Trip Highlights
- Float and fish the Lower Deschutes River near Maupin, Oregon
- Wade, spey cast, and swing flies for summer steelhead
- Two handed casting and fishing instruction from thoughtful and patient guides
- Full day trips can last dawn ’till dusk. Shorter days can be arranged.
Trip Overview
Our daily steelhead float trips focus on the 35 miles of the Lower Deschutes River surrounding Maupin, Oregon July through November. From Maupin we set out each day to float one of more than five beats of productive steelhead fly water. We use drift boats to get to the best runs, and get out of the boat to wade, spey cast, and swing flies for steelhead. Our gudies posses local knowledge and a keen intuition, and to say that we are passionate about swinging flies for steelhead would be a huge understatement. We’re happy to provide spey casting instruction as well as rods and lines for you to fish with. We spent ten years living in Maupin and guiding for steelhead on this part of the Deschutes. We would love the opportunity to share it with you.
Fishing Program
Rates
Day Float: $625 (1 or 2 anglers), $725 (3 anglers)
Mid July through December
Included:Â Guided fishing (one boat and guide per one to three anglers), lunch, drinking water, and spey rod setups. Â Transportation to the river and back from Maupin, Oregon.
Not Included:Â Â Rental waders and / or wading boots, fishing license, Deschutes Boater Pass, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities.
You Will Need:Â Â Waders and / or wading boots, Oregon fishing license (w/ Columbia Basin Endorsement), and Deschutes Boater Pass. We can assist you with obtaining these items, except for your fishing license.
Location & Travel
Our Deschutes steelhead float trips begin in Maupin, Oregon. Guests arriving by plane typically fly into Portland, rent a car, and drive approx. 2 hrs to Maupin. Spending the night in Maupin prior to your trip is highly recommended as we start in Maupin before sunrise.
Pre and post trip accommodations in Maupin should be handled independently.
Licenses & Permits
Fishing License:Â You will need a valid Oregon angling license and steelhead tag with a Columbia Basin Endorsement. Â Daily ($16.50/angler), three day, and five day combo license are available and include the steelhead tag (available online at https://or.outdoorcentral.us/or/license).
Boater Pass: You will need a Deschutes Boater Pass, a BLM fee and document available at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/251980. Boater passes cost $6/transaction fee + $2/person (weekdays) and $8/person (weekend days) and are limited in availability during peak season (Memorial Day weekend through Octboer 15th depending on the stretch of river), so early reservations are encouraged. We are happy to assist you in obtaining your boater pass. Please contact us for details.
Bend Fly Shop’s outfitter, Chris O’Donnell’s Guide Service, is an equal opportunities recreation provider operating under special recreation permits granted by the Bureau of Land Management for the Lower Deschutes, Crooked, and John Day Rivers.