If Fred (aka fredaevans) doesn't see your post, send him a pm. He can probably tell you what rock to stand on, as he would say.
First thank you for the nice compliment, but the Deschutes is my 'second river,' the Rogue is my home river. I can be fishing there 10 minutes from my front door.
But back the the Deschutes; WONDERFUL RIVER, lots of fish, just what time of the year for what (Summer Steelhead - Summer or 'Red Side' trout- all year) and where. Very little in the way of Salmon, but Summer Run Steelhead is a 'Game On' situation. But like all river's the time of the year will (pretty much) dictate where you fish (low or up to Sher. Falls).
That said, not to worry! BLM has a very good road that runs down one side of the river so foot access is (pretty much) any where you want to fish.:fishing: Only area that has restricted access is the Indian Reservation; there you
MUST hire one of the Tribal Guides.
As far as camping you're in God's Country on that, BLM has sm
all campgrounds all along the river so just pick one and car camp. Only thing to keep in mind is FEW of them actually have drinking water (or a bathroom for that matter); bring lots of water!!! For camping, for me, its worked to at least one gallon of water (minimum) per day. Road is well maintained by BLM but I'd give it some serious thought if you have a small car. 4x4 is not needed in my experience.
BLM has a very good set of river maps showing (and distance!!) of each of their camp grounds/facilities (if any), etc. Available on line or a nominal fee if you want to purchase same (think about ten bucks).
But as to fishing!!! Fish start showing up, in numbers, about mid-July and run builds for the next three to four months. Early fish low, as the calendar moves forward you can move up stream.
As for gear the Deschutes, dam controled it may be, but it is a BIG RIVER with one of the hardest wading I've ever experienced. Reason for this was the building of the RR's. Blast and cast ... as the rubble into the river. A good solid wading staff is highly recommended. :thmbup:
Only odd off is there are a few Rattle Snakes all be it I've only seen one. I'm not sure who was the more surprised ... me or him. Pay attention as you walk down/off the river; your waders will not protect you. As for 'my snake' I polked him with the tip of my spey rod and he/she wiggled off.
As for which fly, I've had my most success with 'dark' patterns. For me, Purple has been the most consistant colour topped with a touch of white hair of some sort. Bright patterns brought little to My Party. As for lines I recommend a
light sink tip or a floater with weighted flies. Odd off is this is the only river (that I can think of) where the fish are not bottom huggers or at least they will come up and chomp your fly. :thmbup:
That said, low in the water collum is always the best way to go. But due to all the rubble on the river bottom (these are BIG chunks of blasted out rock) you don't want to be 'bouncing bottom' unless you've brough a hell of a lot of flies and/or a replacement line.
The only down side of fishing the 'lower' Deschutes is the White River if its tossing silt, which can really screw up the river for fishing. Solution requires driving up stream to get above the bloody thing. For claification, that was a one time affair so I wouldn't let that put you off your game.
Anyway back to where to fish/access. Contact BLM (the maps are also available on line) and get the one(s) that cover the area you want to fish. Where these really help is all of the camp sites are right on the river so, at worst, you have a 100 yard walk to go 'Boots Wet.'
fae
Edit: Forgot about your request for Guides. Many on the river but 'My Guy' is Mark B owner of flyfishusa in Welches, OR.
http://www.flyfishusa.com//adventure-trips/adventure-home/av.html
Best yet the other three were all business clients so company paid for the full ride (and my air plane fare).