In this unique river wild endemic desert rainbows rise to myriad hatches in riffles and back eddies mirroring green alders and brown basalt cliffs. These distinctive fish are affectionately called Redsides and are linked to the desert Red Band Trout group. Rocky Mountain Whitefish add to the spectacular nymph fishing. An occasional native Bull Trout adds variety to your catch. The canyon is an oasis in the sagebrush covered Oregon high desert.
Bird life is concentrated here, attracted by the hatches that also feed the fish.
Game animals come to water. The sun shines an average of three hundred days a year. The air is clean. In winter the Deschutes has warm mid-day sun which triggers hatches of tiny may flies and great dry fly fishing. Early spring is a time of March Browns or Gray wing Olives.