Get ready for a full day of fishing on the Deschutes River. We'll hit the water early, around 6 AM, for a 6-8 hour guided trip chasing salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon, depending on the season. No need to bring your own gear – we've got all the bait and tackle covered. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned angler, our professional guide will tailor the experience to your skill level. Beginners will get clear instruction on techniques, while experienced fishermen can dive into more advanced strategies. We'll focus on the most productive spots on the river, giving you the best shot at landing some quality fish. Along the way, you'll pick up valuable insights about the Deschutes and its fish. It's a great chance to improve your skills, learn about the river, and hopefully reel in some impressive catches.

Top-Rated Deschutes River Fishing Charters

Deschutes River Catches

Photograph of a large white sturgeon fish caught in OR

Perfect Sturgeon on display! Come to Oregon!!

The one that didn’t get away! Sturgeon rocks!!

Nothing beats reeling in an amazing Sturgeon!

And we got it!! Perfect Rainbow Trout catch!!

Reel in Big Fish on the Mighty Deschutes

Get ready to chase some serious salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon on one of Oregon's top fishing rivers. This full-day charter on the Deschutes puts you right where the action is, with an expert guide who knows all the honey holes. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler, we'll set you up with the right gear and tactics to land some impressive fish. The Deschutes is known for its hard-fighting fish, so be prepared for an arm workout and some unforgettable battles on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off bright and early, meeting up around 6 AM to catch that prime morning bite. Plan on a solid 6-8 hours on the river, giving us plenty of time to work different spots and techniques. Depending on the season, we'll be targeting salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon using methods that are dialed in for the current conditions. No need to bring any gear - we've got all the top-notch rods, reels, and tackle covered. Your guide will get you set up and show you the ropes if you're new to this style of fishing. For the more experienced anglers, we can dive into some advanced strategies to up your game. The Deschutes can be technical water, but that's what makes landing these fish so rewarding.

Techniques That Land Fish

On the Deschutes, we adapt our approach based on water levels, fish behavior, and the target species. For salmon and steelhead, we might spend time drift fishing with roe or yarn balls, working runs with spinners, or swinging flies if conditions are right. When the sturgeon are in, we'll set up with heavy gear and soak big baits in the deep holes. Your guide will walk you through each technique, from proper bait presentation to reading the water. We're not just out here to catch fish (though that's the goal) - you'll come away with new skills and a deeper understanding of river fishing that you can use on future trips.

Top Catches This Season

The Deschutes has been fishing well lately, with some impressive catches coming to the net. Anglers have been hooking into chunky 8-10 pound steelhead, with a few monsters pushing 15 pounds. The fall Chinook run has been solid, with fish in the 15-25 pound range common. And for the sturgeon hunters, we've seen some true dinosaurs landed, including a few over 8 feet long! While every day on the river is different, the potential for a trophy is always there on the Deschutes.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Rainbow Trout: The native rainbows in the Deschutes are some of the hardest fighting trout you'll find anywhere. These fish are built like linebackers, with broad shoulders and powerful tails from battling the river's strong currents. While we catch them year-round, spring and fall tend to offer the best action. Expect fish in the 12-18 inch range, with some brutes pushing well over 20 inches. They'll crush flies, spinners, and bait with equal enthusiasm.

Coho Salmon: Also known as silvers, these acrobatic salmon start showing up in the Deschutes around September. They're not as big as Chinooks, typically running 6-12 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. Coho are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Fresh from the ocean, they're also excellent eating if you're looking to bring home some fish for the grill.

Steelhead Trout: The Deschutes is famous for its summer and winter steelhead runs. These sea-run rainbows are the ultimate prize for many anglers, known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. Summer fish start showing up in June, with the peak usually hitting in September and October. Winter steelhead arrive later, with the best fishing often in February and March. Expect most fish to be in the 5-10 pound range, but don't be shocked if you tie into a 15+ pound trophy.

