Gorge Fly Shop Blog: Columbia Gorge Fishing Report 10/17/2022

Deschutes Steelhead

Steelhead haven't been particularly easy to come by lately on the lower river, but there's still plenty of time for that to change. All the steelheaders passing through the shop have been optimistically talking about the upcoming weather change. Dark days and floating lines are on the way. The fall transition can definitely help stir things up and make fish move. One very notable thing about the Deschutes steelhead in the last several years is that many of them show up a little late to the party. A good majority of anglers hang up their gear in mid-October which leads to the ability to fish a bunch of great water with confidence. They may not jump in your net on the first run, but they're out there to be found. With fish spread throughout the system, pick your favorite area and find a unicorn.

As for flies, think buggy and natural. The water has been on the low/clear side for some time now. Dry line flies like Undertaker, Steelhead Coachman and the Brazilian have been working well. On the sink tip, try Hoh Bo Speys, Mini Intruders or Bantams.

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Deschutes Trout

Deschutes trout fishing has been nothing short of excellent. Spawning fall Chinook have perked up the fish and they have been packing on some extra egg weight. The warmer weather has also spurred a bunch of insect activity. Be prepared to see a mixed bag of bugs out there...B.W.O's, caddis, crane flies and clouds of midges. The surface activity has been a bit sporadic, but the nymph fishing has been deadly. Don't be afraid to go small in clear water. Midge larva and pupa patterns have been working well. The streamer bite has also really picked up. The fish will be getting extra happy when the cooler rainy weather sets in. Deschutes trout love nasty weather!

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Mount Hood Lakes

The lakes have been fishing quite well as of late. Local anglers have reported good chironomid activity along with a smattering of other bugs. The leech fishing has been very good with the most success coming on olive patterns or an intermediate lake line. Now is the perfect time to soak up our remaining warm weather on the lakes. Be sure to check the regulations before you head out as many of the lakes close at end of the month.

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