Fishing Report Updated 04/14/24
(Bottom Of Page)
Fly and Gear ordering and delivery: We can get flies to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Please see the bottom of this column for ordering options.
We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. They make excellent gifts. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com.
Type of Stream
Freestone Stream
Species
Rainbow Trout (Redband) Wild
Brown Trout (Wild)
Brook Trout (Wild)
Size
Medium
Location
Eastern Oregon
Nearest Towns
Frenchglen
Hines
Season
Year-round
Access:
Plentiful but hiking required to fish
the best water
Non-Resident License
State of Oregon
Weather
National Weather Service
USGS Real- time stream data:
Donner and Blitzen river
Season:
The season is year-round.
Spring:
The Spring season starts off with good fishing.
Summer:
Summertime is the best time for fly fishing the Donner/Blitzen River.
Fall:
Early Fall is good for the brown trout which spawn in the Fall as well as the big migratory Redband rainbows.
Recommended Tackle & Gear
Fly Line:
4, 5 or 6 weight
Leaders:
Dry fly: 9 to 12 ft., 5 or 6X Nymphing:
71/2 ft., 3 or 4X, Streamers 0-2X
Tippets:
Dry fly: 5 or 6X, Nymphing: 3 or 4X,
Streamer 0-2X
Best Fly Rods:
Perfect Fly Supreme Four, Superb Five
or Ultimate Six
Fly Reels:
For 4/5/6 fly line
Fly Floatants and Misc Items:
Floatants, KISS Strike Indicators
Tools & Accessories:
Nippers, forceps, retractors, etc.
Fly and Gear ordering and delivery:
Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. We can get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail.
Fly Fishing The Donner and Blitzen River Oregon
The Donner and Blitzen River is commonly referred to as the Blitzen. The river rises on the lower slopes near Steens Mountain at an elevation of about 6500 feet. It is located in the high desert region of eastern Oregon and drains the southern portion of the Harney Basin including the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. The river terminates into Matheur Lake.
The river has a unique and diverse setting, flowing through both marshland and glaciated canyons. Although Its unusual name makes you think of two of Santa’s reindeer, it translates in German to thunder and lightning. There are many spring feed tributaries including the South Fork Blitzen River, Little Blitzen River, Big Indian Creek, Little Indian Creek, Fish creek, Mud Creek and Ankle Creek.
Although the Blitzen flows only a couple of miles from the little town of Frenchglen, it is truly a remote and wild river that doesn’t pass through any cities. Eighty-seven miles of the river is designated Wild and Scenic.
The redband trout of the Donner and Blitzen is known for its fine trout fishing. The trout average about 10 to 12 inches but grow up to 18 inches. An angler that is willing to hike and fish unfished water is usually well rewarded.
The river can be accessed at the Donner and Blitzen River Canyon at Page Springs. Hiking downstream will put you in touch with new water as far as you want to go. You can also access the river from the Steens Mountain Loop Road off of highway #205. Just upstream is the Little Blitzen and Big Indian which forms the main river.
10/03/20 The stream is flowing a little
below normal level and in good shape.
There are good hatches taking place.
10/22/20 The stream levels are okay and
there are some good hatches taking
place. Trout are being caught by our
customers in good numbers.
11/08/20 The river is in great shape and
we are getting some very good reports
from customers. BWO and midges are
hatching good.
11/28/20 The river is still in okay shape
and you should be able to catch trout.
Send us an email for fly recommendations.
sales@perfectflystore.com
12/14/20 The water level is fine but it is
cold. Midges and little BWOs are hatching.
Our brown sculpin streamers are working.
12/26/20 The river is at a normal level and
we are getting some good reports from
customes.
01/10/21 Conditions remain good. The
water is cold and you need to fish deep
and slow. Midges and winter stoneflies
are hatching.
01/27/21 The stream levels are good and
there are midge and winter stonefly
hatches taking place. The water is around
34 degrees and less.
02/25/21 The river is low and you have to
be cauious to not spook the trout. Midges,
little BWOs and Winter stoneflies are
hatching.
03/18/21 The stream is in good shape
with good numbers of trout being caught.
Our sculpin streamers, midges, mostly
cream and light green, winter stoneflies
and little BWOs are working good.
04/19/21 The stream levels are low but there are still trout being caught in decent numbers. You have to use stealth and stay hidden. BWOs, midges, March browns, Skwala stoneflies and little Black Caddis are hatching.
05/02/21 The skwalas and Little Black Caddis are finished for the year but Spotted sedge and Green sedge caddis are hatching. Pale Evening duns are starting to hatch.
