Steelhead Fishing Trip
Steelhead Fishing Trip Adventures
Pursue The Ultimate Jewel in Your Crown
Embark on a legendary fly-fishing experience chasing summer-run steelhead on the Lower Deschutes River. These remarkable fish, known for their incredible journey and otherworldly determination, have captivated anglers for generations.
Our guided trips take you through 100 miles of our "Home Water," where you'll witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Central Oregon high desert while pursuing one of the most elusive and demanding quarries in the fly-fishing world. Join us for an unforgettable adventure that connects you with the rich history and enduring spirit of these magnificent fish.
» Expert and knowledgeable steelhead guides
» Customized trips tailored to anglers of all skill levels
» State-of-the-art equipment and techniques
Steelhead Single-Day Pricing
$600
1 or 2 people
OR
$650
3 people
What is Included: Guide with Boat, Shuttle, Delicious Lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, Flies, Rods and Reels
What is not Included: Fishing License, Tribal Permit (if necessary), Boater’s Pass (price varies), Waders and Boots, Client Vehicle Shuttle
Steelhead Multi-Day Pricing
$825
per day
1 person
$600
per person per day
2 people
$550
per person per day
4 or 8 people
What is Included: All meals, non-alcoholic beverages, Flies, Rods and Reels, Guide Rig Shuttle, All Camp Equipment (except sleeping bag and pillow)
What is not Included: Fishing License, Tribal Permit (if necessary), Boater’s Pass (price varies), Waders and Boots, Client Vehicle Shuttle
Steelhead Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
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How many people can go on a Lower Deschutes River Steelhead Trip?
The maximum per boat is two, on single-day and multi-day steelhead trips. We can take multiple boats out for larger parties.
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What is the best time of the year to fly fish for steelhead on the Lower Deschutes River?
These being technically summer-run fish, they can enter the lowest stretches of the river as early as July. This part of the fishery has had challenges lately because of water temperatures down there. If the water warms up too much, the river can close for steelhead. This is a year-to-year situation that we can address when you reach out to us. The most consistent, predictable fishing is upriver from mid-September through mid-November. By then the fish have reached cooler water. They’re not quite as eager to chase swung flies, but are still plenty active. Over the years, we’ve seen equal numbers of fish fall for dead-drifted presentations and swung flies up there that time of the season. We will continue pursuing steelhead all the way into the “Day Stretch” during the shortest days before the river closes on New Year’s Day.
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What are the best fly-fishing techniques for Lower Deschutes steelhead?
Our favorite way to fish the Lower Deschutes for steelhead is to swing flies through the long runs. Two-handed rods from 12’6” 6wt to 13’6” 8wt will serve you well. Depending on stretch of river and time of year, we will recommend various tips and flies. The longer the fish are in the river, the less “chasey” they become. So into October and November we’ll use heavier tips and larger flies to get down to the fish. Throughout an entire steelhead season, we’ll fool many fish with single-hand rods and nymph rigs under indicators. Sometimes that happens when we’re just trout fishing! When targeting steelhead under bobbers, we use “steak and eggs” rigs on heavy tippet, working the most productive “buckets”.
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What are the regulations for steelhead on the Lower Deschutes River?
You will need a Salmon/Steelhead Tag and a Columbia River Basin Endorsement to target steelhead on the Lower Deschutes. You can get these through the myODFW.com. You are allowed -and encouraged- to keep hatchery fish, but all wild fish must be released unharmed and as quickly as possible. Although barbless hooks are not a regulation, we pinch all our barbs for the health of the fish.
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What is included in a Lower Deschutes River Steelhead Trip?
Since we run various length steelhead trips, please refer to the FAQ Pages for our Single-Day and Multi-Day Camp Trips for what is included on the various trips. Most people have their favorite rods for steelhead, but we do have both single-hand and Spey rods for clients to use should they want.
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What isn’t included in a Lower Deschutes River Steelhead Trip?
You will be responsible for purchasing an Oregon Fishing License for the duration of the trip. Our Boater’s Pass must also be purchased by the “Group Leader”. If we are doing a Single-Day trip on the “Day Stretch”, we encourage you to buy a Tribal Permit until the left side closes end of October. Once your trip is booked, we will send a Confirmation Letter detailing how to purchase both of those things. Flies are not included. If you need flies, we will purchase them and apply charges to the balance for the trip. Typically flies cost fifteen to twenty dollars per day. Additionally, we do not provide any alcoholic beverages. Many clients bring their favorite snack bar or trail mix. Clients typically bring a sleeping bag and pillow, but we can provide if you need. And let’s not forget a generous gratuity for the guides!
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What else should I bring on a Lower Deschutes River Steelhead Trip?
We recommend some polarized sunglasses or suitable eye covering, good sunscreen, lip balm and a headlamp. If you’re into photography, bring your favorite camera, as long as you have some kind of waterproof case or pack. You’ll be glad you did when you see the spectacular scenery. As mentioned above, we do not supply any alcoholic beverages. But you are welcome to bring a beer or whatever your preference is. Based on our experience, if you enjoy beer on a river trip, bring more than you think you’ll need!
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DEPOSIT AND REFUND POLICIES
We require a 50% deposit to secure dates, refundable if cancellation is received no less than ninety (90) days prior to trip date. Only Griff Marshall Outdoors can cancel a trip due to weather and/or fishing conditions. Griff Marshall Outdoors reserves the right to cancel any trip in the event of unsafe conditions or circumstances beyond our control. If we cancel, your deposit will be refunded or applied to a future trip date that is mutually acceptable.
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