This week we returned to a favorite fishing site, the Upper Deschutes River.
Proximity to our house makes for a perfect day or even half day jaunt.
Numerous pull-offs and side roads offer access to grassy banks, perfectly suited for a camp chair.
The Deschutes River is divided into three zones, Upper, Middle and Lower. There is a striking difference between these separate stretches of river. It’s entire length is bank fishable, with lots of access points for picnicking as well as camping.
This day we tried a new spot just downstream from the head waters and Little Lava Lake. From here the river flows south into the Crane Prairie Reservoir, eventually turning north out of Wickiup Reservoir and onto the Columbia River. This close to the head waters means the stream is more wadeable but holds smaller fish.
Nothing better than a dust bath after a swim in the river …
The stream is never more than knee deep so we can wade and fish either bank. It is also perfect for a game of fetch with Tip.
The biggest fault with this weeks jaunt was a lack of fish caught, but that was made up in time spent pulling a stick from the river.