September
Deschutes -
Well, August and it's prolific caddis hatches has passed and now we have October and with it the October caddis excitement. Another "big bug" for the fish to gulp down . If you didn't know already that large orangish, brownish mothy looking bug that you see while your standing in the river is most likely an October Caddis ( Dicosmoecus, spp. for you bug geeks) While not as prolific as some other caddis on the D, it's every bit as important. Particularly in the pupal stage when it is most prone to predation it's a must have for your imitation box. It can be fished both as a nymph or on a slow swing. It is particularly productive in the evening. For you dry fly fanatics try throwing an orange stimulator under a tree that is casting a shadow on the river.
I've been very fond of soft hackles in the autumn for some reason. Flies like the bloody mary and Silvey's always seemed to work very well in the autumn months.
Steelhead are definitely around and scattered throughout the system. Sadly, I've been sidelined with some health issues so this report largely draws from early to mid September experiences and the old grapevine. I know for a fact that fish are being caught above Beavertail campground now and some have been caught in the day float section from Warm Springs to Trout Creek. Always be prepared !
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Crooked and Fall Rivers-
I last fished both of these rivers during the 2nd week of September. They both were fishing very well. On the crooked the PMD hatches around eleven on sunny days was really good and lasted until about two then kind of reappeared again around four but not lasting very long after that. The tight line "Euronymphing" game is still red hot with perdigon style flies and 2.7 mm pearlescent or pink beads being particularly strong. It seems like most of the fish are located up around the Big Bend campground but it also seems like everyone knows this so the fish are getting a bit sore mouthed up there. Challange yourself and move downstream to try to find some fish and spread the hurt ( if you will )
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The Fall river was loaded with fish when last I was there. But I was amazed at how quickly hatchery fish can become wily or at least picky. We did very well with small perdigon style flies with pink beads and some small dark soft hackle emerger styles. Fishing at the hatchery and below the falls was the most productive ( if you know the fall you already know that though) There were some fish rising to PMD's and small black caddis. There were also some green drakes on the water as well.
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East Lake -
I'm sorry I don't have much to report here on a first hand basis. I haven't been up there in a while due to some health issue. Check out the fishing report at FFP 's facebook page for a fairly recent report. Or heck, just give them a call .
I'll have a more extensive and precise report soon. Until then tight lines everyone !