🎣 Fly fish the Lower Deschutes (Maupin)

The Lower Deschutes around Maupin is one of the Pacific Northwest's iconic fly-fishing rivers — wild redband trout year-round, returning summer steelhead, and the famous salmonfly hatch in late spring. Wadeable in many spots; drift boats open up the deeper canyon water.

Good to know

• Species: Wild redband rainbow trout, summer steelhead (typically June-October), bull trout (catch & release).
• Trout flies: Salmonflies (late May-June), golden stones, PMDs, caddis, October caddis in fall, streamers.
• Steelhead: Swing flies (e.g. purple peril, green-butt skunk), indicator nymph rigs, eggs in fall.
• Guide services: Many outfitters operate out of Maupin offering half- and full-day drift-boat trips. Book ahead during salmonfly + steelhead seasons.
• Regulations: Oregon license required. Catch & release for native rainbows on most sections; barbless hooks; steelhead requires a Columbia River Basin Endorsement. Always verify current ODFW regulations before fishing.

Safety: The Crooked River canyon directly below CRR (visible from the rim) is hike-in only via Otter Bench, Scout Camp, or Lone Pine trails. Do not attempt to launch a boat from the property — the canyon is unsafe for any watercraft. All boating destinations below are reached via separate access roads.