For immediate release and consideration for your safety around the Upper and Middle Deschutes Friday through Sunday 8/1-8/3

Beginning Friday, Aug. 1 through the weekend – there will be a temporary and noticeable reduction in Deschutes River flows.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Department – in coordination with local irrigation districts, State water managers, local, State and Federal agencies, and others organizations, including the DRC – has requested a reduction in Wickiup Dam water releases, resulting in lowered Deschutes River flows. This request has been made to assist with on-going search and recovery efforts following the tragedy that occurred in Dillon Falls.

At 7am on Friday, August 1 – the Deschutes River flows will be reduced from Wickiup Dam, affecting the river between Wickiup and North Canal Dam in Bend. Normal summer flow and water releases from Wickiup will resume by mid-afternoon of the same day (Friday, Aug 1).

This management action will also temporarily affect flows in the Middle Deschutes, below North Canal Dam in Bend. Due to the hydrologic nature of the Upper Deschutes, these changes may impact the Middle Deschutes through the weekend.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the community’s understanding and cooperation with this special request.

What this means for our angling community that may be rivers uses on the Deschutes this weekend is that the floatable areas from Wickiup to Bull Bend and the Sunriver area are going to be really low, maybe too low to launch and float a drift boat safely. Lapine State Park to Big River CG has some mid river bars that might be un passable during this time.
I don’t think it will affect fishing thru the areas of Bend.
If the irrigation district suspends water to the canals (I don’t understand it that is part of the plan, or why it would be needed so this is likely mot a worry) the Middle River from Bend at the North Unit Canals near the Riverhouse down to Lake Billy Chinook would actually see a bump up in water levels.
I think it will be the opposite though as I believe canals will stay on with diminished flows and the Middle River ought to see a little less water for the weekend.

The River community including us at FFP wish the recovery effort to be safe and conclude with the recovery of the man who drown in the accident at the falls 2 weeks ago.
It is a good reminder to know where you are and where the water is going, have the training and skills to be there, wear a PFD that fits well and is designed for the water you are on, never consume drugs or alcohol on the water and use common sense when choosing the right kind of water craft to navigate the rivers, streams, lakes and oceans you plan to enjoy.