Summer Steelhead 101 School

Summer Steelhead 101 School
Thank you for booking your multi-day fly fishing and camping adventure on the Lower Deschutes
with Deep Canyon Outfitters and WorldCast Anglers. This wonderful adventure of Oregon’s
world-class fishery may well become the highlight of your season. Mornings, evenings and
lunchtime will provide us with the time to educate you on the techniques and skills needed as well as
help identify productive water types and fishing methods used to target Steelhead. Daily handouts
and materials will be provided by WorldCast Anglers for your reference.
Steelhead are known as some of the hardest fighing freshwater fish on the planet. The Deschutes is
home to some of the best summer Steelhead habitat in the United States. The highly trained guides
of Deep Canyon Outfitters will teach you the dynamics of targeting these andromous fish as their
journey brings them back from the ocean to their natal habitat. We look forward to sharing this
experience with you.
Each adventure includes excellent accommodations, hearty meals with a local flavor, and a
friendly staff that provides top-level service. This steelhead adventure will leave you with the
experience and skills that will last a lifetime and help you build a strong foundation in steelhead
angling for years to come.
After reading your trip information packet, please feel free to contact us if you have any additional
questions.
Thank you.
Damien Nurre
Deep Canyon Outfitters
&
Mike Dawkins
WorldCast Anglers
Important Contact Information
In case of an emergency or change of travel plans please contact us. Feel free to reach out to Damien
or Mike with any concerns or questions before, during or after this adventure on the Deschutes.
Deep Canyon Outfitters
541-323-3007
[email protected]
Damien’s cell – 541-390-6697
WorldCast Anglers
800-654-0676
[email protected]
Mike Dawkins cell – 307-699-2101
Travel Information
There are flights into Redmond Oregon from many other destination cities. Please arrive one day prior
to your launch date. We suggest staying at one of the hotels in Bend, but Redmond or Madras work too.
You may choose to be dropped off at the airport on your take out day. If you choose to do so,
please book your flight no earlier than 6:00 pm
Bend Hotel Information
Oxford Inn and Suites: 541-382-8436
Phoenix Inn: 541-317-9292
Hilton Garden Inn: 541-617-6111
Holiday Inn Express: 877-863-4780
Redmond Hotel Information
Comfort Suites Airport: 541-504-8900
Madras Hotel Information
Inn at Cross Keys Station 1-877-475-5802
Accommodations on the river
Our camp along the river is comfortable, bright, and enriched by the beauty of the canyon. With the
river at your doorstep, the fish are never far away. A spacious tent, with ample room for standing,
provides more than enough shelter even during the occasional rainstorm. Comfortable cots with
sleeping pads give you a restful night sleep. The center of our camp is the “dining” room, complete with
river front views. And relaxing around the campfire is welcome during open burning season. All of our
camps have out-house facilities within a short walk from your tent.
Prior to the launch of each trip, you will be provided with a large dry bag for your:
Personal items, Sleeping bag, and Pillow.
Meals and Beverages on the river
The wonderful meals are another highlight of your adventure on the Deschutes River. Hearty portions
of the chef’s favorite recipes will leave even the most discerning tastes wanting more. Each night the
dining experience begins with appetizers, ready to eat moments after you arrive at camp. Dinner, served
family style, is served just as the sun sets and be sure to leave room for dessert. Sunrise is met with
fresh coffee and many breakfast choices. Lunches are prepared each day by your guide(s), and will
range from items barbequed on our portable grills to sandwiches made fresh that day. Snacks and
beverages are available at all times on the boat. We supply ample amounts of bottled water as well as a
selection of sodas and other drinks. We DO NOT supply ALCOHOL….sorry.
If you have any special dietary needs, please contact us 10 days prior to your launch date so we can
make arrangements to meet your needs.
Fishing License Fees and other items
Fishing licenses are not included in your package. Each guest will also need to purchase a boater’s pass.
Flies and other terminal tackle are also excluded from the package. We will gladly purchases these items
in advance for you, but they are not included in the price of your trip.
Gratuities
This is simply a guideline, since many clients ask how to tip the staff during their trip. Gratuities are
encouraged, but not required and the amount of the gratuity is solely up to you. This guideline is a
recommendation and you are free to altar this as you see fit:
$50-150 per day / per staff member (to be given to the lead guide at the end of the trip)
Essential Clothing
The weather on the Deschutes is often variable. The days can be extremely warm and the evenings cool.
Wearing specific types of clothing will help maintain a level of comfort in these conditions. Here are
some recommendations:
Shirts
Long sleeve shirts with a synthetic lightweight “quick-dry” fabric. These “tropical flats” styled
shirts are often vented to keep you cool. Also, the long sleeve shirt will provide protection from
direct sun exposure. Layering with a quick dry top or capaliene will keep you comfortable during the
fall.
Waders, Boots and Pants
During the cooler months, we suggest wearing a warm wicking layer, such as fleece or capaliene
under your waders. NO COTTON. NO DENIM. During the steelhead season especially we suggest
you dress as if you where going skiing. Multiple layers is the best way to go. It is easy to shed layer
if you are too hot. It is difficult to add layers if you don’t have them Breathable waders that do not
leak are essential as weather can be unpredictable. Good sturdy wading boots are a must.
