The Deschutes is one of the most beloved rivers in Oregon. Cutting through the Oregon plateau, its emerald waters sparkle under the desert sun, attracting anglers from around the world. The river’s reputation for fly-fishing is legendary.
“Anglers come from all over the world to fish the Deschutes. They come from England, Scandinavia, Italy, Australia, France, South Africa-they come from all over,” said Bob Shoemaker from the Deschutes Angler Fly Shop.
The river’s fertile waters nourish eight different species of fish, but anglers are only concerned with two fish: redside rainbows and steelhead.
Redsides, a sub-species of rainbow trout, have thicker bodies than normal rainbows and their sides, as the name implies, is a deep sanguine. They are aesthetically appealing, but best of all — they fight like pitbulls. When hooked, they dazzle anglers with their acrobatic repertoire. ‘
“These trout know how to use the current. They like to kick it into high gear and throw on the afterburners. They are very fun to fish,” said Kevin Erickson from Kaufmanns Streamborn Inc. in Tigard.
Redsides are moody fish that can leave even the most talented angler frustrated and morose. The key: Never stagnate by fishing the same fly in the same spot. Fishermen should keep on the move and fish every nook and cranny the river offers.

Anglers can try either a Golden Stone Fly Nymph or a Green Rock Worm Caddis to catch redsides when there isn’t any surface activity. But if the fish are feeding on the surface, it is better to switch over to dry flies and fish under the trees. Dry flies such as the Elk Hair Caddis and Slow Water Caddis work very well. Mayfly and Midge emerger patterns also work well when fished along the river’s seams and back eddies.
Anglers who don’t quiver from redside-induced endorphin highs can fish for their steelhead brethren. Nothing is more spectacular than having a Deschutes River steelhead torpedo a fly.
“I’ve fished the McKenzie; I’ve fished the Umpqua, and I’ve fished the Rough, but the Deschutes is my favorite,” said Shoemaker.
As good as the Deschutes is for catching steelhead, it is common for an angler to return home and sit sullenly in silence wondering where all the fish went. Catching a steelhead can be difficult because they are finicky eaters and usually only bite from reflex. Special flies, like the Green Butt Skunk, Freight Train, Street Walker and Max Canyon, are needed to coax them into biting.
Most importantly, remember that what matters is that the fly is consistently presented in a way that makes it look natural. It could take all day to catch a fish, but however long it takes, it is worth the wait. With the warm desert wind combing the tall grass and the aroma of sage all around, waiting is a pleasure.