Trolling for Steelhead on the Deschutes

With 500 miles of rivers and streams and more than 150 high-mountain lakes, Central Oregon is a veritable fisherman's paradise. The bass, steelhead and trout (among others) teeming these waters have inspired many legendary fish tales. This month, we sent in our very own Kevin into Central Oregon for fish adventure of his own...and does he ever have a story! Read his blog for the story about the steelhead that didn't get away.

• Distance:  175 miles
• Starting Point:  Portland

• Minimum Driving Time:  Appx. 4 hours
• Best Time to Drive:  NA

A Great Trip For:

• Couples
• Families
• Outdoor Enthusiasts
• Scenery
• Teens/Young Adults

1. Trolling for Steelhead

The day started just as I had hoped - overcast and foggy. Not your normal aspiration as you embark on an eight-hour outdoor excursion, into the shadows of Central Oregon’s rugged Cascade Mountains in November. But today we were fishing for steelhead on Oregon’s legendary Deschutes River. My friend and I met our guide at 9:00am and we drove to the first section of water we hoped would yield the elusive andromonous fish. (Read the full story on our blog)

2. Resources

The summer steal head run on the Deschutes is slowing down but the winter runs are just getting started in many of Oregon’s Coastal Rivers. Find your perfect fishing hole using the Oregon Fish Finder

And don't forget to read fishing regulations (download them here in PDF form) before you head out.