Hats
Bring at least TWO! It is recommended that you bring your favorite warm weather fishing hats – they
should have a good-sized brim (w/ dark underside) to shade your eyes and face during bright sunny
conditions. Many anglers wear wide brimmed hats to protect their ears and neck as well. A hat with
a chinstrap is useful if the wind is up. Don't forget your buff!
A stocking cap or beanie is encouraged any time of the year. Evenings in the high dessert can cool to 40
degrees or more, even in the summer.
Sun Gloves
Many anglers opt to wear sun gloves for maximum protection against direct sun exposure.
Bandana
Bandanas are very useful for keeping sun off of the face and neck. They can also be used to cool you
down during the heat of the day – soaking them in ice water or wrapping ice in them and hanging it
around your neck.
Polarized Sunglasses
Bring TWO PAIRS! High quality polarized sunglasses are a must for optimizing your angling success
(i.e. seeing the fish!), protecting your eyes, and seeing the boulder you may have tripped over without
them. Most importantly, they serve as eye protection from errant fly casts and afternoon glare
Wading/Rain Jacket
At times, the Deschutes can experience rain and wind. While the temperature stays relatively warm, it is
nice to stay dry while you are waiting out a squall or fishing in the rain. During the cooler months bring
heavier jackets.
Warm Layers:
Since the Deschutes travels north through the high desert; the temperatures fluctuate greatly, especially
during the fall months. It is a good idea to have at least one warm layer for both your top and bottom.
Remember, the water temperature is almost always colder than the air temps.
During steelhead season (mid September through November), we suggest you dress like you are going
skiing. Moisture wicking layers such as poly-pro and fleece are the perfect choices. Remember:
COTTON KILLS. If you wear a lot of cotton, you will likely be hot, cold and/or damp.
Gear and Equipment
The following is a list of essential equipment that you will need during your adventure on the Deschutes.
Boat Bag:
A waterproof boat bag or dry bag is very handy for storing rain gear, tackle, camera equipment, etc…
We will provide you with a very large dry bag for your personal items you will need at camp. We do
suggest having a day bag for the items you will want access to during each day on the boat.
Camera:
Waterproof or splash-proof 35mm or digital pocket cameras are handy. If you plan on taking 35mm
SLR equipment, make sure you have a waterproof case for it.
Wading staff:
The Deschutes is unique where angling from the boat is not allowed. It is a big river with slippery
rocks in some areas. Although your guide will never put you in a dangerous situation, many guests find
a wading staff handy.
Lenses Wipes:
Great for removing water, sweat, sunscreen, etc. from sunglasses while out on the water.
SPF Lip Balm:
Important for protection from sun exposure. Make sure to get lip balm with a high SPF rating.
Waterproof Sunscreen:
Waterproof sunscreen is essential for maintaining protection from sun exposure.
Camp Clothing
Nights on the Deschutes at camp can be cool. It is always good to change into some warm dry
clothes for dinner and the evening. We suggest a down or insulated jacket, hat, gloves, warm
socks, pants and camp shoes. Also, please bring your personal toiletries with any neccessary
medications needed for the 4 days as well as a head lamp/flashlight.
Fly Fishing Tackle
Fly Rods and Reels:
One handed Steelhead Rods should be 9 feet in length and 6 to 8 weights. Reels should be matched
for the rod and have a minimum 50 yards of backing. Two-handed rods are great choices in the same
weight classes. Reels should be fit to match the rods. If you do not have rods and reels, we will
provide them for you.
Lines:
Floating lines are used for nymphing for steelhead. We also advise having interchangeable tips from
floating to type 8 sinking. For spey rods, Skagit and Scandinavian style lines are the perfect choice.
Essential Flies
A variety of flies are needed to fish the diverse situations on the Deschutes. Fo 4 days of fishing,
most anglers bring at least 3 dozen of these assorted flies.
Steelhead Flies
Nymphs: Double Bead Peacock stone (sz. 4-8), Red copper john (sz. 12-16), green rock worm (sz.
8-12)
Traditional Flies: Green Butt Skunk, Silver Hilton, Purple Peril, Street Walker, Maui Wowie… just to
name a few. Have some with a white wing, some with out, and some in neutral colors. All traditional
steelhead flies should be size 4-8
Skaters: Rusty Bomber, Pom Skater, or Muddler Minnows. Size 4-6.
Angler’s Checklist
Travel Essentials
Airline Tickets and Itinerary
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Wallet, Traveler’s checks, phone cards and/or credit cards
Prescription medications – pack in carry-on bag
Business cards
Fishing Equipment/Tackle
Fly Rods and reels
Leaders, Flies
Boots, waders, wading belt, vest, wading staff, Rain Jacket
Clothing
Shirts: quick-dry flats shirts
Pants: quick-dry fabric
Fleece or warm layers
Undershirts: quick dry fabric
Under shorts/briefs: quick dry fabric
Socks: heavyweight wool (during spring and fall)
Camp shoes / sandals / boots
Fishing/sun hats w/ dark under brim
Bandanas
Sun gloves
Miscellaneous Items
Travel Flashlight / head lamp
Camera, film, batteries, memory cards, waterproof case
Sanitizing handi-wipes
Dry Storage Bags / Ziploc Bags
Plastic Garbage Bags
Polarized Sunglasses – 2 pairs
Lens wipes for sunglasses
Reading Glasses
Personal Items
Toiletries
Sleeping bag and pillow
Boat Bag
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
SPF lip balm & hand lotion
Aspirin/Motrin
Towel