Gorge Fly Shop Blog: Columbia Gorge Fishing Reports

Trout - Deschutes River:

Lower Deschutes River

The Lower Deschutes around the Maupin area has been fishing pretty good as of late. The Deschutes is currently still closed up at Warm Springs, Mecca Flats and Trout Creek for another few weeks. The 2022 opener is right around the corner and should be fantastic fishing as those fish haven’t seen any artificial flies in months. There are some decent blue wing olive hatches going on right now around the Maupin area, and the March Brown mayflies should be making an appearance throughout the rest of this month, particularly on cloudier days. Standard euro nymph and traditional indicator rigs are getting it done. Deschutes redsides will start to really key in on salmon and golden stonefly nymphs right now leading up to the big hatch next month. Don’t be afraid to run big flies, #4 and #6 rubber legs in black and brown will be a great fly choice for the next month.

Middle Deschutes River

The middle D is fishing okay right now. Water temps are still fairly cold up there but the fish are there and will eat a well presented nymph or streamer. There are plenty of good access points to fish this section of the river around Redmond and even lower as it heads towards Lake Billy Chinook. Standard double nymph rigs are working as well as swinging or stripping small sculpin streamers. The fishing should really start to pick up as we get closer to May.

Metolius River

The mighty Met has been producing good results recently for me. And by good results, I mean a few good fish a day. This is one of the most challenging rivers to fish anywhere, the water is crystal clear and fish are smart and won’t be fooled easily. Euro nymphing or indicator nymphing are going to be your most productive methods right now. I like running a larger golden stonefly nymph or mega prince nymph, followed by a small mayfly or caddis imitation. 2 bit hookers, skinny nelsons, ju ju baetis, or zebra midges all make for good droppers. The famous green drake hatch is around the corner and is an excellent time to fish the Metolius as it’s nearly the only time all year where the trout get a little stupid. Some of the biggest rainbows are caught during this hatch.

The bull trout fishing has been solid. Stripping large black, olive, or white streamers around log jams and undercut banks will yield the best results. Nymphing is also productive for bulls. I use a large size #4 rubber legs when I nymph for them but they’ll eat just about any nymph you would use for rainbow fishing. 7 and 8 weight rods with heavy tippet are necessary as your chance of hooking a 15 lb fish are pretty good if you know where to find them.

S hop Trout Flies

Mount Hood Lakes:

Going to be awhile before we see any mountain lake action. Stay tuned...

Shop Stillwater Flies

Steelhead -

For the latest on fishing regulations in your angling zone visit https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/

Smallmouth Bass / Carp:

Pre spawn fishing is beginning to happen right now in the Columbia River Gorge. Water is still a little cold, so focus on slowing your presentation down to allow them to eat it. Slow stripping streamers, baitfish, and crayfish patterns is producing the best results. Look for back eddies and side sloughs as well as certain shallow flats on the main river. Plenty of access all up and down the Gorge off of I-84.

Shop Carp Flies

Shop Bass Flies