The Upper Deschutes is fishing well right now, but heads up—starting September 1, a seasonal closure will go into effect from the Gull Point buoy line upstream to near Sheep’s Bridge (just below Crane Prairie Dam) to protect spawning kokanee. It runs through late April, so make the most of your August sessions before access changes.

On the water, PMDs and caddis remain the primary hatches, delivering dependable dry-fly opportunities in the late afternoon and evening. Patterns like Parachute PMDs, Elk Hair Caddis, and Purple Haze are consistently triggering rises, especially in shaded seams and slower runs.

When the wind kicks up or the dry fly bite slows, it’s time to switch to subsurface tactics. Productive flies right now include Golden Stone nymphs, mini jig leeches, Rainbow Warriors, Green Copper Johns, Walt’s Worms, and Scuds. Euro rigs work great in faster seams, while indicators cover deeper water where fish will hold.

Terrestrials like ants and beetles are still worth throwing—especially along grassy banks when it’s calm and fish are looking up. And for those targeting bigger trout, stripping Sculpzillas or small streamers tight to structure can pay off—especially as the light softens.

With great hatches, clear water, and the seasonal closure fast approaching, these next few weeks are prime time on the Upper Deschutes.