The Lower Deschutes is also better than expected after the heat wave. I guess the worst of the heat wave broke a while ago, but it continues to be hot, but the river is cold. It appears the bottom releases of water from the dam have begun as the water is in the mid 50’s. Fish are happy, and both Caddis and Pale Evening Dun hatches are good.
Personally I am all for taking the boat down the river over walking in from Mecca or Dry Creek. If you do the walk in way, bring a lot of cold water to drink.
Reports are coming in from the Mouth that steelhead are being caught! Watch temps, and keep fish wet (especially the wild ones by not taking them out of the water for a photo). Swinging traditional flies and skating wakers are both taking fish this past week.
We also want to encourage our friends who love the Deschutes to take a stand for it. You can help the river be healthier by checking out this link and writing a letter to protect the river from poor water quality standards that PGE violates at the dam far too much. Check it out https://www.deschutesriveralliance.org/advocacy101