If you take your bike on any of the trails on the Deschutes, make sure
you have your inner tubes slimed. This is the home of a thorn called the
Goat's Head that is absolutely guarenteed to give you flat tires and put
you on foot. BTW some trails (above the locked gate for example) are
closed to bikes.
Jim Jones
Elderkin, Scott wrote:
Boat is the way to go but we did hike up about two miles from macks
canyon and found some great spots.
And there is path that runs up the east side of the bank, from the
Columbia. Might be 6 or 10miles long. People biked and jogged on it. I
am thinking of taking a mt.bike up there for the day to fish. Tons of
great spots within the last 6 miles.
se
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sean Grier
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2005 3:08 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Deschutes River report
I used to live in Vancouver, WA and fished the Deschutes quite a bit.
Your comment about the 14" fish feeling like a steelhead is right on -
those red-sides fish WAY out of class. I used to hit South Junction
quite a bit, and camped in the the little spots right along the RR
track. I remember the first night that one of those 2-mile long trains
came by (I was about 100' from the tracks), I was SURE that it was
coming right through my tent! Definitely other-worldly.
I haven't tried a float-and-fish trip like you did, though - I always
banked it. You undoubtedly got to some much nicer water than one can
get to from driving up and hiking.
Great post, Scott.
Sean
-----Original Message-----
From: Uncle Brad and Elly <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Jun 2, 2005 6:00 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Deschutes River report
I love the sound of the trains as they go by in the night. It's almost
an
other worldly experience being woke up and listening half asleep to the
bizarre screeching, scraping, and pounding sounds of the trains rolling
across the terrain. It's something I look forward to on the Yak too. BjR
----- Original Message -----
From: "Elderkin, Scott" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2005 12:55 PM
Subject: Deschutes River report
Last week, I floated the deschutes river from just north of maupin to
the mouth of the Columbia. Most of the day was spent fishing, not
floating. You can not fish from a boat. And the river holds a few
tricky class III rapids. So, you will get wet. I'd suggest the larger
river rafts but did see one guy in a single seat pontoon.
I've fished this river twice, without much success. Nymphing isn't my
strong suit, but I'm improving. I actually caught more trout without
using a strike indicator. Although, the professional frowned upon that
practice. 2x or 3x is the way to go, since the fish fight so hard.
The local rainbows are called 'red-sides' and are simply striking in
their power and beauty. You hook a 14 inch red-side and it feels like
20+ inches. Three times, a trout of only 14 inches went well into my
backing as it jumped into the current and headed for Washington state
line. What a thrill.
A group of eight included one professional guide, who hosted the trip
for friends and family. I was neither, luckily filled a vacant spot.
Finding camp spots were easy, since there were so few others on the
water.
With great weather (minus strong winds on the final day), this trip
was pure heaven. I can not begin to note the enjoyment found in the
scenery, solitude and fishing. The high desert canyon walls tower
above. The trout hit weighted prince nymphs during the day and caddis
early evening. Didn't see any hatches but we caught plenty of fish.
For a holiday weekend, we saw 5 other boats. Simply shocking.
I HIGHLY recommend this opportunity, if it ever crosses you path.
The only real negative is the RR that runs the length of the water we
floated. Luckily, only two passed per night.
scott
