Two weekends ago was our annual shakedown trip where all the employees of Fly and Field get together and float down the Lower Deschutes from Trout Creek down to Harpem Flat. It turned out to be spectacular fishing. Last year the fishing was poor due to the plethora amount of steelhead smolt. This year however, the water level and weather was picture perfect. To top it all off, the redsides were eating stonefly nymphs and the occasional march browns like there was no tomorrow. Neal Burrell landed the fattest Deschutes redside of his life. The facial expression and the girth of that fish says it all. The Lower Deschutes is in progress to being another epic season. The Salmonfies should come off early again this year. I would not be surprised to start seeing the big bugs in the next couple of weeks. Other good news is the entire lower river will be open starting on April 26th. Tis the season for the big bug and the fatty Deschutes redside.
