And It's Open All Season
Big news for Oregon’s steelhead angling community: With over 18,700+ wild and hatchery steelhead passing over Bonneville Dam before July 31, anglers now have the full summer and fall to fish one of the Northwest’s most legendary rivers.
In this post, we’ll break down what this means for you, how to make the most of the 2025 season, and why this year’s run is a reason to celebrate.
Why This News Matters
Summer steelhead fisheries are a huge part of our Pacific Northwest fly fishing culture. In recent years, tough runs led to shortened seasons and stricter limits. ODF&W set a “Bonneville Threshold” rule: if enough fish cross the dam by July 31 (specifically, 18,700), the Deschutes would stay open all season. Well, we did it!
This is a rare chance to enjoy classic Deschutes canyon runs, early morning hikes, and that shot of adrenaline only a summer steelhead can deliver—without the uncertainty of early season closures.
Gearing Up: Best Flies and Setups for Deschutes Summer Steelhead
Here’s what’s working best for our guides and customers this time of year:
Fly Patterns:
Skaters: Ska-Opper, Steelhead Muddler, Brett's Klamath Skater
Traditional favorites: Undertaker, Green Butt Skunk, Freight Train, Steelhead Soft Hackle
Modern classics: Hoboo Spey, Tube Flies, Intruder-style streamers
Nymphing: Egg Lace-Worm, Beadhead Lifter, Eggtasty, Steelhead Stone
Rods and Lines:
Switch or Spey rod in 6–8 wt for long swings. Fly rods like the Echo Full Spey for a great budget rod, Beulah G2 Platinum Spey for a mid-price rod, or the Sage R8 Spey for a premium rod are all great choices for the Deschutes River and its classic long runs.
If you haven't been bitten by the two-hand spey bug yet, you can also use single-hand 8WT fly rods like the Echo 84B or the Redington Predator for nymphing fish up. We've even caught steelhead while using the Sage Sense euro rod to get down in the water column quickly.
You will want both skagit (i.e. Rio Skagit Max GameChanger) and scandi lines (i.e. Scientific Anglers Spey Scandi), which will allow you to work runs and water all day long. Fish your scandi lines when the sun is off the water, and switch to your skagit or nymphing when the sun is on the water. Fishing midday, so long as you are willing to get deeper will give you much more water to fish because a lot of classic steelheaders refuse to get deeper during the summer and nap! Versileaders or sink tips as water levels drop
Reels:
These fish are hot and they use the currents to their advantage, so a good reel is a must. If you are newer to steelheading we highly recommend using a reel with a good drag system to help fight the fish. If you are a seasoned angler, the classic sound of a click and pawl Hardy Bougle is hard to pass
Tips:
Early mornings and late evenings are most productive. Focus on shaded runs and riffles, and always fish your way through the swing—summer steelhead eat on the hang-down!
Where to Find Summer Steelhead on the Deschutes
Identifying Runs:
- Look for walking pace water 3-4FT in depth
- Watch for large boulder structures
- Buckets behind and in front of structure
- Tailouts (section of water where goes from deeper to shallow usually on river bends/oxbows)
Ask in the shop for current river flows, hot flies, and the latest fish sightings—our team fishes the river daily.
Pro Tactics for a Successful Steelhead Season
- Fish at First and Last Light: Summer sun can push steelhead into deeper, shaded pockets midday.
- Cover Water: Deschutes steelhead like to move—bring comfy wading boots!
- Mind the Water Temps: If it’s over 68 °F, fight fish fast and keep them wet.
- Pack Light and Be Respectful: This is everyone’s river—give fellow anglers space and practice great river etiquette.
Guide Insights: What to Expect This Year
With solid steelhead numbers, we’re expecting consistent action all season. Hot fish, grabby takes, and plenty of opportunity for both experienced and new anglers to get into the game. If you’re new to steelhead or want to take your skills to the next level, our guides are ready to help.
Visit Northwest Fly Fishing Outfitters – Your Deschutes Steelhead HQ
We’ve been guiding on the Deschutes for more than 30 seasons and are always happy to share honest advice, favorite patterns, and up-to-the-minute river reports. Whether you need a crash course in summer steelheading, a last-minute setup, or pro-level guided trips, our team’s got you covered.
Shop: 10910 NE Halsey St, Portland, OR 97220
Phone: (503) 252-1529
Web: www.flyshopnw.com
Ready for the season of a lifetime? Stop in and see us before you hit the water—let’s make 2025 your best Deschutes steelhead season yet!
Have questions, tips, or a favorite Deschutes steelhead fly? Drop a comment below or message us on Instagram. See you on the river!
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