Why Winter Fly Fishing in Central Oregon Is So Rewarding
Fly fishing Central Oregon in the winter embodies a rugged, challenging spirit with variable conditions (including lots of sunshine) and locations that bring about unforgettable adventures. Glistening powder fills in trails, temps drop, forcing us to practice our layering skills and the oodles of anglers that typically swarm our waters in the summer hibernate to Netflix-and-chill-filled dens.
So grab your wool base layers, a Hydro Flask filled with a whipped-cream top bevvy (or whiskey-topped), and your favorite fly rod, and let’s head out for some hearty winter fly fishing.
Winter fishing regulations are different – so be sure to check ahead of time – access can be limited by snow and lack of plowing, and trout tend to slow down and stop eating, making them more of a challenge to catch. But despite that, there are plenty of great reasons to be outside in the winter with a fly rod—and great locations.
Where to go fly fishing around Central Oregon in the winter
The Metolius River. Located about 40 miles northwest of Bend, Oregon, the stunning Metolius River boasts gin-clear spring-fed, always cold water where you can enjoy a 12-mile stretch fishing for rainbows, white fish, and the illustrious Bull Trout. It’s a local and out-of-towner year-round favorite because of its variety, spectacular beauty, and access even during the snowy months. While fly fishing, here is the draw, put your rod down for a second, breathe in the pine-scented air, and look up for an opportunity to spot a Bald Eagle or a northern Flicker. Stop by The Fly Fishers Place in Sisters, Oregon, for a few flies and friendly local intel.
Open year-round below Allingham Bridge
Closed above Allingham Bridge from November 1st through May 21st
Catch and release for trout
Fly fishing only. Barbless hooks are required upstream of Bridge 99
All tributaries are closed except for Lake Creek.
The Fall River. Located about 35 miles southwest of Bend, Oregon, this intimate spring-fed creek and tributary to the Deschutes River meanders for ten miles through striking, fragrant pine forests. It houses hatchery and native species like rainbows in its crystal clear water and is open to fishing year-round. In the summer months, it’s teaming with guide trips, so winter is a great time to get a little space. There are several spots along the Fall, like the headwaters, campground, and hatchery, with excellent winter access and even a pit toilet or two.
Above Fall River Falls - Open year-round, fly fishing only with barbless hooks only, wild rainbow trout must be released.
Below Fall River Falls - Open May 22nd - September 30th, fly fishing only with barbless hooks only, wild rainbow trout must be released.
The Lower Deschutes River - Northern Boundary of the Warm Springs Reservations to I84 Bridge. Located about 90 miles north of Bend, Oregon, the popular winter access to the Lower Deschutes begins right around the small town of Maupin. While you might think of sunny spring days coated in Mayflies or hot summer months fishing for native redbands while rafters casually float down river, winter brings a unique beauty and challenging appeal of its own. Whether you prefer to walk and wade or go by boat - do note fishing from any floating device is strictly prohibited - the winter-friendly section of Lower Deschutes offers opportunities for redband rainbows and striking canyon views. It can hustle with visitors from Portland and Bend, so be prepared to share.
Northern Boundary of the Warm Springs Reservation to I-84 bridge
Open all year for trout and hatchery steelhead.
2 rainbow trout per day, 10-inch minimum and 13-inch maximum length.
No angling from a floating device.
The McKenzie River. Located about 80 miles west of Bend, Oregon, the McKenzie river is an epic destination for native redband rainbows and opportunities to fly fish from a drift boat or walk and wade. And if you need to rehydrate your soul in a refreshingly cool winter sauna, this is the place. While it's a bit of a stretch to call the McKenzie a Central Oregon destination, it’s worth the scenic drive to this abundant year-round fishery. The best way to experience it is by drift boat. I’m going to unapologetically promote my husband, Troy Leedy, a fly-fishing guide extraordinaire who calls the McKenzie his home away from home. While powdery snow is rare, you’ll get it in liquid form in winter, so be prepared with warm waterproof layers and extras for the car ride home.
