The Deschutes, which is both a national and state scenic waterway, drops about a quarter of a mile in its final 100 miles as it twists through basalt canyons 700 to 2,200 feet deep. This tributary to the Columbia is renowned for its Summer Steelhead.
The Deschutes River offers some of the best dry line Steelhead fly-fishing in the country. Enriched in tradition and lore this river is an experience all steelhead anglers that strive for a soulful approach should enjoy. Our techniques shadow all the traditional aspects of swinging flies for steelhead. This is the perfect river to chase steelhead with a fly rod, a floating line (in shade), and a traditional fly. The river is designed just right for holding fish in the perfect zone of a properly presented fly.
Mack Canyon is an access point. Jet boating is allowed on the lower segment of the Deschutes River all year ’round except on alternating weekends from June –September.
Starting in late July or early August, overnight guided fly fishing trips for Steelhead are available.
We focus our efforts from Macks Canyon downstream. We target early, aggressive steelhead with swung flies. Single or double-handed rods are used to cover these large runs. August – October is the prime month to book a multi-day jet-boat trip for steelhead on the Deschutes River.
Deschutes River Steelhead DRIFT Boat CAMP Fishing Trip
When: August through October
Days: 2-5
Anglers: 2 or 4
3 Day Trip 1950.00 4 Day Trip 2600.00
Your trip starts out by meeting in Maupin, Oregon. This puts you at the beginning of quite possibly the best dry line steelhead water you have ever seen. We will arrange your shuttle so you will have your car at the take out. The shuttles cost $100 per automobile.
On the water:
25 to 35+ miles of water will be covered in 2 to 5 days by fishing the entire way while a designated gear boat packs and moves camp approximately 7-10 miles per day. For every 2 anglers, there will be 1 guide. Flies are provided.
At the camps:
The dining room sits under a screen house along with the kitchen. All meals are provided except breakfast the first morning and dinner the last evening. We do not provide alcohol. All meals are warm, hearty, and skillfully made. We utilize Dutch ovens (in season) and propane stoves. Your sleeping accommodations are quality tents. These double occupancy tents are supplied with cots and paco pads. A portable toilet and its own privacy tent are available at each campsite. The handwashing station is always near.
We take out at the Heritage boat ramp near Biggs Junction on I-84.
We practice no-trace camping and pack everything out with us.
Pack list:
We provide you with two dry bags. One is a duffel size bag that goes down to camp ahead of you and the other is a smaller dry bag to carry things (like a change of clothes in case you get wet) on your guide boat.
Clothes:
- Fleece
- Polypropylene
- Warm socks
- Camp shoes
- Stocking cap
- Baseball cap
- Polarized sunglasses
- Wading boots – felt or cleats
- Wading staff
- Waders (high quality)
- Sleeping bag and a packable pillow
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Biodegradable soap
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Medications
Fishing:
- 6 or 7 weight fly rod
- Interchangeable tip fly line
- Sink tips
- Nippers
- Forceps
- Steelhead flies
- Tippet 0x
- Leaders
- Camera
- Tackle bag
Where to meet:
Getting to Maupin, Oregon: Once you reach Portland, you’ll need to rent a vehicle and meet Little Creek Outfitters in Maupin, Oregon. Depending on which route you take, it’s a two hour drive. You’ll want to spend the first night in Maupin: You’ll stay one night in Maupin before the start of your fishing trip.
Here are lodging options:
http://www.deschutesriveroasis.com
http://www.riverrunlodge.net
http://deschutesriver.com
Deschutes River Steelhead DRIFT Boat DAY Fishing Trip
When: August through October
Days: 1 (multiple day trips can be arranged)
Anglers: 2
Price per: $600 per day per boat
Your trip starts out by meeting in Maupin, Oregon. This puts you at the beginning of quite possibly the best dry line steelhead water you have ever seen. We pick you up and drop you off at your place of lodging each morning and evening.
On the water:
10 to 18 miles of water will be covered in a day. For every 2 anglers, there will be 1 guide. Flies are provided. The lunch sits under a shade of riverside alders. All meals are fresh, hearty, and skillfully made. We do not provide alcohol.
Clothes:
- Fleece
- Base layers
- Warm socks
- Stocking cap
- Baseball cap
- Polarized sunglasses
- Wading boots – Felt or cleats
- Waders (high quality)
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Medications
Fishing:
- 6 or 7 weight fly rod
- Floating line (Scandi)
- Interchangeable tip fly line
- Sink tips
- Nippers
- Forceps
- Steelhead flies
- Tippet 0x
- Leaders
- Camera
- Tackle bag
Where to meet:
Getting to Maupin, Oregon: Once you reach Portland, you’ll need to rent a vehicle and meet Little Creek Outfitters in Maupin, Oregon. Depending on which route you take, it’s a two hour drive.
