We’re Back in Business

Good news from the Lower Deschutes today! High water levels have subsided and clarity is returning. We are currently looking at about 2.5 feet of visibility. This morning started out with a bit more turbidity in the water, but as the day went on it continued to clear.

Flows coming out of the Crooked River have dropped drastically to 515 cfs out of Prineville Reservoir. This should help the clarity of the lower Deschutes from the dam down. Deschutes flows out of the dam are currently 5,040 cfs—lower than they have been in a while! Warm Springs River is still dropping, with flows sitting at 625 cfs. Trout Creek has no gauge but from boots on the ground up in that region it sounds like it is dropping too. Last but not least the White River is currently flowing at 834 cfs and running with very little turbidity.

Time to bust out your dry flies and teach some trout the theory of evolution. This spring has been a crazy one with high water and intense storms, but the cautious optimist in me feels like we might be on the other side of it. There are still plenty of big bugs in the grasses and trees, so don’t hesitate to get out to Maupin and take advantage while you can. Keep your fingers crossed for a continued drop in flows and hungry trout looking up. See you on the water!