05/11/21 The river is in good shape in all respects. We are getting good reports from customers. Stream levels are okay and there are a lot of insects hatching.
05/20/21 The stream is still in good shape and we continue to get good reports. There are Pale Morning Duns, March Browns, Green Sedge Caddis, Golden stoneflies, and other insects hatching.
05/28/21 The river is still flowing at a low level but we continue to get good reports from customers. Use our Perfect Flies and you will see a big improvement in your success.
06/06/21 The river is still low but we continue to get some good reports from customers.
96/17/21 Conditions remain okay. The water level is still low but we continue to get some good reports. Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations.
07/02/21 The river is ranking as one of the best in Oregon, especially with the hot weather pattern this early summer. You should do a little hiking to get away from other anglers and campers. Good hatches are still taking place and our terrestrials are working.
07/14/21 Good conditions continue. Yes it is hot but we are still getting good reports from customers. Send us an email (www.sales@perfectflystore.com) or call us 800 594 4726 for recommended fly and gear recommendations.
07/20/21 More good reports have come in from customers. Do a little hiking to get to the better, cooler water helps.
07/28/21 The stream is still turning out good catches for our customers. There are good hatches and our terrestrial patterns are working.
08/05/21 We continue to get a few good reports from customers. If you take the time and trouble to fish the remote sections, it will pay off.
08/15/21 We continue to get some very good reports from customers. All sections of the stream are turning out good numbers of trout. There are still some good hatches taking place.
08/23/21 More good reports come in from out customers this past week. Mahogany duns have started to hatch along with other insects.
08/31/21 The stream is still a little low and you need to stick with the highly oxygenated water or the runs and riffles and to stay hidden from the trout as much as possible. We are still getting good reports from customers.
09/10/21 Low stream levels continue to give some anglers problems. You just have to use extra caution to stay as hidden as possible. Dress to match the background. Fish still eat in low water.
09/18/21 The stream is still a little low but okay. There is heavy rain forecast for today and that should bring them up. We continue to get good reports.
09/27/21 Finally got some rain but it did little to raise the stream levels other than temporarily. They are still slow but we are still getting good reports.
10/10/21 Stream levels are still a little low but we continue to get good reports from customers. Good fall hatches are taking place.
10/20/21 The river is still a little below normal level and in some respects, especially a wading standpoint, that makes it easier to catch trout. You do have to use caution to stay hidden from the trout.
10/31/21 The stream is near a normal level and in good shape. We continue to get good reports from customers. Good hatches of Mahogany duns, BWOs, blood midges and other insects are taking place.
11/07/21 We are getting good reports from customers. Good hatches continue to take place.
11/15/21 More good reports came in the past week from customers. All sections of the river are turning out good numbers of trout. Blue-winged olives, blood midges, aquatic worms, spotted sedge caddis and other insects are hatching.
11/23/21 We received two more good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches continue and our articulated sculpin streamers are working good.
12/01/21 The stream is still just a little below normal levels and easy to wade. We received three good reports this past week from customers.
12/10/21 We continue to get good reports from customers – four this past week. The weather is getting colder and you many need to slow down the presentations.
12/18/21 We are still getting a very few good reports on trout but it is slow due to the very cold water. Midges and little BWO nymphs are working some.
12/26/21 Stream levels are just a little below normal levels. We received two good reports from customers this past week.
01/03/22 The river is in good shape level wise but getting colder. We received two more good reports from anglers fishing last week.
01/11/22 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. We received two more good reports from customers catching trout. The high temperature for the days this coming week should be in the forties and low in the high twenties. Midges are hatching good.
01/19/22 The stream is in good shape stream level wise but cold. Our customers are catching good numbers on our blood or red midge larva and pupa and some on sculpin streamers. Work the streamers slow and in the deeper pools.
01/27/22 We received two good reports from customers this past week. Stream levels are okay and the water cold but there are some good winter stonefly and midge hatches taking place.
02/04/21 Three good reports came in this past week from customers. Good hatches continue.
02/12/22 We received three more good reports from customers. The stream is flowing a little below normal level but okay. Swakla stoneflies are starting to hatch along with the BWOs, midges and winter stoneflies.
02/20/22 We are still getting some good reports in spite of the low water levels. Just stay hidden as best you can. There is snow in the forecast through Tuesday.
02/28/22 Stream levels are up near normal and the water clear. We received three good reports from customers fishing this past week. March Browns and Little Brown stoneflies should be starting to hatch.
03/08/22 We received three good reports from customers catching trout. The stream levels are low and you have to use caution to keep from spooking the fish.
