Read this report because I am 100% sure the really good stuff is jut a few days away. Already, even in this awful weather we are getting this weekend there are some perfect spots to go and enjoy it to the fullest, but what is going to happen by the end of next week I think is going to be phenomenal. Are you ready?

The Salmonfly and Golden Stone hatches are starting on the Lower Deschutes and the Middle Deschutes.
For the next 3 to 5 days I suspect the adults are going be really hunkered down but by next Friday and beyond afternoon temps will be around 80 degrees on the Deschutes and these bugs are going to be full tilt. Jason from the Portland Fly Shop did a good fishing report video on the Lower Deschutes yesterday (5/3/24) and reported from the river about the start of the big stoneflies, but watch it because he was excited about how many Yellow Sally’s were hatching too.
On the Lower Deschutes I heard there were some Green Drakes (8-10) hatching yesterday and fish were on them. I know the day before there was a huge afternoon hatch of Pale Evening Duns (12-14) too. These are both big mayflies that are filling the void of the waining March Brown hatch. Smaller but no less important mayflies will include PMD’s (16).
If you’re headed to the Middle Deschutes the PED and PMD hatches are very good now, and even today and tomorrow in the cold, wet weather you should see good hatches of both. Salmonflies are in the bushes here too, but give it 4 or 5 days to warm up.
Of course there will be some good nymph fishing opportunities, however, the Middle river is running really low at the beginning of the irrigation season so think about your approach to the nymphs and consider the weight of the nymphs, going Euro style or under an indicator or swinging unweighted soft hackles. The flows should pop up again soon.

The Metolius is seeing the 1st few (emphasize very few) Green Drakes, but in 2 weeks and lasting until the end of June these beauties will be one of the most important hatches occurring in the area. A few fish were caught last week on Drake’s.
As mentioned in other reports there is a more likely hatch of Epeorus mayflies (you’ll recognize them by 2 tails….Drakes have 3) and the fish like to eat these too. Have a #10 Tan Mayfly with you for the next 10 days or so.
When I (finally) was on the Metolius this week the PMD and BWO hatch was strong mid afternoon. There were also some mid day Rusty Spinners (usually see them in the evening or at dusk) and just a few March Browns.
With warmer weather coming soon the summer caddis will probably hatch better. Right now, caddis seemingly are trickling and the fish are certainly interested in eating the pupa.
Of course nymphing is good and so is streamer fishing for Bull Trout now. A lot of whitefish in the reports from my friends who were out there nymphing. All good for me, I like whitefish a lot.

The Crooked River is fishable today. Running 390 and has dropped a bunch this week.
BUT, with the rain hitting the mountains I don’t think they are going to be able to hold 390. If it bumps up I Believe it will be for only a short time. Prineville Reservoir is 100% full and some water is racing over the spillway on the dam.
Stevie was out yesterday and fished a viable Skwala hatch. my friend Gary was also out there and was fishing a drop shot rig with a flashy black RS2. Everyone was catching fish.
We recommend BRIGHT perdigons. Water is turbid and a hot spot or shiny fly will help the fish find the fly in the drift.
Watch the water and plan a good trip. It is going to be a great summer and fall of fishing here!

The McKenzie has been a little slow so far, but I know the combination of Mid May and WARM days ahead and the old Mac is going to pop! Caddis, Epeorus, PMD’s, Stone’s, FLYING ANTS perhaps in the next 12 to 15 days? Let’s get past Mothers Day and take another look…

The Fall River continues to be consistent for us and is seeing more and more signs of summer fishing conditions with PMD’s, Caddis, Yellow Sally’s and I’d guess any day now we will see a few Green Drakes begin to hatch here too.
Make sure to bring a dry fly rod and a nymph/streamer rod (10 or 10 1/2′ 3 wt) and Eggs, Streamers and Heavy Jigs. Mops ain’t bad either BTW.

Lakes you’ll want to hit this week will be Crane Prairie but not until Wednesday when the weather looks like it is going to transition to be calmer and better boating conditions. Leeches and chironomids, callibaetis nymphs and damsel nymphs.
Chickahominy is still incredible and the water remains cold and the average fish is well over 15″, going to over 20 on a regular basis. Leeches have been the best, but chironomids, water boatman and blobs are good.
North and South Twin Lakes are fishing well. Antother ODFW stocking this week with trophies for South. Leeches and Damsel Nymphs have been the best for the fly guys.
Haystack is fishing great. A good afternoon Callibaetis hatch is making for some good afternoon dry fly times. Leeches and Chironomids and Cb Nymphs are great, and strip or wind drift them on a clear camo or hover line.
No access yet to Lava, Hosmer, 3 Creeks, Paulina or East. After the warm up I wonder how this will change for the next report?

It has been fun to see so many of you in the shop recently as I have been there so much more! I am having a blast and just need to get a couple of little life things taken care of with my health and my mom’s health and I am so looking forward to more fishing days ahead.

be well and see you soon,

Jeff