he Day Stretch continues to deliver dependable summer fishing. Recent reports from ODFW note that summer steelhead fishing on the lower Deschutes has been going well this year, with more anglers finding success on both gear and fly across the river.

Trout are holding tight in their classic caddis lies—look for soft seams, under overhanging banks, and along shaded cottonwood edges. Dry fly windows are strongest late afternoon into evening using Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis, Foam-Body Caddis, and Center Stage Caddis. These patterns are working best when drifted through foam lines or just under overhanging trees.

When the canyon wind kicks up or the surface bite slows, subsurface techniques take over. Nymphs like the Walt’s Worm, Jig PMD Nymph, Warrior Jig, Berry’s PCP, and Blue Lightning Bug are getting consistent grabs. Assorted caddis pupae versions under an indicator also continue to pick up fish when caddis are around. Don’t hesitate to reach for the Pink Tracksuit — it’s still earning strikes when nothing else will.

Anglers are also seeing early signs of steelhead showing up downstream, and fish counts remain solid. That makes this stretch even more compelling: excellent trout fishing now, and a potential shift if you're heading lower into September.