Spring officially started this week.
While we have no illusions this marks an end to snowfall, it does mean days are getting longer and warmer. When there is one of those warmer days we head to the river. We’ve made several trips to the Lower Deschutes this winter and have gotten more familar with Maupin.
It’s a small town precariously occupying a hillside over looking the Deschutes River. It’s really returning to an old haunt and with a bit of exploring we discovered a stretch of river with easy access for all.
Highway 197 (Deschutes Ave.) winds it’s way in and back out of the canyon passing through the center of Maupin.
Where the highway crosses fifth street is the Deschutes Angler. . . . a flyfishing shop.
Among the hundreds of shops in river towns only a handful are must stop locations.
The adage “if they don’t have it you don’t need it” hallmarks these places. Deschutes Angler is on that list.
A fishing shop visit could replenish a tying bench or fishing pack, however mostly it’s a means to acquire current intel on local waters. Not all establishments are equal in these aspects, so when you find a good one it gets marked on the map.
The sun helps cut the chill but hasn’t been around enough to coax spring color back into the canyon walls.
We need wadeable access so take advantage of pullouts along the Deschutes River Access Road.
Fishing alongside traffic comes with some limits. Tip is on constant duty, so if the road offers the shortest route between JQ and Jack he’ll be on it.
Fortunately he is a good listener.
The spot we settled into this winter offers lots of dog friendly access to the river. There’s a wide swath of river silt and grass cut with jagged outcropping of lava rock.
The scattering of trees and willow bushes at river’s edge seem bare from the road. Ducking under a branch to gain access to a new pool I notice bud sites and the beginnings of summer foliage.
Won’t be long before the banks are lined with fisherman and the water is full of rafters. By then other waters will become our regular haunt.