Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs For Our Trips-Scroll Down to Find Yours

Single-Day Lower Deschutes River Trips

How many people can go on a Lower Deschutes day trip?

The maximum per boat is three, with some exceptions, when we might recommend two. We can take multiple boats out for larger parties. A day on the Lower Deschutes with a large group can be tons of fun. Contact us at 541-480-4280 to learn more about group outings

What is the schedule for a normal day on the Lower Deschutes?

Typically, we will meet at the Madras Safeway parking lot, about an hour north of Bend,  at seven in the morning. Your guide will be ready to go, but if you need to run in and grab something, there’s always time for that. From there, you’ll ride with your guide to the boat ramp fifteen minutes away. We will be on the river by eight, off by four, and you’re back at your car a little before five.

What is included on a Lower Deschutes Day Trip?

Rod and reel, are included in the price. If you need waders and boots, we can arrange rentals. We will prepare and serve lunch along the river. Lunch will be your choice of grilled chicken, brats, burgers or a deli-style sandwich, served with sides and a desert. The cooler will be full of Gatorade and water. If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, we will accommodate you and your party.

What isn’t included on Lower Deschutes River Day Trip?

You will be responsible for purchasing an Oregon Fishing License and Warm Springs Tribal Permit for the trip. Our Boater’s Pass must also be purchased by the “Group Leader”. 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 around twenty dollars per day. Additionally, we do not provide any alcoholic beverages, although you are more than welcome to bring your own! Many clients bring their favorite snack bar or trail mix. And let’s not forget a generous gratuity for the guides!

What should I wear for a Guided Trip on the Lower Deschutes?

Dressing properly is a vital part of a good day on the water. In the spring and fall that can mean anything from a heavy base layers, sweaters and a knit hat, to board shorts and a hooded sun shirt. During the summer, we are usually in lightweight, UV protectant shirts and a large-brimmed hat. Often during the summer months we wet-wade down there, so a pair of neoprene socks or extra pair of thick wool socks will make your boots fit without waders on.

What should I bring for a day on the Lower Deschutes?

We recommend quality polarized sunglasses, good sunscreen and lip balm. 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!

What species of fish can we expect to catch on the Lower Deschutes?

Our predominant, season-long quarry down there is the native Redband rainbow trout. They are an extraordinary fish that have been in the Lower Deschutes as long as there’s been a Lower Deschutes. Consistent with all native river trout, the Redbands don’t over-populate, nor do they grow huge. They do, however live in perfect harmony with their surroundings, growing strong, tenacious, astonishingly beautiful and as wily as any trout you’ll meet. To cradle one is to touch Nature’s finest creation. Your encounter with a Lower Deschutes Redband rainbow trout will make you glad you decided to trout fish with a fly rod. The river is also home to native whitefish, federally endangered and exceptionally rare bull trout, beautiful butter-belly suckers, summer-run steelhead, Coho and Chinook Salmon. From late-summer until November we start looking for steelhead. As with most rivers, they are the mysterious ghosts of the Lower Deschutes. Whether we specifically target steelhead is up to you. Truth is, often times we hook them when fishing for trout.

If you have questions about a Guided Day Trip fly fishing on the Lower Deschutes River in Central Oregon, please call 541-480-4280 or email us griff@griffmarshalloutdoors.com

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.

Single Day Fly-fishing Guided Trips

MULTI-DAY LOWER DESCHUTES RIVER TRIPS

How many people can go on a Lower Deschutes Multi-Day Camp Trip?

The maximum per boat on a Multi-Day Camp Trip is two. We can run trips from two to ten people. In our experience six-to-eight people is the sweet spot.

How many days will we be on the river?

We can run anything from two-days to six depending on your scheduling needs. Most our trips are either three or four days, the latter being the preference because it allows for two full days when you wake up and fall asleep in the canyon! Regardless of your trip’s duration, Day One will be an early meet time in Madras and the last day you will be off the river in Maupin by 2:00pm.

What species of fish can we expect to catch on the Lower Deschutes?

Our predominant, season-long quarry down there is the native Redband rainbow trout. They are an extraordinary fish that have been in the Lower Deschutes as long as there’s been a Lower Deschutes. Consistent with all native river trout, the Redbands don’t over-populate, nor do they grow huge. They do, however live in perfect harmony with their surroundings, growing strong, tenacious, astonishingly beautiful and as wily as any trout you’ll meet. To cradle one is to touch Nature’s finest creation. Your encounter with a Lower Deschutes Redband rainbow trout will make you glad you decided to trout fish with a fly rod. The river is also home to native whitefish, federally endangered and exceptionally rare bull trout, beautiful butter-belly suckers, summer-run steelhead, Coho and Chinook Salmon. From late-summer until November we start looking for steelhead. As with most rivers, they are the mysterious ghosts of the Lower Deschutes. Whether we specifically target steelhead is up to you. Truth is, often times we hook them when fishing for trout.

What is included in a Lower Deschutes Multi-Day Camp Trip?

Pretty much everything! As with all our guided fly-fishing adventures, rods and reels are included. From ramp to ramp, all your meals are included. On Multi-Day Trips we serve a full lunch each day. Dinner is always a special experience. Each night you will be served a hot appetizer before a delicious three-course meal. You’ll wake in the morning to the aroma of brewing coffee and bacon! After a delicious, fortifying breakfast, it’s back in the boats for another day on the river. Any and all dietary restrictions and/or preferences will be addressed. Each guide boat will have a cooler full of cold soda, Gatorade and water. We also provide large dry bags. Our camp includes spacious, comfortable tents equipped cots and sleeping pads.

What isn’t included in a Multi-Day Camp 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”. 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!

What clothes should I pack for a Multi-Day Camp Trip?

Obviously, the time of year will largely dictate what you should pack for a camp trip with us. But as a general rule, bring two of everything you might wear while fishing. There’s always the chance of getting wet, so having a spare set of long underwear, socks and fishing shirt is a great idea. In the spring and fall, plan on cool nights and possibility of some rain. And it’s always smart to pack a warm jacket, knit hat and gloves just in case! During the summer, we often fish in surf trunks, a sun shirt and wading boots. We recommend a wide-brim hat and UV protectant clothes. As with any camping trip, be prepared for anything. If the weather goes sideways, we also suggest a good rain jacket.

What else should I bring on a Multi-Day Camp Trip?

We recommend some polarized sunglasses, good sunscreen, lip balm, headlamp, toothpaste and brush, a book. 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!

If you have further questions about a Guided Multi-Day Camp Trip on the Lower Deschutes River in Central Oregon, please call 541-480-4280 or email us griff@griffmarshalloutdoors.com

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.

Multiple Day Fly-fishing Guided Trips

LOWER DESCHUTES RIVER STEELHEAD TRIPS

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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!

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!

If you have further questions about a Guided Steelhead Trip on the Lower Deschutes River in Central Oregon, please call 541-480-4280 or email us griff@griffmarshalloutdoors.com

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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