Hay: I'd like to hit the Dechutes in a few weeks.I've never fished it befor.The regs say artificial flies and lures only,any sugestions on some spinners that might work I'd rather drift eggs any ideas on an artificial that wont get me in trouble? THANKS!

You can fish bait around Shears Bridge, they mostly use tuna balls. Can't really drift fish, it’s mainly a plunker show. I've never tried it in the spring but I know casting spinners just up from the mouth is killer for summer steelies, and I've hooked into a few fall Chinook doing it. That might be something to look into.

[This message has been edited by jfrabel (edited 03-26-2001).]

drifter.
Ive fished the Dechutes for springers. It can be real productive. The bait of choice is tuna balls and eggs.
The best place is below Sherers bridge. There is a high bank on the east bank of the river. Just drive up there and watch where everyone fishes. You need to get there at 1 in the morning to get a spot.

I floated from Beaver tail to the mouth late in the season last year. Lot's of good holes,few people,big plus. Fish with spinners and plugs on a side planner or casted from the bank(no boat fishing on the river). the lower river can have some tough spots like Washout, Rattle Snake and Colorado so beware. As for fishing from the bank you can E-mail me for more info

What is a tuna ball?

Thanks,

FF

Hey FF ... check out the tips section of the site, you'll find a blurb on Tuna Balls in there!

Thanks Bob,

I've also been looking for a way to get some extra scent in the water while bobber fishing for summer steelhead in slack-water places like Drano Lake and the John Day. This sounds like the ticket. Can't wait to try it.

FF