Upper Deschutes River (Above Benham Falls)

The Upper Deschutes continues to provide steady summer fishing, with cold water and stable flows maintiaing activity throughout the system. Fish are holding along undercut banks, submerged timber, lava shelves, and deeper pools, while the most consistent action has come from fishing the softer edges of faster current. As recreational traffic increases during the day, early mornings and evenings continue to offer the most productive windows. 

Summer hatches remain consistent, with caddis leading the evening surface activity and PMDs providing dependable afternoon opportunities. Terrestrials are beginning to play a larger role, and fish are becoming increasingly willing to eat ants and beetles that find their way into the river.

Subsurface fishing continues to consistently produce. Smaller mayfly nymphs, caddis pupa, Olive Perdigons, Hare's Ears, and Golden Stone nymphs are all fishing well when presented naturally through deeper holding water. Presentation remains the deciding factor, with clean drifts and light tippet outperforming frequent fly changes. 

Recommended Flies

• Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16)
• X-Caddis (#14–16)
• PMD Sparkle Dun (#16–18)
• Parachute Ant (#14–16)
• Foam Beetle (#12–16)
• Olive Perdigon (#16–18)
• Hare's Ear (#14–16)
• Jig Pheasant Tail (#16–18)
• Golden Stone Nymph (#8–10)
• Olive Mini Sculpin (#8–10)