoming more diverse and abundant. All this leads to good fishing in our future. The levels out of the Dam on the lower River is pushing over 6000cfs of water right now, but looking to softer water is the key. Even at higher than preferred wading levels, fish can be had. Back eddy fishing can be dynamite during mid day hatches and soft edges and tailouts fish well when levels are a bit high. March Browns, a few Skwalla stones, BWO's, some caddis and midges are out. Watch closely as BWO's and March Browns will hatch around the same time of the day. It probably doesn't matter so much which fly you choose, but just find a fish feeding and present your offering well. The "Middle" river will also fish well over the next few months. The river here is flowing just over 600cfs and anything under 700 is fishable, but under 500 it becomes a bit easier to get around. Hatches of March Browns and a few Skwalla stones have had fish interested. BWO's are also in the mix. There might even be a few winter stones still around. I find a good old Parachute Adams in a size 12 or 14 gets the job done well imitating the March Browns or the Winter Stones.