Deschutes River Trip Details

Included / Not Included:
Included: All meals, guiding, and camping gear (except sleeping bags) are included in the price.
Not Included: Alcohol, licenses, boaters pass, Indian permit (if needed), vehicle shuttle, fishing equipment, sleeping bag, guide gratuities (typically 10%-15% of the package price), and personal items. Note: You will need your own sleeping bag!

Travel Logistics:
Arrival Information: To get to the Deschutes you will need to make travel arrangements to Maupin Oregon.
Getting to the Lodge: Imperial River Lodge sits on the east bank of the Deschutes right next to the Rt. 197 bridge.
Departure Information: When staying at the Imperial you will leave in the morning after continental breakfast. For camp trips you will have your car shuttled to the takeout (see itinerary for details).

Travel Cash:
As a guideline we recommend that each guest travels with enough cash for guide gratuities.

Gratuities:
A gratuity of $50-$100 a day (per boat) is a good guideline if you have enjoyed your time with your guide. This may be handed to the guide at the end of your trip.

Fishing Licenses:
Anglers must purchase licenses ahead of time. Licenses can be purchased at www.dfw.state.or.us/online_license_sales/.  In addition, you will need to purchase a Boaters’ Pass for each day you will be floating the Deschutes. These can be purchased online at: www.boaterpass.com.

Feel free to call us for assistance in purchasing a license or boater pass.

Climate:
Due to the desert setting, climate varies widely from day to day, hour to hour and season to season. Come prepared for everything. Mornings are often very cold and mid day can be very hot. Wind is also a big factor due the variable weather conditions. Inexperienced anglers may benefit from overloading their rods by one line weight in windy conditions. Always bring rain gear regardless of season.

Medical Facilities:
The closest medical facility is in The Dalles, approximately 45 minutes from the lodge. Guests have the responsibility to disclose any special medical, physical, or dietary needs to the lodge ahead of time.

Power and Communications:
Day Trips: Most cell phones work at the Imperial River Lodge and WiFi is available throughout the property. Note: The rooms at Imperial DO NOT have telephones.
Camp Trips: Cell service is not available while on the river.

Clothing:
As the climate is extremely changeable and a wide range of temperatures and conditions can be expected, we recommend layering clothes. Anglers should be prepared with thermal underwear, fleece/soft shell jacket, and a rain jacket. Synthetic fabrics are preferred to cotton.

Warm socks, polar fleece pullovers or sweaters, warm hat, warm fishing gloves, sun-gloves, sun hat, wet wading gear with neoprene socks for mid-summer, waterproof wading jacket, synthetic long underwear and fleece pants, quick dry clothing including shorts. Bring comfortable clothes for camp and rugged shoes, and sandals for mid-summer.

Laundry:
Laundry service is not available. Please pack accordingly.

Beverages/Alcohol:
The Imperial River Lodge has a fully stocked bar and a good selection of beer and wine. For camp trips you will need to bring all your own alcoholic beverages.

Tackle/Equipment List:
Rods: Trout rods should range from 8-9 feet and cast 3-5 wt lines. Having a dry fly rod as well as nymphing rod is a good idea. During the salmon fly hatch in June, 6 wt rods are also useful. Steelhead anglers should be prepared with 9-10 ft. 7 and 8 weight single-handed rods and 6-8 weight spey rods.
Lines: For trout fishing a floater is the only line needed. Most steelhead anglers prefer floating lines as well but do bring along sink tips as well. Type IV and V tips, Teeny 200 and 300. Rio Versi tips and loop-to-loop spey lines with assorted tips are the most popular.
Reels: Any quality reel with backing will work for trout fishing, while steelhead reels should have at least 150 yards of 30 lb backing.
Leaders: Bring trout leaders from 9-12 ft. in length ranging from 4X-6X. Steelhead leaders should be 8-10 ft. long and range from 8-12 pound test. Maxima ultra green is a popular tippet material for steelhead.
Flies: Trout; assorted caddis #14-18, PMD #16-18, BWO #16-18, Griffith gnats #18-22, Midge pupa, 16-22, Sparkle pupa in tan and green #14-18, Adult salmon flies and golden stones in season (June-July), assorted terrestrials, PT nymphs #14-18, Bead head Bird’s nest #14-18, assorted dark and golden stonefly nymphs, October caddis pupa and adults, Prince #12-16. Steelhead Flies: Green butt skunk, freight train, streetwalker, purple peril, coal car, signal light, and assorted flashy patterns in purple and pink #4-8. Black and purple leaches (with and without lead eyes), woolley buggers in black and purple, articulated leaches, and assorted spey flies in size #2-6.
Waders & Boots: Breathable waders are the most popular with varying thicknesses of synthetics layers for different conditions. Cleated boots, wading staffs, and a wading belt are mandatory.