River Bend Guide Service offers both driftboat and road accessed flyfishing trips on over 20 miles of private water on Oregon's famous Deschutes River. We have exclusive rights to fish the Warm Springs Indian Reservation side of this amazing fishery. This portion of the river is closed to all non- tribal members, and reserved exclusively for our guests. Our native Redside trout are available from May through November and the well known Deschutes Steelhead usually arrive here by mid- September and provide explosive action until the end of December. Due to the light pressure, the dry fly is our favored method of fishing for these resident rainbow trout. Sub-surface presentations are rarely necessary, and the dry fly finds willing fish of 12 to 18 inches, with a few pushing the 20 inch mark. These thick fish are strong and know how to use the powerful flow of the Deschutes River to their advantage. Early season is known for March Browns, and other early emerging mayflies. The Salmonfly hatch is a great time to fish with us to avoid the usual crowds of anglers, but that is only the begining. As our most famous hatch dwindles into obscurity, various hatches of caddis and mayflies keep these trout looking up. Late July and August provide steady caddis hatches, with occasional mayfly hatches as well, and fishing usually holds up well into October when most anglers choose to focus on Steelhead. Deschutes Steelhead begin to arrive in early early September, with fishable numbers usually present by mid-month. These fish average 4-6 pounds, with enough two-salt fish at 7-9 pounds to make things interesting. Every year also produces fish into the teens for our lucky anglers and the pictures are enough to silence those who might doubt the presence of these big fish. As in trout season, the lack of pressure allows us to use floating lines, and often surface presentations for these great fish, at least until cold water drives most anglers to opt for sink-tips and larger offerings. For the dedicated purist, dry lines will often produce into late November. The numbers of fish increase right up till the close of our season on December 31st, and at this time big flies and heavy tips often reward the effort of fishing in this manner.
Matthew Mendes and Grandfather, Al Bagley have been fishing these waters for over 30 years, and guiding here since the Warm Springs Tribal Council approved his guide service in 1997. They know the river and it's fish well. Al and his staff look forward to sharing the Deschutes River as it's meant to be. All our guides are experienced, registered, licensed, and insured and are well trained in first aid and CPR. Al and his Guide Staff can accommodate groups of two to eight anglers per day, but we recommend booking well in advance as prime dates fill quickly. Ask about camp trips as well.
P.O BOX 976 Warm Springs, Or 97761 Phone : (541) 553-1051
