Camping trip on the Deschutes

RDB · Jul 25, 2011

In two weeks I will be camping at the Deschutes River Recreational Area and with my family and wanted to do some fishing for trout. The question I the only set-up I have right now to catch trout is a 5'6" ultralight with 5lb line. Is that going to be large enough to fish the river or do I need some different gear?

FlyBum · Jul 25, 2011

There is a lot of water in the "Deschutes River Recreational Area" what part of that will you be in? Don't know much about that gear fishing stuff, just don't use bait!! If you'll be in the lower part of that 100 miles or so, say the lower half you may by accident hook into a steelhead in that case you'd probably be done quick. I'd suggest getting a 5 weight rod with a reel and line. Then fish some gold stone nymphs with a caddis pupa as a dropper, then when you see fish rising tie on an X-Caddis and cast about 10 feet above where you saw the rise. Just a suggestion and have fun camping and fishing

RDB · Jul 26, 2011

Yeah Flybum I have a flyrod on my list of Christmas presents that I gave to my wife. I have wanted to give it a go for a while and finally said that I was going buy a set-up. I am going to be on the east side of the river in the campground, our site sits right next to the river (hopefully not in the river right now!). Right now can I wet wade the river or do I need waders? If I need waders is it better to get hip waders or chest waders.

brandon4455 · Jul 26, 2011

a lot of the fish are close to the bank and wading isn't lways needed from what i hear. but it's nice to have them.

Big3d · Jul 27, 2011

the water should be fine for wet wading but truthfully you don't need to at all, which campground are you gonna be at?

lilsalmon · Jul 27, 2011

I think waders are very useful there...even though it is hot, hot, the water is still pretty cold...course on the deschutes I spend hours in the water.....if your tent camping make sure your tent is very sturdy as the wind there will rip it apart and send your papertowels strung all the way down river. Watch for rattlesnakes and have fun.....its an awesome place to be.

RDB · Jul 27, 2011

I am tent camping at the recreation center. My site is right next to the river.

FlyBum · Jul 27, 2011

RDB said:
I am tent camping at the recreation center. My site is right next to the river.

Is that the one in Maupin next to Bakeoven Creek? If so, you are selling yourself short. There are a lot better options then that.

RDB · Jul 29, 2011

No, it is the site off of I-84 close to the mouth of the Deschutes.

FlyBum · Jul 29, 2011

Now that we know which region you will be at, I would recommend fishing for STEELHEAD! Forget trout down there chase the Salty Breath! There is so much water on the D that for a more direct answer it helps to be more specific

palenque2012 · Aug 6, 2011

The guy said he has a 5'6" ultralight??????? Go for steelhead huh

FlyBum · Aug 7, 2011

palenque2012 said:
The guy said he has a 5'6" ultralight??????? Go for steelhead huh

I don't know about that gear crap.

RDB · Aug 8, 2011

So I got back from my camping trip. For the three days I was there I got to fish for about an hour. Oh well, the kid had a lot of fun. I caught about a 10" trout but that was about it. It was my first time on the Deschutes and it is was a beautiful river.

FlyBum · Aug 8, 2011

That's great hope you get a chance to explore the wonderful Deschutes River more

Camping trip on the Deschutes

Similar threads