Chinook Salmon: The kings of the Pacific salmon world, Chinooks are the heavyweights of the Deschutes. The fall run typically starts in August and can continue into November. These brutes average 15-25 pounds, but 30+ pounders aren't uncommon. When you hook into a fresh Chinook, be prepared for a battle. They'll test your gear and your arms with powerful runs and dogged fights. Landing a big king is an accomplishment any angler can be proud of.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

The Deschutes isn't just another fishing spot - it's a world-class fishery that draws anglers from all over. The combination of stunning scenery, strong fish populations, and the chance at a true trophy keeps folks coming back year after year. Whether you're casting dries to rising trout, swinging flies for steelhead, or battling a monster Chinook, each day on the river offers new challenges and rewards. Our guides have spent countless hours on these waters, learning the fish patterns and refining techniques. That local knowledge is invaluable when it comes to putting you on fish consistently.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on one of Oregon's best rivers and tangle with some hard-fighting fish, now's the time to lock in your trip. The Deschutes fishing charter is perfect for solo anglers looking to learn from a pro, or experienced fishermen wanting to maximize their time on the water. Remember, we provide all the gear, so all you need to bring is your fishing license and a good attitude. Prime dates can fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and steelhead seasons, so don't wait to book. Get in touch with Grant's Outdoor Adventures today and let's get you hooked up with some Deschutes River monsters!

Learn more about the animals

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or king salmon, are the biggest prize in the Deschutes. These brutes average 15-30 pounds but can top 50 pounds. They start entering the river in spring, with the main run peaking in late summer and early fall. Look for them in deep holes, at the tailouts of pools, and behind large boulders. Chinooks are powerful fighters that will test your gear and stamina. Their rich, red flesh makes them prized eating too. Trolling with plugs or herring works well in deeper water. From shore, try drifting roe or pitching large spinners. Fly anglers should go big - use heavy rods and large, bright flies. A local secret: focus on low-light periods early and late in the day when kings are most active. Landing one of these massive salmon is an unforgettable experience and a true trophy of the Pacific Northwest.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silvers, are a blast to catch on the Deschutes. They average 8-12 pounds but can push 30 inches and over 20 pounds. Look for them in calm spots behind large boulders or woody debris in the main river. Fall is prime time as they return from the ocean to spawn. Cohos are famous for their acrobatic fights - they'll jump clear out of the water multiple times. Their orange-red meat is prized for its rich flavor too. Use bright spinners or plugs in fast water, or try twitching jigs in slower pools. Fly anglers do well with bright streamers or egg patterns. A local trick: on sunny days, fish the shadows. Cohos often hold in darker water to avoid predators. These salmon only run the river for a short time each year, so don't miss your shot at hooking one of these hard-fighting fish.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a favorite on the Deschutes, typically running 8-24 inches and 2-8 pounds. You'll find them in clear, cool stretches with plenty of cover like boulders and vegetation. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but they're catchable year-round. Anglers love their acrobatic fights and tasty pink flesh. Rainbows respond well to fly fishing - nymphs, dry flies, and streamers all work. For spin fishing, small spinners and spoons are go-to lures. These trout prefer water temps between 55-64°F and often hang out near gravelly shorelines or in downstream flows. A local tip: when water's high and fast, try drifting an egg pattern through deep holes. Rainbow trout put up a great scrap for their size and make for some of the most exciting fishing on the river.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are the sea-run version of rainbow trout, and they're a top target on the Deschutes. These fish average 24 inches but can reach over 30 inches and 15+ pounds. They enter the river from late summer through spring, with peak runs in fall and early spring. Look for them in deep pools, seams behind boulders, and along current breaks. Steelhead are legendary fighters - powerful, acrobatic, and stubborn. Anglers come from all over to test their skills against these fish. Spey or switch rods are popular for swinging flies through likely runs. For gear fishing, try drifting roe or tossing spinners. A local tip: focus on water 3-6 feet deep with a moderate current. That's the sweet spot where steelhead often hold. The challenge and reward of hooking one of these chrome-bright beauties keeps anglers coming back year after year.

About the River Boat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Hop aboard our trusty fishing boat for a day of angling adventure on the scenic Deschutes River. Our sturdy vessel comfortably fits up to 6 people, so you can bring along friends or family to share in the excitement. We'll cruise the river's best spots, seeking out salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon depending on what's biting. Don't worry about gear - we've got all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need to reel in the big one. Whether you're a first-timer or an old pro, our expert guide will make sure you're using the right techniques to maximize your chances. We'll spend 6-8 hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to perfect your cast and hopefully land a few impressive catches. It's a laid-back yet rewarding day out on one of Oregon's most beautiful rivers.