Noob on the Deschutes

[reyaz]

Thinking about exploring the lower Deschutes this weekend, specifically the section that runs along the BLM access road from Sherars Falls south to Maupin. I don't have waders so I'm hoping chucking nymphs from the bank with my 9' 5 wt will due. Will I need a Columbia River Basin endorsement, or does my setup make it pretty obvious that I'm targeting trout? Any advice/tips would be kindly appreciated.

 

[WoolyBugger]

Thinking about exploring the lower Deschutes this weekend, specifically the section that runs along the BLM access road from Sherars Falls south to Maupin. I don't have waders so I'm hoping chucking nymphs from the bank with my 9' 5 wt will due. Will I need a Columbia River Basin endorsement, or does my setup make it pretty obvious that I'm targeting trout? Any advice/tips would be kindly appreciated.

You do not need the CR endorsement for trout. I need to get out there and fish that section as well! Good luck!

 

[plumbertom]

The way I understand it, the only time a CRE is required is if you are harvesting fish other than trout or invasives.

 

[SparkyofSoCal]

If the Deschutes is anything like any of the rivers in Tillamook County right now and into the weekend, it will be ugly and something you may want to rethink.

 

[reyaz]

If the Deschutes is anything like any of the rivers in Tillamook County right now and into the weekend, it will be ugly and something you may want to rethink.

Ha! That’s why I’m heading out to the desert. Maupin looks relatively dry this week and the water flow up river seems stable.

 

[Irishrover]

Crossed the Deschutes at Warm Springs last Thursday. It looked good. The question is how the the White River is flowing. It can cause problems for the lower Deschutes and it enters the Deschutes not too far from Maupin.

"Oregon's Columbia River Basin Endorsement​

All Oregon-licensed anglers fishing for salmon, steelhead or sturgeon (catch-and-release and retention) on all rivers and tributaries in the Columbia River Basin need a Columbia River Basin Endorsement. House Bill 2343 (2025) extended the sunset date for Oregon's CRBE through January 2, 2032."

 

[reyaz]

Skunked!

Stopped at Taylor Lake on the way, lost my woolly bugger. Then, right as we were getting in the truck to move on, several sizable trout started surfacing.

The water was definitely turbid downstream of the White River.

All and all, it was a beautiful setting to practice casting.