Sign Up: To sign up for this trip you must register on the COF website. The trip is limited to six (6) people. If there is more demand, I’ll run the trip a second time.
Where: Warm Springs Boat Ramp
Time: We have a choice – go early 7:00 am to try to beat the crowds. Go later (which I will do) 11:00 A.M., on the water noon-ish. Why? Sunset is at 8:30 or so. That is almost nine hours of fishing. Better fishing later in the day. Most everybody will be ahead of us by a few hours which gives us the upper river and less competition for a few hours.
Purpose: This trip is designed to familiarize you with the river. If we catch fish it will be a bonus. If you are bringing a pontoon boat you MUST know how to row both forwards and backwards and how to use the paddles to align yourself. This is a very easy float but you must know how to handle your craft.
Directions: Hwy 97 north through Madras and then Hwy 26 to Warm Springs. The boat ramp is just before the bridge over the river and it clearly marked.
Regulations: Remember each person must have a boaters permit. You can purchase it at the site below. We will put in at Warm Springs and take out at Trout Creek. For the purposes of the boaters pass, put down that this is a non-guided trip.
https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=deschutes%20boaters%20pass
We are fishing section 1A. There is a great map on the boaters pass web site. “The River” map 1 for the Warm Spring Launch Ramp to Trout Creek.
Boat Registration: Each boat is required to have an invasive species permit which is an annual permit.
http://apps.oregon.gov/ECommerce/OSMB/Index.aspx
Boat owners: Be prepared for a boat safety inspection if you do not already have your 2020 sticker. Make sure you check the boaters’ regulations and have everything. You are required to have a life vest and a whistle.
Tribal Permit: Your Warm Springs permit.
http://www.tribalpermit.com
This allows you to fish on the Reservation side (river left) starting at Dry Creek that is just before Luelling Homestead. This permit can be purchased as a daily or an annual permit on the web or at one of the fly shops. Each person has to obtain his or her own permit. I purchase an annual and it pays for itself on the 3rd trip. You must have this permit on your person, not in your boat bag. The tribe does come by and check sometimes. And of course, your fishing license.
Radio: If you have a two-way radio please bring it as it allows us to stay in contact. Your phone will work most of the way if you have Verizon.
Cost: Shuttle Fee – I use Fish’s Shuttle to shuttle my car to Trout Creek. The fee is $55 and it is well worth it. Be sure to bring two keys, one for him and one for you when you get to Trout Creek. His phone number is 541-475-3129.
Rod Reel Lines: Any 5 or 6 weight rod will do. I usually bring a rod for dries and a nymph rig. You can Czech nymph or nymph the classic two fly rig with an indicator with or without split shot (non lead). Check out the COF Web Site under “presentations” and you will find some excellent assistance. Check out: FFF European Nymphing by Bill Seitz; Fishing the Crooked River by Bill Seitz slides #15, 16, and 17; Fly Fishing the Crooked River by Frank Turek – He has two types of nymphing set ups and how to fish them interspersed in the first half of the presentation.
Flies:
Check your favorite fly shop for the latest info. This is what I know which can change based on water temperature, wind, sun, clouds, rain – the usual.
Girdle Bugs Brown/Olive mix or Black #6, 8
Cheese Burgers (Double Bead Peacock) #4, 6
CDC Bead Head Flash Back Pheasant Tail #18, 16
Psycho Prince Red #18, 16
Caddis
Two Bit Hooker Light Olive #16
I always carry an array of copper johns in different colors and sizes
It is a great river for trout spey if you have a set up.
Lunch: Bring your lunch & snacks. Bring water – lots of water, better too much than not enough. We can try to eat as a group, however, once we launch and spread out it will be difficult. We can discuss at the boat launch.
Late Dinner: I have a tendency to fish late to take advantage of the evening hatch. I like to stop in Madras on my way home at a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant. Quick in/out $2 tacos or anything else you want. They stay open past midnight. It’s on the right about three or four blocks south as the road splits into two lanes.
Books: Deschutes River Boater’s Guide $9.95 waterproof. Same as map on boaters pass web site.
Fishing Oregon’s Deschutes River – Scott Richmond
For more info call:
541-325-6034
rossleeann@yahoo.com