03/16/22 Conditions remain good although the water is still a little low. There are good hatches of Blue-winged olives, little Brown stoneflies, Little Black Caddis and March Brown mayflies.
03/24/22 The stream is near a normal level and in good shape. There are good hatches taking place and we are getting some good reports from customers.
04/01/22 The stream is running below normal level but okay. We are still getting some good reports.
04/09/22 The stream is still low. We are still getting some good reports from customers fishing it. You have to make good presentations and stay as hidden as you can. Good hatches are taking place including BWOs, March Browns, Little Black caddis and Skwala stoneflies.
04/18/22 The river is still turning out good numbers of trout for our customers in spite of the low water levels. You have to be careful to stay hidden and make good presentations to not spook the fish.
04/26/22 Stream levels are below normal but we are still getting good reports from customers. Good hatches continue to take place.
05/04/22 More good reports came in this past week. All sections of the river are turning out good numbers. Very good hatches are taking place.
05/12/22 Conditions are still good. We continue to get good reports from all sections of the river. Good hatches are still taking place.
05/20/22 The stream is flowing just a little below normal level and clear. We are still getting very good reports from customers. There are lots of insects hatching including Pale Morning Duns, Little Yellow stoneflies, Golden stoneflies, Spotted sedge caddis, green sedge caddis and others.
05/28/22 The stream is near a normal level and in good shape. We are getting some very good reports from customers. The good hatches continue to take place. All sections of the stream are producing.
06/11/22 The stream levels are up high due to recent rain. Give it a little time to drop back down and clear. We have been getting excellent reports prior to the higher levels.
06/17/22 The stream level is down to normal and the water clear. We received three good reports the past two days. Good hatches are taking place.
06/25/22 The stream has produced for our customers throughout the past week. Very good hatches are taking place and dry fly fishing has been very good.
07/02/22 The stream is flowing just a little below normal level and clear. All sections of the stream are turning out good catches. Good hatches are taking place and terrestrials like our Japanese beetles, sandwich hoppers and carpenter ants are working.
07/09/22 The stream is still flowing just a little below normal and clear. We continue to get good reports from customers fishing all sections of it. Good hatches continue to take place.
07/16/22 Conditions remain good. Do a little hiking into the canyon for cooler water. Yes it is hot but we are still getting good reports from customers. Send us an email (www.sales@perfectflystore.com) or call us 800 594 4726 for recommended fly and gear recommendations.
07/23/22 The river is turning out good catches of trout for our customers. Good hatches continue to take place and our terrestrial patterns are working good.
07/30/22 We continue to get good reports from customers. You do need to match the hatch, not just fish junk generics. Do that and you will be very successful.
08/06/22 Conditions are okay. We are still getting good reports from customers – three this past week. Good hatches continue to take place.
08/13/22 The stream is flowing a little below normal level and clear. Good hatches continue to take place and our terrestrial patterns are also working good.
08/20/22 Stream levels are a little low but we are still getting some very good reports. Good hatches continue to take place.
08/27/22 The stream is still a little low but okay. We received two good reports this past week.
09/04/22 The stream is still low but we are still getting some good reports from customers. Stay low and hidden as you can and make good presentations using Perfect Flies.
09/11/22 Stream levels are still a little low but okay. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
09/18/22 More good reports came in this past week. Stream levels are a little below normal level but okay. Good hatches continue to take place.
10/08/22 The stream is flowing a little below normal level but okay. We received two good reports from customers fishing it this past week. Good late season hatches are taking place.
10/27/22 Stream levels are still a little below normal level and the water clear. We received two good reports from customers fishing last week.
11/17/22 The water is cold and it does take some different strategies and techniques but some are catching trout. Cream and light Green midge larva and pupa rigged in tandem and small 20 size BWO nymphs are working.
02/08/23 Sorry for the missed reports. Hopefully, we can keep them up from now on. Midges (creams and light greens, scuds, aquatic worms (red) are working good.
02/23/23 We are getting good reports from customers, three this past week. MIdges are still effective, especially our cream midge larva and pupa rigged in tandem.
03/13/23 The stream is still flowing below a normal level and clear. There are good hatches taking place including BWOs, Midges-creams and light greens, and Skwala stoneflies.
03/26/23 The stream is flow below normal level but high enough to fish well. There are good hatches taking place including March Browns in addition to those shown in the paragraph just above here.
04/07/23 The stream is flowing a little high right now due to heavy rain but it should drop back down soon. We have been getting good reports from customers. Midges, BWOs, Skwala stoneflies and other insects are hatching.
04/21/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. We received two good reports from customers the past week. Good hatches are taking place including March Browns.
