The Lower Deschutes is fishing great right now. As always leading up to the big bugs hatching, nymphing stoneflies will be extremely productive. A Stonefly nymph followed by 8”-12” of tippet and a small mayfly or caddis pattern is deadly this time of year. The salmonfly hatch is going to begin anytime in the next 1-2 weeks, so stock up on your big bugs. Golden Stones are also very prominent on the Deschutes and often hatch slightly earlier than the Salmon Flies, so keep these patterns on you as well. We have lots of good big bug patterns in both our Bend and Sunriver locations so stop by and stock up!  The hatch will undoubtedly get the river a bit crowded, so spread out and make sure to respect other anglers space. Spring is a very fun time to be on the Lower and the fish are active so get after some redbands.

Recommended Dries: March brown #12-14, Hackle Stacker PMD #14-18, Parachute PMD #14-18, Hackle Stacker Baetis #16-20, Parachute Baetis #16-20.

 Recommended Nymphs: Jimmy Legs #8 Black or Brown, Jigged Hares Ear #14-16, Jigged Pheasant Tail #14-16, Psycho Prince #14-16, Duracell Jig #14-18,  Copper John #14-18