Multi-day camp

Our trips > Lower Deschutes River

Season

Duration

Capacity

Apr-Nov

Rate

$600 per angler/day+

3-5 days

2-10 anglers

Stay

Tent

Overview

Drift, fish and unwind on our multi-day camp trip down the Wild and Scenic Lower Deschutes River canyon outside of Bend, Oregon. We’ll float from Trout Creek Campground to Harpham Flat, an ideal section for chasing native “Redside” rainbow trout and seasonal steelhead. Covering roughly 35 miles in total, each day offers a new scenic stretch of the river to explore before arriving at fully-catered riverside camp. We’ll travel by drift boat, with opportunities to wade and fish along the way.

What to expect

We provide comfortable riverside accomodations inclusive of spacious (double occupancy) tents, cots and sleeping pads, but ask that you bring your own personal sleeping bag and pillow.

Accomodations

Your guides will meet you in Madras, Oregon around 8am. We’ll leave your vehicle there and carpool to Trout Creek Campground, where we’ll pack the boats and hit the water. We’ll float approximately 10-15 miles per day, stopping for a riverside lunch as we make our way downstream. After a full day on the water, you’ll arrive at a fully-outfitted riverside camp complete with a family-style dinner prepared our camp chef. After breakfast and coffee, we’ll continue our journey down the river canyon. The trip will conclude at Harpham Flat Boat Ramp near Maupin, Oregon, where we'll load up and carpool back to your vehicle.

Itinerary

The Lower Deschutes is renowned for its hard-fighting wild rainbow trout, which can be targeted using various fly fishing techniques. The insect hatches and fish preferences change daily, so we come prepared with a range of rods, from light dry fly setups to heavier nymph rigs. While we pursue resident rainbow trout throughout the season, there are opportunities to encounter summer run steelhead as fall approaches. Fly fishing this river offers many approaches, and we aim to match your interests with the most effective methods. Please note, angling from the boat is not permitted.

Fishing

$600 per angler/day (4+ anglers)

$650 per angler/day (2 anglers)

Lunch, snacks and water will be provided each day. Dinner will include a thoughtful family-style menu prepared in camp on the grill. The morning routine entails a hot, simple breakfast and coffee or tea. You’re welcome to bring any additional food, beverages, or spirits you’d like to enjoy.

Meals

Gear

All required fly fishing gear will be provided, including rods, reels and terminal tackle. You’ll need waders and wading boots, which can be available upon request. If you prefer to bring your own gear, we recommend 4, 5 and 6 weight rods in 9’ to 10’ lengths and fly lines, designed to throw big dry flies and weighted nymphs. Given the cool water temperatures and slippery rocks, studded felt wading boots work best.

What to bring

Fishing license

Personal items

Rates

You will need to acquire an Oregon fishing license through ODFW or at select brick & mortar locations. You can opt for a single-day, 3-day, or annual license, depending on your preference and trip length. We’ll take care of all other documentation required upon booking.

In high desert fashion, the weather can fluctuate widely. With chilly mornings and hot afternoons, we suggest dressing in layers. A hat, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and warm socks to wear with waders are all recommended. Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow and any personal items you’d like to have at camp. We provide a large, waterproof bag to protect all your overnight gear.

Location

Your guide will meet you at the Safeway in Madras, Oregon, about an hour north of Bend and 2.5 hours southeast of Portland.

Getting there

*2-angler trip minimum, with 2 anglers per guide boat. Price does not include fishing license, boater pass, tribal permit or guide gratuities.

Conditions

Go to USGS to view real-time water levels for the Lower Deschutes River.

River flow

See below for this week’s forecast. For future conditions, see here.

Weather

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FAQ’s

  • All reservations require a 50% deposit at time of booking. Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation email with your trip details. The remaining balance will be paid on the day of the trip. We accept credit card, cash and bank transfers.

  • We love to guide anglers of any experience or skill level. Whether it’s your first day on the water or you've been casting a rod for decades, we'll meet you where you are and work hard to provide the most rewarding experience possible.

  • Fly fishing is the focal point of our fishing program, especially on the Lower Deschutes River. However, there are some fisheries where conventional gear and tackle is appropriate. We want the fishing to be as enjoyable as possible, and often it comes down to personal preference. Just let us know ahead of time what gear you prefer.

  • We typically employ catch and release angling practices. If you catch a hatchery fish, we can clean and process the fish for you. In this case, please bring a cooler for post-trip transport.

  • Cancellations must be made at least 30 days before your trip date. You'll you'll receive a 90% refund of your deposit, with the remaining balance covering administrative expenses incurred in arranging your reservation. Deposit refunds will not be available for cancellations made within a 30-day window of your trip. In the rare case we need to cancel, you will receive a full deposit refund or the option to reschedule.