The Deschutes River is a major waterway in central Oregon that runs approximately 252 miles from its headwaters at Little Lava Lake through the Cascade Mountains to its confluence with the Columbia River. Known for its exceptional fishing opportunities, the river is divided into three main sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower Deschutes. Each section offers distinctive fishing experiences in varied landscapes, from high mountain meadows to high desert canyons. The Deschutes is renowned for its native redband trout (often called redsides), as well as its steelhead runs. The river features diverse water conditions including spring-fed sections with stable flows, areas with significant seasonal fluctuations due to irrigation demands, and sections with challenging white water. The Deschutes' ecosystem has been significantly altered by dams and irrigation systems, yet it remains one of the premier fishing destinations in the Pacific Northwest.