I want to know where to do some good bank fishing on the Deschutes near the mouth. I know there is a boat ramp on the west side and a park on the east side. I have also heard that there are trails the go up river on both sides. Are these facts true? Where are some good spots to go. I would appreciate any advice as I am dying to go do some good steelie fishing. thanks.


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All of your facts are true. You can take your
mountain bike all the way Maupin and above if
you wish (west bank). I've only hiked up about five miles on the west side,rail road
traks and siding make for a tough hike. There
is good steelhead water on both sides.

Wyndknot-
I do not fly fish, so I would assume that a drift rig works best. What type of rig did you use? Also, are the trails easy to find. Where do they begin on both sides. Are hip waders sufficient, or do I need to bring chest waders? thanks.

Wyndknot-
I do not fly fish, so I would assume that a drift rig works best. What type of rig did you use? Also, are the trails easy to find. Where do they begin on both sides. Are hip waders sufficient, or do I need to bring chest waders? thanks.

Hey Salmon, Just got back from a 5 day drift on the Deschutes. Yes ther is a good trail up from the mouth. If we're not drifting it or taking the sled up we ride mountain bikes up about 5 miles. I only fly fish on this river so I'm not sure what works best. I've seen spinner fishermen do pretty well. There is good steelhead fishing from the mouth all the way to Warm Springs. As far as places to fish? If you've fished long for steelhead, you should know how to read good holding water. There is alot of it & I strongly suggest chest wadders & a wadding belt. One last tip: With the warmer weather & all the snow pack up high the White river coming off of Hood is going to wipe the lower river out like it did last year so don't plan a big trip late in the summer. Hope this helps. Ric

The Deschutes is a no brainer when it comes to catching fish. You can use hardware (spinners, drift fish with corkies, or throw plugs). Take lots of gear as the river is a tackle grabber. If you fly fish take along some purple streamers, and use flouting line. Cast 90-45 degrees down river and let it swing with the current. Have the line tight or with just a couple of inches of bumper line to the reel. Felt or alunimun cleats are recommended, a walking staff is also a good thing to have. The river starts fishing well in the later part of July till Dec 31. I have had some 20 fish days in Nov and Dec without seeing anouther fisherman. Its a step and cast, step and cast fishery...don't just stand in one place, keep moving and you'll find fish.
watch out for the rattlers and take lots of water, the canyon can be a oven in the summer months.

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Sharp hooks,
Pat
Holdzit Fishing Products
http://www.holdzit.com