Fishing in the Deschutes River in Oregon.
All throughout the year, visitors and locals travel to the Deschutes River for a top fishing opportunity to catch some of the most popular fish species on the West Coast. With more than 30 different fish species that make their home in these waters, the Deschutes River’s diverse selection makes it perfect for anglers of all fishing preferences.
The Deschutes River is famous for its fly-fishing experiences and is praised as being one of the only fishing grounds to catch native trout and wild steelhead. Running one hundred miles from the end to the mouth of the Columbia River, the Deschutes River has been a go-to fly fishing destination in central Oregon for generations of fishermen.
Flowing from south to north starting at the Pelton Dam, the Lower portion of the Deschutes River is a hot spot for fishing for one of the most famous fish species in the area: the native rainbow trout. In addition, the summer steelhead run occurs in the Deschutes river every year in late July. During the cooler months of the year, the upper portion of the Deschutes River is a prime location to cast a line.
Species of Fish in the Deschutes River in Oregon
The Deschutes River in Oregon is home to more than thirty species of native and introduced fish. Here’s a look at some of the most popular species you can anticipate catching during your next fishing adventure on the Deschutes River in Oregon
Native Salmonids
The Deschutes River hosts six native salmonids, including:
- Red band trout
- Chinook salmon
- Summer steelhead
- Sockeye salmon
- Mountain whitefish
- BulltTrout
Introduced Salmonids
You can find the following introduced Salmonids species in the
Deschutes River’s sub basin.
- Coho salmon
- Brown trout
- Cutthroat trout
- Brook trout
- Lake trout
Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon return to the lower part of the Deschutes River during the springtime prior to June, in addition to during the summer and in the fall.
Brown Trout
Brown trout are prevalent in the lower area of the Columbia River Basin of the Deschutes River. However, they are a rare species to find here, so consider yourself lucky if you happen to come across a brown trout while fishing in the Deschutes River.
Steelhead
The summer marks the beginning of the steelhead season on the Deschutes River. The run begins in the lower areas and makes its way up north well into the colder days of late fall. Make sure to plan your trip early to get the chance to sink your hook into some of the best steelhead of the season.
White Fish
Whitefish are prominent in several lakes and streams throughout Oregon, but they’re known to develop optimally in the cold water of the Deschutes River.
Keep in mind that the lower portion of the Deschutes River is a large and complex fishery, which is best tackled with the support of an top fishing guide who is down there every day throughout each season of the year.
Connect With These Guides for Your Next Trip to Deschutes River
Your best chance at fishing in the waters of the Deschutes River is with a top fishing guide who knows the River like the back of his hand. Connect with one of the best fishing guides on our list of top charters to maximize the potential of your next fishing venture on the Deschutes River.