DESCHUTES ANGLER

STEELHEAD!

"Deschutes Angler this is Alex."

"Was calling to see if you think steelhead fishing is going to be worth it, this year."

"I think steelhead fishing is worth it every year."

"Ha. But are numbers good? Is the river in shape?"

"Numbers are in line with the ten year average thus far, and the snow pack is strong. The White river has not been an issue yet. Knock on wood. I do not think we are going to see a repeat of last season."

"I just spent a lot of time fishing dirty water for not a lot of fish last year and I am hesitant to make the trip again."

"I get that, but that is part of steelheading. It is not for the faint of heart or weak of mind. Plus what are you going to do instead? Work everyday?"

"Well I have to think about it, will let you know."

"Sounds good but remember you can not catch one if your boots are not wet!"


I have had this phone conversation on several occasions already this year. I and everyone else at Deschutes Angler understand that the time and money it takes to go fishing can be rare commodities. However, if you wait to hear good reports you have already missed it!

Swinging flies for steelhead is about the process and having faith in the process.. A little violence at the end of the line from time to time is the icing on the cake. Viewing it as such is what enables you to endure poor returns, blown out rivers and whatever else mother nature has to offer.

Confidence in the process comes from time on the water, success and good instruction. And this is were my sales pitch comes in.

If you want the best chance at hooking steelhead and more importantly want to expert instruction on casting and presenting your fly do a guide trip with a guide at Deschutes Angler. Or better yet do a two or three day camp trip. These trips are an immersion program in steelhead fishing and each guide at Deschutes Angler is a certified steelhead junkie and a damn good instructor. If you cut us, we bleed steelhead! Our steelhead calendar is filling up but we still have dates available. Don't forget about August! It has long been one of our favorite months on the Deschutes. The majority of the fish are wild and they are chrome!

If you are unable to do a trip stop by the shop next time you are in town fishing and ask questions. There is a wealth of information to be gleaned from the, sometimes foggy, brains of everyone here at Deschutes Angler. Every staff member truly enjoys talking steelhead behavior and fishing when engaged with smart questions. We are open seven days a week 8am to 5pm. Come in or give us a call at (5410)395-0995. Its time to steelhead fish!