Catch Fish and Release Stress in the High Desert.
You’ve been up since o-dark-thirty. After sliding into your waders and warming up with coffee, the magic hour unfolds. As the bright morning sun hits the water, the caddis and blue-winged olive hatches begin to go off. You settle into a steady casting rhythm, your loops are tight, and suddenly you see it: a rise from a big rainbow. You put it within inches of its face and watch a perfect, drag-free drift, mending your line along the way. Then, from out of nowhere, there’s a take! Your reel is screaming—and you are as well—as the native trout jumps acrobatically while you bring it in. Some describe this as heaven for an angler. We describe it as just another day here in Redmond, Oregon during fishing season.
It’s the kind of place where the stories rarely end with “…and then it got away”. Here, old pickups with stickers on them far outnumber fancy SUVs with gear that looks like it’s never been used. People actually talk to one another and share tips on what the best flies are to have in your box. They’ll even give you a general vicinity of where to fish. Just don’t ask for specific locations. This is fishing after all and the real joy comes from finding your own perfect honey hole.
Great Gear + Local Knowledge = Tight Lines
It can be overwhelming walking into some fly shops, especially if you’re just starting out. Fin & Fire is not one of those places. Here the welcoming staff loves to talk about fishing and even better—getting their customers into picture-perfect fish. They’ll key you in on the hot flies of the surrounding rivers and help you navigate their extensive collection. Then they’ll point you in the right direction of rivers to try out. Chances are good they were on them yesterday.
Three Rivers. Countless Chances for Fish In Hand.
Crystal clear waters flow past Douglas Fir trees on the Metolius River. Steep Canyon walls rise up from the Deschutes’ gentle currents. The Crooked River winds through Central Oregon’s High Desert oasis. A trifecta of legendary Oregon trout streams await you just outside of Redmond.Many are open year-round, while some open for the season on May 22nd. Check the fishing regulations to learn more.
The Middle Deschutes – 10 minutes away
If you only have time for a quick escape, head out to Cline Falls Scenic Viewpoint and hike a bit upstream from the falls. There you’ll find the river winding around smooth rocks and over hidden logs—perfect holding water for the rainbows and browns that call this place home. Find the seams, get a drag-free drift going and be ready to set your hook quickly.
The Metolius River – 30 minutes away
There’s clear water. And then there’s gin-clear water that springs up magically from the base of a mountain. The Metolius River is the latter. Here you’ll see native redsides or giant bull trout come to the surface and take your well-placed fly. Just remember to be stealthy as you approach this water—they’re just as good at seeing you. Pick a spot downstream from Camp Sherman and revel in the silence.
The Crooked River – 30-60 minutes away
If you’re just starting out, the Crooked River is the best place to get into the swing of things —and into fish. Here the trout are smaller, in the 12 – to 14-inch range, but they are plenty. It can get crowded and hot here on weekends so come early and fish just downstream from the Bowman Dam. Cool your hands off by releasing all those fish back into the crisp water.
From Gentle Riffles to Flowing Craft Beer
You’ve been on the water all day. Time to blend some water with choice hops, barley and citrus in your glass. Thankfully, the folks at Cascade Lakes Brewing Co. have already done that for you with some of their award-winning craft brews. This non-profit brewery puts their money toward conservation efforts so you can continue enjoying Central Oregon’s outdoors. If that doesn’t make you feel good, perhaps one of their mouth-watering burgers or hearty pizzas will.
Before You Go:
- Check Regulations: Verify river openings and purchase your license online through ODFW.
- Fuel Up: Grab a “to-go” lunch and river snacks at Schoolhouse Produce.
- Pack Layers: Bring a waterproof shell; High Desert weather changes in a heartbeat.
- Sun Protection: Don’t forget polarized glasses and sunscreen to combat the glare off the water.
Above all, remember it’s more important to enjoy the experience, not the end result. We always like to think it’s more fun to be late on hookset than be early with a report at the office.
