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This river is closed from September 30 to May 22
Fishing the Upper Deschutes River
This section of the Deschutes River which starts from the source that starts at Little Lava Lake is a diverse section that spans all the way to Benham Falls. If you're looking to fish for big browns, try the section between Wickiup Reservoir and Crane Prairie Reservoir - locals refer to this area as Sheep's Bridge. The uppermost section of the Deschutes River is well known for holding the state's record for Brook trout.
Upper Deschutes River Fishing Regulations
- Open May 22 - Sep 30.
- Wild rainbow trout must be released.
- Limit - 2 trout per day, 8 inch minimum length (including brook and brown trout, kokanee, and hatchery rainbow).
Be sure to check the Fishing Regulations and Emergency Rules for this area.
Upper Deschutes River Weather
Fishing Maps of the Upper Deschutes River
Our Upper Deschutes River fishing maps show areas we love to fish. If you've never fished here before these are great places to start.
Sheep Bridge Campground
Sheep Bridge North
Upper Deschutes River Recommended Flies
The flies we've listed below are some of the locals favorites for this section of the water. If you're interested in learning to tie these flies, we've included links to show you how!
Upper Deschutes River Stocking Schedule
ODFW is not stocking Upper Deschutes River at this time. For more information on stocking schedules for Oregon rivers and lakes, please visit the ODFW Trout Stocking website.
Upper Deschutes River Fishing Reports
There's nothing better than community based reports from people that are on the water! If you're seeing reports from local fly shops and guides please take some time to visit their shops or websites!
Community Reports
Local Fly Shop and Guide Reports
July 1, 2020 - The flow from Little Lava is non-existent, but the section from Deschutes Bridge downstream is a good spot to hit up the upper stretches of the Deschutes. Dry droppers, caddis, and attractor patterns will be your best bet on the upper. Terrestrials as well with the hot weather rolling through will be an option as …
The post Upper Deschutes 07-01-2020 appeared first on Fly and Field Outfitters.
September 27, 2019 - The Upper Deschutes will close at the end of this month from Benham falls all the way up to the headwaters at little lava. This is the last weekend to get up there until next season. The flow coming out of Wickiup has dropped and the river below the reservoir is in perfect condition …
The post Upper Deschutes 09-27-2019 appeared first on Fly and Field Outfitters.
July 12, 2019 - We’ve settled into the consistent fishing that the Upper Deschutes provides through the summer, and there will be good opportunity to find Brookies, Native Rainbows, and Whitefish until the upper reaches of the Deschutes close in September. The stretch of water between Little Lava and Crane Prairie offers consistent, cool flows through the summer, and …
The post Upper Deschutes Update 7/12/19 appeared first on Fly and Field Outfitters.
June 28, 2019 - The Upper Deschutes has continued to fish very well, and has certainly been helped out a little by the cool spring and early summer weather we’ve been having. Water temperatures have not warmed as quickly as they sometimes do, and while most stretches of the upper river are still at fishable temperatures we’ll likely see …
The post Upper Deschutes Update 6/28/19 appeared first on Fly and Field Outfitters.
Fishing Spots near Upper Deschutes River
Be sure to check out nearby fishing spots, they're less than 15 miles away from Upper Deschutes River!
