The Lower Deschutes River Float Trip which begins at the Rainbow Bridge of the Warm Springs Tribal Reservation and ends at Trout Creek (approx. 10 river miles) is our most popular full day trip (approx. 8 hours) for targeting our famous Deschutes Redside Trout.
We will meet you at Fin & Fire Fly Shop at 7 am. Coffee will be ready and if needed you will be outfitted with waders and boots. Our shop is well-stocked and you can pick up any last-minute items. After getting outfitted, we will drive, in separate vehicles to the Safeway parking lot in Madras where you will leave your vehicle. Guests will ride with the guide to the boat launch at Warm Springs, total drive time is about 45 minutes from our shop. After launching our drift boat at Warm Springs we will float and fish our way down the scenic Deschutes River. Your guide will work with you, helping you read the water properly as well as put you into some of our favorite spots. In these prime locations we will use a dry fly or nymphing tactics in an attempt to fool the beautiful Deschutes Redside trout. Although we use our comfortable and spacious drift boats to access the river, you will be fishing from shore, as by law, we cannot fish from boats on the Deschutes, so be prepared for some walking.
If you are having issues booking a trip please call the shop at this phone number and we will assist you. 541-548-1503
Boaters Pass and Warm Spring Tribal License for each angler is included in the cost of the trip.
All anglers will need to purchase an Oregon Fishing License.
If you do not have an Oregon Fishing License. Please purchase them at this online site prior to your arrival.
Fin & Fire is not responsible for inclement weather, airline issues, water conditions, or car rentals. Single Day Guide trips can be cancelled 30 or more days prior to your trip for a refund minus a 5% cancellation fee. Cancellations within 30 days of the trip date will forfeit 100% of the trip cost. Multi-Day guide trips are non-refundable. If Fin & Fire decides to cancel the trip to due adverse conditions, the customer may request a full refund.
Hi, we don’t really have any fly fishing gear and we know it’s pretty expensive to buy. Do you have any rental gear?
We provide high-quality Simms Waders and Boots as well as Premium Rods & Reels, Flies and Tackle at no extra cost on all Fin & Fire guided trips. We are a specialty fly-shop and well-equipped to make your time on the water as comfortable and productive as possible.
Do we need to bring a cooler and food on the trip?
You do not need a cooler. Don't forget to pack a lunch and bring your favorite beverage. We will have some room in the cooler. All meals are provided on the Multi-Day trips by our skilled camp host.
Will we need a fishing license?
Yes. All anglers over the age of 11 must have a valid Oregon Fishing License. Licenses can be purchased from a few local retailers such as Fred Meyer. Please acquire your license before the trip and do not expect that you will be able to get one the day of the trip. You may also purchase a license online directly from ODFW: https://odfw.huntfishoregon.com/login
Should I tip the guide?
Guide gratuities are not included in the price of your trip and are highly suggested. Our guides work very hard under harsh conditions and if they meet or exceed your expectations please reward them appropriately. As a general rule of thumb, you can follow the same guidelines as restaurant tipping based on the cost of the trip.
What type of clothing should I wear?
Dress for both the coldest and hottest weather that you may experience. Your guide can give you detailed list of what to wear but some general tips are to bring sunglasses, a hat, long sleeve breathable shirt that protects you from the sun, breathable pants (not cotton) that work well with the waders, wool socks and sunscreen. Many of our trips are held on hot days and exposure to the sun will be high. If your trip has an early start time, bring an extra layer that you can shed when it warms up. If rain or cold weather is expected on the date of your trip we recommend fleece layering and a waterproof shell.
We don’t really see a trip that fits with our schedule. Are there any other options?
We are more than happy to work with you on customizing your trip to fit your needs. Need to start late or get off the water early? Large group size? Angler with limited mobility? Let us know and we will do our best to make a trip that works for you. We also specialize in customized corporate fishing trips that make an incredible impression on your group.
Cancellation Policy:
Fin & Fire is not responsible for inclement weather, airline issues, water conditions, or car rentals. Single Day Guide trips can be cancelled 30 or more days prior to your trip for a refund minus a 5% cancellation fee. Cancellations within 30 days of the trip date will forfeit 100% of the trip cost. Multi-Day guide trips are non-refundable. If Fin & Fire decides to cancel the trip to due adverse conditions, the customer may request a full refund.
Our Deschutes full day float trip starts about 7am. We will meet you at Fin & Fire Fly Shop. We will drive, in separate vehicles to the Safeway parking lot in Madras where you will leave your vehicle. Guests will ride with the guide to the boat launch at Warm Springs, total drive time is about 45 minutes from our shop.
After launching our drift boat we float and fish our way down the scenic Deschutes River. Your guide will work with you, helping you read the water properly as well as put you into some of our favorite spots. In these spots we will use dry fly or nymphing tactics to attempt to fool the hard-fighting Deschutes Redside trout. Although we use our comfortable and spacious drift boats to access the river, you will be doing all your fishing from shore as we cannot fish from boats on the Deschutes.
At about the midpoint in the day your guide pull into a scenic spot to take a break and allow you to recharge your batteries and get ready for the second part of your fishing day. You will now be in the rhythm of the Deschutes and placing your flies exactly where they need to be to fool one of the great Deschutes trout.
About 4pm will work towards the Trout Creek boat ramp where our truck and boat trailer will be waiting for you to take you back to your vehicle in Madras.