Here are lodging options:
http://www.deschutesmotel.com
http://www.deschutesriveroasis.com
http://www.riverrunlodge.net
http://deschutesriver.com
Dining options:
https://www.facebook.com/riversidemaupin
http://deschutesriver.com/deschutes-riverside-dining-at-our-maupin-restaurant/
Deschutes River Steelhead JET Boat CAMP Fishing Trip
When: Late July through Mid October
Days: 2-5
Anglers: 2 – 4
3 day trip 1800.00 4 day trip 2400.00
Trip Overview:
We will be utilizing a Wooldridge Alaskan jet boat with a guide ratio of 1 guide per 1-4 anglers.
Is any fishing gear or tackle provided? We provide flies and fly rods when needed.
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on camp trips. The last night’s dinner is not provided.
At the Camp:
A stationary camp is set for your entire stay in one place riverside (on prime swing water) from our jet boat trips. At the end of the fishing day when you arrive at camp, your tent for the night will be set up and your baggage will be waiting for you. You’ll be able to sit back and relax, have a cocktail, or fish the camp water. All meals are skillfully prepared streamside by our staff. We provide all of the camping gear with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow. Tents are double occupancy in large four-person tents including cots. We carry all drinking water, however, we do not provide alcohol, you are welcome to bring your own if you desire. Please pack liquids in plastic containers only – except that is for your wine!
Rivers and water are the soul of all life on the planet, so please join us in enjoying, marveling at, and protecting the river as they travel its length. With that in mind, they practice no-trace camping. “Footprints should be the only clue to our presence after we leave.”
Guides:
One guide per 1 -2 clients is the standard ratio for the Deschutes on our jet-boat fly fishing excursions. Our guides have CPR training and basic first aid certification along with being fully licensed and insured. We carry a very complete series of first aid kits on each boat, as well as a cell phone for emergencies only. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or food requests, please let us know in advance (bee sting or food allergies, diabetes, heart conditions, etc.). It is advised that you have a current tetanus vaccination before arrival. When you arrive at the river they will have a boat and river safety discussion. You will be issued a life jacket to be used for the trip.
Beverages:
Fresh water (bring your own water bottle), sodas, and coffee and tea in the morning and evening. Bring your own alcohol.
Where to meet:
Getting to Maupin, Oregon: Once you reach Portland, you’ll need to rent a vehicle and meet Little Creek Outfitters in Maupin, Oregon. Depending on which route you take, it’s a two-hour drive. You’ll want to spend the first night in Maupin: You’ll stay one night in Maupin before the start of your fishing trip.
Here are lodging options:
http://www.deschutesriveroasis.com
http://www.riverrunlodge.net
http://deschutesriver.com
Deschutes River Steelhead JET Boat DAY Fishing Trip
When: Late July through mid-October
Days: 1 (multiple day trips can be arranged)
Anglers: 1-3
Price per day: $700 for 1-2 or $750 for 3 anglers
Trip Overview:
We will be utilizing a Wooldridge Alaskan jet boat with a guide ratio of 1 guide for 1-3 anglers.
We provide flies and fly rods when needed.
Rivers and water are the soul of all life on the planet, so please join us in enjoying, marveling at, and protecting the river as they travel its length. With that in mind, they practice no-trace camping. “Footprints should be the only clue to our presence after we leave.”
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on camp trips
Guides:
One guide per 2 or 3 clients is the standard ratio on our jet boat fly fishing day trip excursions. Our guides have both CPR training and basic first aid certification along with being fully licensed and insured. We carry a very complete series of first aid kits on our boat, as well as a cell phone for emergencies only. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or food requests, please let us know in advance (bee sting or food allergies, diabetes, heart conditions, etc.). It is advised that you have a current tetanus vaccination before arrival. When you arrive at the river they will have a boat and river safety discussion. You will be issued a life jacket to be used for the trip.
Beverages:
Fresh water (bring your own water bottle), sodas, and coffee and tea in the morning and evening. Bring your own alcohol.
Where to meet:
Getting to Maupin, Oregon: Once you reach Portland, you’ll need to rent a vehicle and meet Little Creek Outfitters in Maupin, Oregon. Depending on which route you take, it’s a two hour drive.