Deschutes River - Upper

About Deschutes River - Upper

The Upper Deschutes River begins its journey from spring-fed Little Lava Lake, flowing south through Crane Prairie Reservoir and then Wickiup Reservoir before turning north towards Bend. This section of the Deschutes is a quintessential mountain stream, defined by its clear, cold water, surrounding pine forests, and open grassy meadows. Located in Central Oregon, west of Bend in the Cascade Mountains, anglers here fish with snow-capped peaks as a backdrop. The river features placid currents interspersed with significant riffles and rapids, including named features like Pringle Falls, Benham Falls, Dillon Falls, and Lava Island Falls. Its banks are lined with mature Ponderosa Pine forests, stands of jack pine, and massive lava flows that shape the river's course. Access to the Upper Deschutes is highly convenient, with numerous parks, campgrounds, boat launches, and roads providing entry points. Road access and hiking along the river are common ways to reach fishing spots, though development remains limited, primarily concentrated near the Sunriver area. Portions of the river are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, ensuring continued public access. Anglers targeting the Upper Deschutes will find Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and healthy populations of Mountain Whitefish throughout. Specifically, strong populations of Brown Trout are present in the section after Crane Prairie Reservoir. Further downstream, after Wickiup Reservoir and heading towards Bend, the river holds large Brown Trout and Rainbows. Good hatches of mayflies, caddis, stoneflies, and midges can occur at any time, providing consistent opportunities for surface activity. The Upper Deschutes is considered excellent dry fly water, making it a prime destination for anglers who prefer to fish the surface. Attractor dries are usually a good choice, and streamers can also be highly effective for prospecting deeper water or targeting larger fish. When fish aren't rising, fishing a small beadhead nymph below a dry fly often produces results, allowing you to cover both the surface and the subsurface simultaneously. Anglers can fish this water by wading, or from a drift boat, raft, or motorboat, offering flexibility in how you approach the river. Always check local regulations before fishing, and be mindful of your casting space when fishing from crowded access points.