Rod & Tackle List For Deschutes River

Anglers visiting the Deschutes are recommended to bring at least two fly rods. One for dry fly fishing and one for nymph fishing. Our guides have extra rods however, we recommend 1 extra rod per every 3 fishermen, this can save a trip in case of a broken rod. The Deschutes is unique and this requires different rod weights depending on the time of year.

May ~ June
We use large dry flies and heavy nymphs. We recommend a fast action rod such as Sage RPL, SP, or G. Loomis, 5 or 6 wt. for nymphs and a 4or 5 wt. For dry fly fishing.

Late : June ~ July ~ August
We fish small nymphs and small dry flies. We recommend 4or 5 weight fast action rods for nymph fishing and 3-4 weight softer rods for dry flies such as Sage LL, SP, Powell and Scott rods.

Reels:
A good drag is not necessary however, a smooth drag is important. I personally like a good clicker drag, enough to keep your line tight and smooth enough not to break light tippets.

Lines:
A good floating line is very important. I like to use a good weight forward line or over load my dry rod 1 line size. For my nymph rod I recommend you match your line weight with your rod. My favorite lines are: Cortland 444, SA Ultra 3, and Orvis lines.

Leader and Tippets:
I recommend 7 ½ to 9’ good leaders. Orvis or Climax

Each fisherman should have two leaders per rod. Tippet is most important and you should have a good variety 3X, 4X, 5X and 6X, I recommend Orvis Super Strong, Dai-riki Velvet and Clear Maximum.

Our guides have a good variety of flies but remember flies are expensive and we do recommend that you pick-up a variety of a few basic patterns.

NOTE: Below is a list of Flies & Tippets. Please call for which Flies you will need prior to your trip.

Flies
Wet Flies
___ Kauffman Stone #6 #8
___ Bead Head Prince #8 #10 #12 #14 #16
___ Bead Head Hares Ear #8 #10 #12 #14 #16
___ Bead Head Pheasant Tail # 8 #10 #12 #14 #16
___ Green Rock Worm #14 #16
___ Case Caddis #8 #10 #12
___ Caddis Emerger #12 #14 #16
___ Soft Hackles #12 #14 #16

Dry Flies
___ Stimulator #6 #8 #10 #12 #14 (Orange, Yellow, Olive)
___ Calves Tail Stimulator #6 #8  (Norm Wood Special)
___ Parachutes Adams #12 #14 #16
___ Comparadun #12 #14 #16 (Olive, Cream, Brown)
___ Light Cahill Parachutes #12 #14 #16
___ Elk Hair Caddis #12 #14 #16 #18 (Orange, Yellow, Cream, Olive, Brown)
___ Humpies #14 #16 #18 (Olive, Black, Orange)

Tippet’s
___ 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X, 7X

Accessories
___ Nippers or Scissors
___ Strike Indicators
___ Hook File
___ Fly Vest
___ Flash Light
___ Good Neoprene waders
___ Forceps
___ Good Wading boots with felt or
___ Water Proof Sun Block spiked sole
___ Polarized Sun Glasses
___ Rain Suit
___ Fly Dressing
___ Long billed hat
___ Pinch On Split Shot

Six Steps To The Trip <click here>

Things To Bring List <click here>

Rod & Tackle List <click here>

Lodging & Restaurants Guide <click here>