THE DALLES, Ore., — Fishing restrictions have been lifted in Oregon’s Deschutes River effective immediately, meaning anglers now can fish after 2 p.m. from Macks Canyon to the mouth.
Water temperature in the lower Deschutes are back to near normal for August.
“We typically see water temperatures in the lower Deschutes begin to cool in August,” said Rod French, an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist. “Despite some very warm temperatures in late June and early July, the river is starting to look more normal as we head into August.”
Contributing to the August cool down are longer nights and cool night temperatures plus the changing angle of the sun increasing shade cast by the steep canyon walls.
Also, as the river level drops, the influence of cold-water springs increases.
The 2 p.m. closure began July 16 as a measure to help native fish already stressed by warm water.
