Idaho Fish Report

The Middle Deschutes is about ready to pop for the 1st good hatch of the year. In Mid February the little black stoneflies are the dominate hatch of the month. Getting to the river about noon is about right and carefully fishing the banks with a float-n-fool or black elk hair is the ticket. The water is high so be careful wading, but the irrigation companies will be doing periodic stock runs which they turn on the canals for a few days to allow the farms to refill their ponds for animals. I’d go anytime, but if you can time your day(s) to coincide with the stock run, all the better!

Besides the little stones hatching, stonefly nymphs (including the really big salmonfly nymphs) are excellent choices to fish, with a Pheasant Tail, Prince, or Hares Ear dropper for Winter conditions.
Streamers are also fun to fish on the Middle D!