Oregon’s famed Deschutes River is one of the most important – and historically productive – steelhead tributaries of the Columbia River. But poor adult returns in recent years might lead you to think the Deschutes is no longer the powerhouse steelhead factory it once was.
Water quality and steelhead
Steelhead, like all of their salmonid cousins, need cold, clean water to thrive. But protecting and restoring water quality can be a real challenge, as the changing climate is making conditions warmer and drier throughout many watersheds.
Deschutes River closures for steelhead, salmon and bass fishing
Last month the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced that the Deschutes River will be closed to fishing for steelhead, salmon and bass for parts of the summer to protect the river’s seriously at-risk summer steelhead population.
Help summer steelhead
Tell ODFW what you think about managing steelhead fisheries in the Columbia Basin.
ODFW Approves Thermal Angling Sanctuaries on the Columbia
Earlier today, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted temporary rules for the 2020 fishing season that limit angling for steelhead in thermal sanctuaries at the mouths of Herman Creek, Eagle Creek, and the Deschutes River. This rule change is a win for endangered Columbia basin steelhead stocks, including the legendary B-Run steelhead that return to the Clearwater each year. …
Cold water refuges in the Columbia River- what are they and why are they important?
After months of winter steelheading, and with spring a few days away, wet-wading and sunshine are starting to sound pretty appealing. But warmer temperatures also bring some complications for summer steelhead in the Columbia basin. Tributaries like Herman Creek, Eagle Creek, Little White Salmon, and the Deschutes River deliver cold water to the Columbia even when air temps climb. Summer …