At 10:22 AM 09/05/2001 -0700, you wrote:
>I'm going to head down to central OR for about 4-5 days from Sept.
>20-24/25th. My plan was to fish the Crooked RIver, the Metolius, maybe the
>Fall (was there in the spring), and possibly the Deschutes.
>
>My question is on the Deschutes. I want to focus on trout, not on the
>steelies that are probably going to be in the river and am wondering if I
>can find decent access bank/wade fishing on my own or if it is really worth
>hiring a guide for a half-day or day down there. I'm willing to fish the
>middle river since I won't have to contend with steelheaders there I'm sure.
>I'm used to the Yakima which seems similar to the Deschutes but have never
>fished it before so any advice would be helpful.
>
>Thanks,
>Tim
Hi Tim
The Deschutes is a very long river. From south of Bend all the way to the
Columbia. I assume you are talking about the lower Deschutes...say between
Warm Springs and the mouth. There is lots of access. From the Locked Gate
(12 miles or
so above Maupin) to Macks Canyon you have at least 40 miles of river that
is paralleled by a road. There is also several miles of access at South
Junction.
Having said that, the Deschutes is a very large river and hiring a good guide
(emphasis on good) is always a good idea. Probably a minimum of one day.
There just aren't many good 1/2 day drifts. Make sure your guide is going
to give you a whole day. You should put in the dark and take out in the
dark. You need to fish before the light gets on the river and just before
dark.
BTW trout fishing can be fantastic on the Deschutes in September.
I'll be glad to answer any specific questions if I can.
Jim Jones
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
