Bike and Fish Oregon's Lower Deschutes River

Oregon Bicycle Trail a Cheap Option to Expensive Guide Boat Fishing

Oct 8, 2008

Local guides offer great steelhead fishing for lower Deschutes River anglers. For fishermen with bicycles, though, an easy trail provides a low cost alternative.

Steelhead return to the Deschutes River from July through December, offering exciting fishing along one of the most spectacular rivers in Oregon.

Most of the lower river is accessible only by boat, but a trail parallels 14 miles of the river, giving anglers with bicycles a less expensive option.

Fishing The Lower Deschutes River in Oregon with a Guide

Fishermen who have never fished for steelhead, or who have not fished the lower Deschutes River, should choose one of many guides in the area. Guides offer fly or spinner fishing from drift boats that float the river or jet boats that move up or down river. Day trips or multi-night camping trips are available.

A good example is The Fly Fishing Shop in Welches, Oregon, which offers two night trips for $650 per angler in a party of four to $1,350 for a sole angler (2008 rates).

The Bicycle Alternative to Guided Fishing on the Deschutes River

An experienced steelhead fisherman with basic bicycling skills can save the cost of a professional guide, and still access much of the same stretch of river. Since wading across is not possible, anglers are limited to the east shore. While boaters move easily from side to side, bicycle fishermen still find excellent fishing on their one side.

Walking this trail is also feasible, but the angler with a bicycle can easily fish much more of the river than a hiker.

The Lower Deschutes River Bicycle Trail

A parking lot for bicyclists and hikers is located just outside a state campground near where the Deschutes flows into the Columbia, 100 miles east of Portland. The trail begins here.

The relatively level dirt trail (originally a competing train track bed to the west side rail line) parallels the river along spectacular basalt-columned walls, overlooking the river from as much as 100 feet above.

Mile markers and ecological toilets are spotted along and near the trail, and multiple footpaths down to the river provide safe access to the water. A map of the lower river is recommended, and is available for about $6 from Frank Amato Publications.

Pack the Proper Gear to Fish by Bicycle in Oregon

For day trips, an angler can wear waders and boots while bicycling. Rods can be attached to the bicycle crossbar with small bungee cords, and the rest of the gear can be carried in a day pack.

Overnight biking is also feasible, but a bicycle trailer may be needed to transport camping gear.

Take Precautions to Ensure Safe Biking and Fishing

The Deschutes River is swift, cold and wide with hazardous rapids and slippery shoreline rocks. Rattlesnakes are common in late summer and early fall. The sun can be intense and temperatures can reach 100 as late as October. Roadside brush can puncture tires.

Anglers should be aware of and prepare for these risks and, if at all possible, fish with a friend.

Getting to the Lower Deschutes River from Portland, Oregon

From Portland, drive two hours east on Interstate 84 to exit 97. Follow the frontage road east for about two miles. Cross the Deschutes River and park in the designated area before the campground entrance.

The Bicycle Alternative to Boats

Guided boat trips are the right introduction to fishing the lower Deschutes. Experienced anglers, however, should consider the low cost alternative of bicycle fishing. Either way, fishermen need to choose the right gear, and to prepare carefully for fishing the Deschutes' environment.

The copyright of the article Bike and Fish Oregon's Lower Deschutes River in Freshwater Fishing is owned by Bob Bowers. Permission to republish Bike and Fish Oregon's Lower Deschutes River in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.