Deschutes - Salmonfly Status?

BigJohnJohn

BigJohnJohn

Gone Fishing
Forum Supporter
Hi All -

I am headed out to the Deschutes this weekend and was wondering if anyone could give me some updated info on if the Salmonflies have started popping off yet. I was not optimistic about it since it has been so chilly down there but I am seeing some differing reports online and was just hoping to get some info on if I need to go stock up on some salmonflies or if I will be primarily nymphing this weekend.

Thanks for the help!
John
 
It sounds like a nymphing weekend. That's what I'll be focused on.
 
BigJohnJohn said:
Hi All -

I am headed out to the Deschutes this weekend and was wondering if anyone could give me some updated info on if the Salmonflies have started popping off yet. I was not optimistic about it since it has been so chilly down there but I am seeing some differing reports online and was just hoping to get some info on if I need to go stock up on some salmonflies or if I will be primarily nymphing this weekend.

Thanks for the help!
John
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Regardless of the reports from fly shops say, or anyone on this forum say. BRING THEM JUST IN CASE!

The last thing you want to do is go thinking you’re just nymphing and the hatch pops off.

Be prepared!
 
According to Jeff Perin at the Flyfishers place on 30 April:

"I’d guess we are about 8-12 days away from meaningful Salmonfly hatches. It will start down by Macks Canyon, and work up river. How fast? That’ll depend on the weather, but my dog told me he thinks the hatch is going to hit Mecca on May 13th. How’s that for a scientific statement of fact? I’m kidding of course, but the dog is probably close."

Given the cold weather since 30 April, his pup may have changed his mind.

cheers
 
For sure. I will have some. I already have a few in box but if I knew that I was going to be fishing them all weekend I would figure out how to make it out to a flyshop today to pick up some more.
 
BigJohnJohn said:
For sure. I will have some. I already have a few in box but if I knew that I was going to be fishing them all weekend I would figure out how to make it out to a flyshop today to pick up some more.
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Yeah, those flies like to end up in the trees
 
I was about half way between Sherar's and Maupin last Sunday and I saw a few bugs flying around. Nothing compared to what I'd expect when things really start popping, but it's a start!
 
Went yesterday and the bushes were full of bugs. The fish aren’t quite focused on them yet, at least not for me.
 
If there are bugs in the bushes you can always get some fish on dries.. fish jungle water.. if you aren't getting them long legged spiders all over you and if you ain't holding onto branches with one hand and casting with the other you aren't even in the game :)
 
Rob Allen said:
If there are bugs in the bushes you can always get some fish on dries.. fish jungle water.. if you aren't getting them long legged spiders all over you and if you ain't holding onto branches with one hand and casting with the other you aren't even in the game :)
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Not sure about the Deschutes but where I fish this hatch, the moment I see even a single shuck I'm 100% confident I can catch 'em on a big dry.
 
They are out. My buddy returned from three days on the Deschutes on Thursday morning. They weren't on the water yet but were everywhere in the bushes. He managed to accidently transport one back home in his gear, as well.
 
Rob Allen said:
If there are bugs in the bushes you can always get some fish on dries.. fish jungle water.. if you aren't getting them long legged spiders all over you and if you ain't holding onto branches with one hand and casting with the other you aren't even in the game :)
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I was coaching some beginners, and there was no way I was taking them into typical Deschutes jungle water. But it was a great day out there, as it always is.
 
PhilR said:
I was coaching some beginners, and there was no way I was taking them into typical Deschutes jungle water. But it was a great day out there, as it always is.
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A good coach never gives out all of the answers!
 
Just got back from 4 days in the lower canyon. Some big bugs around but not in crazy numbers. Only on the warmest day did we see them flying.
I tied a norms special on the 5wt and a sculpzilla type streamer on the spey and never felt the need to take them off. Got fish about equally between the 2. Sometimes its fun to watch that splashy rise, sometimes its fun to sip a beer and watch the hills for sheep.

You guys can keep the jungle water. I'll take the high outside banks with tall grass and never even get in the water. Most of the streamer fish came out of the fast riffle heads though.

Hadn't seen the canyon since the fires. Looks like she is rebounding well, except maybe for some invasives sprouting up. Next time I'll bring some shears for the lay day. Amazing to see how many of the camps were overgrown again though. No steelhead season and a bumper spring will do that I guess.
 
I'll be surprised if I get out during this season's hatch, although a day of snake hunting might be fun (pretty easy too this time of year)...Besides, the D fished so damn well all winter/spring, I don't really feel the urge to battle crowds!
 
clarkman said:
I'll be surprised if I get out during this season's hatch, although a day of snake hunting might be fun (pretty easy too this time of year)...Besides, the D fished so damn well all winter/spring, I don't really feel the urge to battle crowds!
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You'd be so proud of me. I saw a snake (common garter, I think), and instead of shrieking like a little girl, I stopped and watched it for a bit.
 
How are the ticks down there this year? I’ve heard it’s going to be a bad year for them in the PNW.
 
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