Central and Eastern Oregon Fishing Reports
From avid Angler Tim Moran
Lower Deschutes River – Steelhead are still being caught in the stretch between Warn Springs and Maupin. The fish being caught are mostly falling to spey fishermen swinging flies or fly guys fishing indicators and big stone-fly nymphs. Trout fishing also continues to be good fishing nymphs and BWO’s in the afternoon when the hatch occurs. It’s going to be snowy if you’re going over the pass or driving up from Bend so be prepared..
John Day River – Steelhead fishing is fair in the river from Cottonwood to Clarno. Swinging flies and fishing the tailouts and pool heads with #3 and 4 Blue Fox spinners are getting most of the fish. Jigs under a float will take fish too! Temps will be chilly so dress accordingly. The country out there is beautiful and you can fish in solace this time of year.
Metolius River – The Fly Fisherman’s Place shop in Sisters reports good fishing on nymphs with a BWO hatch in the afternoons. Again, this time of year the river can be too cold to fish until after 10:00 am so take your time getting there.
Fall River – The fishing has been pretty steady with Euro-nymphing taking the lion’s share of the fish. Keep your small BWO dry rig ready for an afternoon hatch. The forecast is for snow up that high this weekend so be ready for the flurries!
Crooked River – Flows are low and stable and fishing should be good. Fish small midge imitations and micro midge nymphs on light tippets.
Grand Ronde River – Steelhead fishing is slow to fair. Swinging flies and fishing nymphs or small jigs under a bobber will take fish.
It’s a little slow out there but hey…it’s December! I hope to get out for some winter Walleye fishing in the gorge if the weather and my weekend ever comes together. Best of luck to everyone!
From ODF&W
The snow gates west of Mt. Bachelor between Dutchman Flat and Deschutes Bridge are closed for the winter.
Steelhead anglers on the lower Deschutes should concentrate on the Maupin to Warm Springs section.
Trout anglers can target the Crooked, lower Deschutes and Metolius rivers, where fishing for native redbands can be good throughout the year.
Best bet remains the Klamath River below Keno Dam and JC Boyle dam to the Frain Ranch
The Ana Reservoir and River are good bets for winter fishing. Both are spring-fed waterbodies and remain a constant temperature throughout the year.