Over the past two weeks, the warm temperatures created some excellent fishing days on the Lower Deschutes. It looks like that will change now that winter is finally making an appearance, expect low temperatures and rain/snow over the next two weeks. This may slow the fish down slightly but it could make for some productive blue wing olive hatches. Some of the biggest BWO hatches I’ve seen have been on frigid days. Look for the BWO hatch around 12. Nymphing is the most productive fishing technique, now that winter is here look for fish in slower deeper water. Baetis nymphs are great before and during the hatch. Stonefly nymphs consistently fool fish as do classic nymph patterns like hare’s ears, copper johns, and pheasant tails. Eggs are a great choice now that whitefish are spawning. A reminder that Steelhead fishing is closed, check the ODFW emergency regulations for details. Swinging small streamers can occasionally trick a big redband. Trout spey is a great way to maintain your spey casting techniques. 

Suggested Flies: Bird’s Nest Hare’s Ear #14-18, Dark Assassin #14-18, Bird’s Nest Or Black Depth Charge #14-18, Red or Black Zebra Midge #16-18, Black or Red Chironocone #14-18, Flashback PT #14-18, Red or Black Yankee Buzzer #14,  Bruised Balanced Leech #10-14, Ruby Leech #10-12, Black Wooly Bugger #10-12, Olive Wooly Bugger #10-12, Black or Rust Slump Buster #10-12, Thin Mint #10-12, Olive or Black BH Mini Leech #12