Chris and his dad joined us for an early June trip on the Deschutes River chasing the legendary wild Redband Rainbow Trout of the Deschutes River.  This three day adventure was a blast complete with good fishing, great food, whitewater, wildlife and some amazing stars at night.

We were watching for risers as we floated along- our journey took us on a 32 mile float starting at Trout Creek and wrapping up just above the town of Maupin, OR.  Salmon flies and golden stones live on streamside foliage before laying eggs and completing the life cycle.  These bugs are pretty clumsy and often fall in the river making easy meals for hungry trout.  I saw a nice fish rise in a shady spot just below a big alder tree.  Pulling over we positioned the boat well below the fish and got out.

Rigged with a short 4X tapered leader Chris casted a sz 8 Clarks Stonefly to a narrow slot of current between the bank and some boulders with a tree wedged on it.  The first cast a fish swirled on the fly but missed.  Two casts later a larger fish engulfed the fly and it was on.  A big boil formed as a the tail of the fish swirled and then left the pool.

Line ripped off the reel but not for long- the wiley rainbow headed for cover in the tree and branches stuck on the large boulder near it’s holding spot.  I waded as fast as possible to the tree and started breaking branches to free the line and the fish.  Thank goodness the leader held and as a I lifted the last branch the fish headed to deep water in a flash still with some branches stuck in the leader and going along for the ride!

After a solid battle and some hair raising moments we finally slid the rainbow into the net.  Chris’s first catch on a salmon fly.  Congrats Chris!

If you’d like to see what the world famous salmon fly hatch on Oregon’s Deschutes River is like connect with us at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Water Time Outfitters is an Oregon based guide service offering guided fly fishing trips on Oregon’s finest waters.  We aim to surpass your expectations with expert, fun-loving guides and exceptional hospitality so our guests can focus on their love of fishing, maximize their success and take home memories that last a lifetime.