With so many regs to spell out depending on the section, use the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Department’s, or ODFW, link at the end of this article.
Now you have some ideas on where to go, but do you need a little more convincing on why you should brave the elements for challenging fly fishing when you could stay home with a hot beverage and stream the latest episode of HBO’s The Last of Us? It’s so dang good!! Well, I’m beyond happy to share a few reasons with you.
Eight Reasons why winter fly fishing in Central Oregon is so rewarding
Solitude, or close to it. The riverbanks won’t be empty, but you’ll encounter fewer anglers than in warmer months. Plus, isn’t there something about the pristine tranquility you get listening to the occasional chirp of a songbird while snow gently falls?
Blow off the indoor funk. Take a break from the doldrums of being inside all winter. Catch a few rays and hopefully trout on the Fall River. Central Oregon is notorious for its sunshine. It’s great for your physical health (hiking, Vitamin D, fresh air) and your mental health (smiling, anti-SAD, increases self-esteem, and reduces stress)
It’s challenging. Try something new and test your skills by matching the winter hatch, figure when & where the trout are when it’s cold – hint, it’s slow, low, and finicky. Keep the dries in your box and try nymphing on the Metolius instead. See how fast you can tie on a fly because you’ll be switching out more often. Test your patience ‘cause these trout aren’t going to move for much, but when/if you do hook one, it’s a well-deserved reward you worked hard for and earned!
Visit a local fly shop. With almost a dozen fly shops in the area, you can find all the winter gear you need, from nymphs to a new puffy jacket. And since the guys and gals who work there have fishing on the brain year-round, they’re the perfect resource for a guide trip, local intel on where, when, and what to use, even during the winter. A few of my favorites are The Fly Fishers Place, Confluence, and Bend Fly Shop.
There’s no such thing as bad weather – only the wrong clothes. So true. Practice your layering and dress warm and comfortable for winter fly fishing. Let your merino wool base layers, puffy insulation, and Gore-Tex jacket see the light of day, put them to the test, and strut your fabulous winter-ready wardrobe. Or treat yourself to a shiny, new Simms jacket.
Indulge in a hot beverage. Or two. Hot cocoa, hot toddy, tea, coffee, apple cider, or chocolate eggnog. Jazz it up with a dollop of whip cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a dash of whiskey, rum, or bourbon. Nothing makes the smile grow, and the soul warm like a piping hot beverage while watching the snow fall and the river run.
Bend as a home base. When you’re not casting line, why not enjoy a day of skiing at Mt. Bachelor? Enjoy a variety of delicious, hearty feasts at some of Bend’s best restaurants. Cure the winter blues with some retail therapy at the Old Mill District or downtown Bend. Or a favorite of visitors, explore the world's beer capital, or indeed the northwest, with the Bend Ale Trail.
Share a few stories. Let’s face it; it’s not for everyone. But you, rockstar you, are braving the conditions, going out there with a positive, feel-good energy, and catching anything or not, sharing those stories about the abundance of beauty, fun, and adventure virtually or at the bar with friends is so worth it.
Winter fly fishing makes for a perfect way to get out of the house, recharge your batteries, and put your skills to the test. But don’t forget to channel your inner-parent voice and be safe!
–Check weather and road conditions first.
–Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan on being back.
–Fish with a friend for safety and fun.
–Dress warm - wool base layers, down or synthetic insulation, a waterproof jacket, gloves, and beanie. And –then bring some extras for the car ride home or if something gets wet.
–Throw in a wading staff for fast water and icy trails.
–Think about fishing from the bank instead of wading into the cold water.
–Know your limits and pay attention to the hanger, cold hands, and setting sun.
As an angler lucky enough to call Bend, Oregon, home, I’m a proud member of the Central Oregon community. So whether you live here or are just passing through, let’s keep our outdoor spaces as we found them, or heck, even better. Leave No Trace, follow regulations from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, check flows and conditions first, respect fellow anglers, practice proper catch & release techniques, be a conservation advocate, and have fun!