04/28/23 Good conditions continue to exist. We received two more good reports from customers fishing this past week.
05/14/23 Stream levels are high and the water stained from snow melt. Give it some time and it should be very good again. Now is the time to get your flies together.
05/25/23 The stream has been a little high but down to almost normal flows. There are some very good hatches taking place. We received one good report from a customer fishing yesterday.
06/07/23 The stream is in good shape and our customers are sending in very good reports. Great hatches are taking place. Send us and email for fly selection info.
06/14/23 The stream is still flowing at a normal level and clear. There are multiple hatches taking place. We received two good reports from customers this past week.
06/20/23 Good conditions exist. The stream levels in normal and the water is clear. Good hatches are taking place.
06/24/23 Good stream levels exist. Good hatches are taking place. We received two good reports from customers.
07/02/23 We are still getting very good reports. Stream levels are normal and the water clear. Very good hatches are taking place. We received three good reports from customers fishing this past week.
07/12/23 Conditions remain good. We suggest that you do a little hiking into the canyon for cooler water. Yes it is hot, but we are still getting good catch reports from customers. Match the hatch. Send us an email (www.sales@perfectflystore.com) or call us 800 594 4726 for recommended fly and gear recommendations.
07/20/23 We received five more good reports from customers. There are a lot of insects hatching and dry fly fishing is good.
07/31/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches continue to take place.
08/05/23 We received two good report from customers fishing this past week. The stream is currently on the way up due to rain but that should help in the long run. Good hatches continue to take place.
08/15/23 The stream is still in good shape flowing at good levels. Good hatches take place. You need to match the hatch and that is what Perfect Flies is all about. They look like the real things in all stages of life.
08/21/23 The stream is still in okay shape but a little above normal and heading up due to some rain. Good hatches continue to come off.
08/28/23 The stream is still in good shape with good hatches coming off. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
09/05/23 Good conditions still exist. we received two more good reports from customers fishing it this past week. Good late season hatches continue to take place.
09/12/23 Conditions remain very good. The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. We continue to get good reports from customers fishing it.
09/19/23 The stream is still in good shape with normal levels and clear water. Good late season hatches are still taking place and dry fly fishing is still good.
09/26/23 The stream is still flowing at a normal level and clear. We received two good reports from customers fishing it this past week. Good hatches continue to take place.
10/03/23 The stream is still flowing at a normal level and clear. Good hatches are still taking place and we are still getting good reports from customers fishing it.
10/12/23 The stream is still near a normal level and clear. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches continue to take place.
10/27/23 Sorry for missing last weeks report.. Conditions are still very good with okay stream levels and good late season hatches including October Caddis.
11/10/23 Cataract surgery caused me to miss another report. Stream levels are normal and the water clear. Good hatches of Cream and Red or blood midges continue to come off as well as small BWOs.
11/17/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. We received three good reports from customers fishing this past week. Our tandem rigged midge larva and pupa are working very good.
11/27/23 Good conditions exist. Stream levels are normal and the water clear. Good midge and BWO hatches are taking place among other insects.
12/09/23 A good choice with all the rain west of here. Stream levels are near normal and the water clear in the river.
12/26/23 Stream levels are near normal and the water is clear. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
01/10/24 The steam is still flowing near a normal level and clear. We received another good report from a customer fishing this past week. Good Light green and red or blood midges are hatching along with Winter stoneflies.
01/23/24 Conditions have been good up until yesterday when the stream levels starting coming up high. Give it two or three days to drop and clear and it will be good again.
02/19/24 The stream is very high right now but should start falling and clear up soon. We have been getting very good reports when the stream levels are near normal.
02/26/24 The stream is flowing just a little above normal level and clear. There are good light green midge hatches taking place.
03/08/24 The stream is still above normal levels but even so, we received two good reports from customers fishing our BWO nymphs. It should be very good when the water warms up a little more.
03/14/24 The stream is still a little above normal level with clear water. Our sculpin streamers, midges, mostly cream and light green, Skwala stoneflies and little Blue-winged olives are working good.
03/21/24 The stream level is still a little high and the water stained. We are still getting a few good catch reports from customers.
03/28/24 The stream is near a normal level and mostly clear. We received two good reports from the past week. Good Blue-winged olives, March Browns, Little Black Caddis and Little Brown stoneflies are hatching.
04/04/24 We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches continue to take place. Stream levels are in good shape.
04/14/24 The stream is high due to recent rain. Give it a day or two to drop and clear. Good hatches and good catches have been taking place.
Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations.
Copyright 2013 James Marsh