The Lower Deschutes is the place to be for both Trout & Steelhead and we are having good luck on both on the Warm Springs to Trout Creek drift. Nymphing is probably the best way to find steelhead and also catch trout, but that swung fly “take” is something you need to feel. SO, with the colder days and mornings it is time for the Skagit Lines and T8 and T10 sink tips and Leeches, Intruders and Ho-Bo Spey’s.
You can still get fish on swung flies like a Muddler, Euphoria, GB Skunk and Freight Train. You might consider a sink tip or sinking leader now and not rely on only the floating line.
For nymphs, Double Bead Peacock Stones, Peacock Girdle Bugs, Purple Stone, Lightning Bug, October Caddis Pupa plus PT’s, Tan or Olive Pupa, Perdigons and Walts Worms and PCP Nymphs.
Keep an eye on the eddies for BWO’s and Midges and some Spent Egg Laying Caddis. Dry Fly action is waning now, but not entirely over.
It is going to be a good October and November on the big river.