Idaho Fish Report
There was a big storm on the lower Deschutes over the weekend
by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
8-21-2024
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There was a big storm on the lower Deschutes over the weekend. There might be a little color to the river below White River confluence but it likely will not be prolonged murkiness.
Trout fishing has been consistently good lately on the lower Deschutes. Caddis hatches have been going on throughout the day between Trout Creek and Maupin. Nymphing has also been effective for trout anglers.
Steelheading on the Deschutes has been good so far. Counts over Bonneville Dam vs The Dalles Dam indicate that many steelhead have yet to make it to the Deschutes. Overall, this year is the best so far since 2015 for wild steelhead returns.
Salmon season opened on Aug. 1. Anglers have been catching fall Chinook throughout the fishery, from the mouth to Sherars Falls. No coho yet, but a few have been trickling over The Dalles dam.
The Thermal Angling Sanctuary closure is currently in effect from Moody Rapids downstream to the mouth. This section of the Deschutes is closed to all fishing and will reopen on Sept. 16.