Deschutes trout settle into cold, low fall flows

What's biting

What's next

With a New Moon today, the nights are dark and the water stays cold. Expect water temperatures to hold in the upper 30s through the next few days, so the best bite should come from late morning into mid-afternoon, once the sun has added a degree or two. Slow, close-to-the-bottom presentations should do the work. Think small nymphs and midges fished deep, dead-drifted through slower seams where fish conserve energy.

Low flows at 14 cfs mean fish are concentrated in the deeper runs and pools, and they will spook easily. Keep a low profile, use light tippet and make long, careful approaches. If an overcast day arrives, that is when the low-light patterns MidCurrent describes should shine, and a few fish may rise to midges in the film.

Streamers are worth a try for Brown Trout in the pre-spawn period, working dark patterns slowly along undercut banks and the edges of deeper pools. Check current regulations and any seasonal closures before heading out, since fall spawning protections often apply on trout water.

Context

Mid-October typically marks the transition from fall hatches to true winter patterns in the high-desert rivers of central Oregon. Water at 37 to 38°F is on the cold side for the date, which points to an early arrival of winter conditions rather than a late one. Brown Trout and Brook Trout are usually in or near their fall spawning period, so fish can be aggressive but also sensitive to pressure. Steelhead typically begin to show in rivers as the season advances, though conditions vary year to year.