Deschutes Water Temperature

This has been a hot topic. One that takes some serious research to figure what is going on with the changes in the Deschutes River and why. What is in the future of how water temperatures are managed? Is there a balance of having a successful reintroduction of anadromous fish above Lake Billy Chinook and a healthy river below? Here, we have chronologically linked related articles. With the overwhelming theme being healthy fish/river VS healthy fish/river. Confusing? Yes. We are hoping that all groups and agencies will, in short time, find the balance that is ideal for the fish passage, trout/bug health, angling opportunities, and a healthy river.


Links in the news:

July 22, 2010. "Recently, there has been considerable concern regarding the warm water temperatures on the Deschutes River. Our friend Matt, recently received information from Don Ratliff, senior fish biologists at the Pelton Round Butte Project, regarding the temperature change of the river."

http://oregonsteelhead.blogspot.com/2010/07/deschutes-river-water-temputures.html

July 29 2011. "The selective water withdrawal facility is now in its second year of operation, and we’re getting questions about how we’re managing water temperatures in the Lower Deschutes. Here are some answers for you:"

http://www.deschutespassage.com/news/?p=80

August 18, 2011. "This article explores keeping releases within state temperature guidelines, The difference noticed by fishermen on the lower 100 miles of the river, and its dramatically changing temperatures with fish behavior:"

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2011/08/pge_cools_water_flows_in_deschutes_river_below_lake_bill_chinook.html

July 13, 2012."Many anglers know that temperatures on the Deschutes below the Pelton Round Butte Project are now being managed to reflect what they would be if the dams were not here. That is still the case:"
http://www.deschutespassage.com/news/?p=87

July 23, 2013. "After three years of complaints that a $130 million mixing tower in Round Butte Reservoir is raising water temperatures in and changing the nature of the lower Deschutes River, Portland General Electric is starting two studies to help determine if there is any scientific basis for the fears:" 
http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/07/in_the_hot_deschutes_river_por.html


August 12, 2013. "Dams hurt rivers. They block a river’s flow and harm water quality, fish and wildlife, and recreational opportunities. In some cases where a dam is outdated, unsafe, or has outlived its usefulness, American Rivers advocates for dam removal. But in many cases, keeping a working hydropower dam in place makes sense. And with some upgrades to the dam and its operations, we can make hydropower safer for rivers." - See more at: 
http://www.americanrivers.org/blog/improving-hydropower-dams-benefits-rivers/#sthash.K8WzU2Ad.dpuf

The current water temperature can be read by visiting the USGS link.

Caddis Hatch with Alice Owsley

photo by Christopher Daniel

A few weeks ago I had the good fortune to fish with Alice Owsley, currently the only women outfitter in Montana running Riverside Anglers.  Last year when Marty returned from IceOut, he talked about some of the highlight but the only person he raved about was Alice and said, “You gotta meet Alice, she’s fun, hard core and genuine.”

I called Alice when we landed in Montanathis year for the Simms IceOut, the next day we were on the water, rigging up rods and taking turns rowing.  Alice started guiding 14 years ago after deciding she didn’t want to spend the rest of her life indoors looking under microscopes. The river is her playground.  I watched her on the Gallatin River turning over rocks to match the hatch and changing flies till a willing trout would slurp one from the surface.  Patience’s is a virtue. Not only is she a successful trout fisherman and guide, she can back a boat trailer better than most guys and cast a rod like a champion. She is also passionate and dedicated to conserving the natural resources, a supporter of Trout Unlimited and advocate of getting more women into the sport of fly-fishing. If you’re heading to Montana to fish the Madison, Yellowstone, Big Hole or Beaverhead Rivers I can guarantee you will have a fabulous time with Alice.

photo courtesy of Alice

This week you talked about your dad and how he introduced you to fishing. How old where you when you started fishing? 

My Dad learned to fly fish when I was young; he thought it was a great sport for the whole family. I picked it up before my eighth birthday.

What is your most memorable experience on the water with your dad? 

I have a hard time pinning down one experience of fishing with my Dad. We spent a lot of time practicing casting in the yard when I was a kid. I have also been able to travel and fish with him. Trading off big trout targets in New Zealand was fun, as was the little competition we had for the biggest bonefish one day in the Bahamas, he won. . I’ve really enjoyed fishing with my family over the years.

After college you decided to start guiding, why did you make that chose and how long have you being guiding?

I love being outside. I was looking at the prospects of staring into a microscope and working in a lab and couldn’t picture the long term outcome of working inside. I was always itching to get outside. I helped out with some Women’s fly fishing classes, met some great gals and really liked the fly fishing industry. My first full time guide job was in 1999 in King Salmon, AK, chasing salmon and big rainbows. I have been guiding in the Yellowstone area since 2001. The in between years were working in fly shops in the area.

You’re one of the only women outfitters in Montana how is it competing with the big boys?

I always knew I wanted to run my own business. I enjoy guiding and sharing my passion for fly fishing with people. I was recently told I have a niche in the local fly fishing businesses, being the only woman, hopefully that will pay off for my business. In the end I just want to be the best guide I can be on the water.

Do you have a favorite hatch?

The caddis hatches on the Madison. I love that time of year. Usually the water is a great level and you can find fish hanging right where they are supposed to be living. Not only are there risers, but caddis really bring out the stalking of trout. The right fly, a good drift in that one bubble line and a beautiful slurp, hard to beat.

 Outside of Montana, where will your next fishing trip be?

 Probably… my honeymoon. To a beautiful saltwater destination, in the Pacific with hungry bonefish.

Deschutes guide profile

Brian Silvey cranking on one! http://www.silveysflyfishing.com/

Proving a 5 weight can land a big and hot steelhead in less than 5 minutes.

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Allow me to introduce Brian Silvey, owner of a year-round Oregon flyfishing guide service operated from his home in Maupin, Oregon. Having grown up on the Deschutes and Sandy Rivers, he knows these waters well and can guide you on a trip you won’t soon forget.

He has been involved in the Flyfishing industry in many facets, here are some tid bits:

• 23 years as a flyfishing guide along the banks of the Deschutes and Sandy Rivers.
• Never been a member for the hair club for men.
• Holds a degree in Fisheries – Fish Biology & Fisheries Management Oregon Dept of Fish & Wildlife as a experimental biologist aid.
• Can cast left and right handed. (but can he tie flys with both?)
• 28 years as a private and commercial Fly Tier
• Signature tier for Idylewilde Flies; his flies have been in several Books and Magazines.
• Has a graveyard in the back 40.
• Instructer of fly tying and fly casting classes.
• Is not prepared for an enemy invasion, but thats ok, his son Dustin is.
• 1999 Best Of The West Fly casting contest in Seattle 5 wt rod won with 102 ft cast.
• 2002 mustash champion.
• Certified as a Flyfishing casting instructor. He uses both conventional fly rods and traditional two handed (spey) rods .
  
  "I love my job and when I have “down time” from guiding, you can find me enjoying the river, fishing … or rock hunting … with my son and daughter, or simply enjoying the surrounding beauty of the mosquitos."