All Are Welcomed
The Oregon iFishiBelong fishing weekend is open to everyone, not just women or fly-fishing enthusiasts. The iFishiBelong mission is to advocate for all species, fishing techniques, and people, with a focus on creating a welcoming environment where diversity is celebrated and discrimination is not tolerated.
iFishiBelong’s fishing events allow attendees to explore, engage in DIY fishing, and participate in social gatherings. These events also serve as a platform to highlight local businesses and guides, building community and support.
iFishiBelong has prepared an event checklist containing links to all necessary items. This checklist will help ensure everyone is well-prepared and informed for the event. Print the checklist HERE.
Table of Contents
Weekend Logistics
Thank you for registering for Oregon iFishiBelong fishing weekend. This is an inclusive event where like-minded individuals can connect, empower each other, and have fun. The registration fee is instrumental in offsetting the costs associated with travel logistics, online platforms, the extensive hours dedicated to research, meticulous preparation, and the ongoing correspondence that happens behind the scenes to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
Participants head out to fish on their own each day, with a variety of accommodation options to choose from. The event occurs in Maupin Oregon, from May 29th to June 1st, 2025. ** This webpage is a dynamic document, and we’ll continue to update it with additional useful links and information in the coming months. **
Event Questions
Please utilize this webpage and the Oregon Facebook Group as most of your questions will answered. Otherwise email [email protected].
Facebook Group
Join the Facebook Group to network with fellow attendees, seek advice, and exchange travel and event photos/videos. Co-hosts will share further event details there. Join the Facebook Group HERE.
recorded Q&A Session
Dates
May 29th – June 1st, 2025
Check-In Time
For camping, check in to Maupin City Park after 2:30 pm on Thursday, 5/29/25, or anytime through Sunday, 6/1/25. Refer to the weekend schedule for additional meet-up times.
Location
This event will be held in Maupin Oregon. The social activities during the Oregon iFishiBelong fishing weekend will primarily take place at the Maupin City Park Group Campsite #2 or at the TroutFest location There is cell phone coverage in Maupin but not in the outlying areas.
- Maupin, OR
- Campground – Maupin City Park
- TroutFest Location – Google the Oasis Riverview Campground
What's Included
Thank you once again for registering for the 2025 Oregon iFishiBelong fishing weekend. Below is a breakdown of what is included and what the registration fee covers.
- An Exclusive Webpage Established Specifically for Registered Oregon Participants.
- It includes event logistics, packing tips, fishing details, etc.
- iFishiBelong Cling Magnet ($20 Value)
- Interactive Live Q&A Session on 4/22/25 at 6pm PT. Register HERE.
- Online Access to the “Summer Trout Fishing Techniques” Pre-Recorded Course
- 2hr Donation-Based “Fishing the Deschutes River” Workshop on 5/29/25. Register HERE.
- TroutFest Festivities
- Nightly Social Events
- Friday Morning Social Fishing
- Location & Fishing Research Compiled for Easy Participant Reference
- Dedicated Co-Hosts Focusing on Education, Community, Fun
- Commitment to Support Local Businesses and Highlight Women and Underrepresented Owners and Guides in the Region
- 20% Off TroutRoutes Pro Account
What's Not Included
Tentative Weekend Schedule
Each day is centered on fishing adventures, concluding with social evenings. We urge individuals to engage with each other in the Facebook Group to form fishing friendships and coordinate weekend adventures. Register HERE.
- Thursday 5/29/25 – Arrive and DIY Fish or Workshop
- Friday, 5/30/25 – DIY Fish, Social Fishing, and Evening Hang
- 9 am – Social Fishing – Meet at the Maupin City Park Community Building to Carpool.
- 6 pm – Social Evening (Location TBA)
- Saturday, 5/31/25 – DIY Fish and DRA TroutFest
- DIY Fishing
- 12pm – 5pm – Troutfest
- Sunday 6/1/25 – DIY Fish and Depart
- Fishing on Own and Depart
Friday Social Fishing Day
We’re in the process of securing Bureau of Land Management (BLM) permits to facilitate our social fishing day on the Deschutes River. Further details about the Friday social fishing day will be provided during the Live Q&A session and will also be posted on the reserved website.
TroutFest
We’ve purposely aligned our Oregon event with the Deschutes River Alliance (DRA) Troutfest, taking place on Saturday, May 31, 2025. This partnership offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage, learn from industry experts, and unite to celebrate the Deschutes River. The Troutfest will feature a vibrant community day, informative clinics, tasty food, refreshing beer, and live music.
** NOTE – DRA is working on updating this website with 2025 information. **
Camping
We’ve reserved three group campsites, five tent sites, and 12 RV full hook-up spots to build community amongst the attendees. Positioned alongside the Deschutes River, each spot offers easy access to TroutFest, local dining spots, and neighboring bars. Experience convenience and nature intertwined. Register HERE.
There are also several Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campgrounds north of Maupin. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended. Click HERE for the BLM link.
Lodging
If camping isn’t your preference, there are alternative lodging choices available. We suggest booking accommodation in Maupin, Oregon. Secure your lodging now, as availability is limited and spaces are expected to fill up rapidly. Need help with lodging? Click HERE.
Food
You’re in charge of your meals. Food and beverages of choice will be available for purchase at the TroutFest location.
It’s advisable to visit a grocery store along the way. Although Maupin Market provides basic supplies, its selection is somewhat limited, and we want to be mindful of not depleting a small town’s grocery store. For a wider range of options, consider shopping at Safeway locations in nearby towns like The Dalles and Madras or Fred Meyer’s in the Tri-Cities. Additionally, Maupin has several restaurants and laid-back bars for added convenience.
Education Opportunites
- Engage on Facebook:
- Join the Oregon iFiB Facebook Group.
- Pose your questions; our co-hosts and community members will help answer the questions.
- Live Q&A Session on 4/22/25 at 6pm PT
- Join us as the co-hosts discuss the event logistics and fishing details.
- Register HERE.
- Co-Host Guidance:
- Our co-hosts will be available throughout the event.
- Get answers on topics like knots, leaders, flies, and prime fishing locations.
- In-Person Workshop Opportunity: Register HERE.
- Participate in the Donation-Based “Fishing the Deschutes River” Workshop.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Engage on Facebook:
We’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to ask!
Area Resources
iFishiBelong has initiated research on your behalf and compiled various area resource links pertaining to Maupin, Oregon, for you to explore prior to your trip.
- Maupin Oregon –
- The Great Escape to Maupin Oregon
- Travel Oregon – Maupin
- Travel Oregon – The Dalles
- Travel Oregon – Bend
- https://traveloregon.com/places-to-go/cities/bend/
Fishing
The Deschutes River provides fishing opportunities for native wild Redband trout. We chose this time as Salmonflies, Golden Stones, PMDs and Yellow Sallies should be on the menu. Read more about the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River.
Water Safety
May and June signify the runoff season, potentially leading to elevated water levels during the event. Checking the Madras Oregon water gauge station can be helpful. We will also provide ongoing updates on the conditions to ensure everyone’s safety. Regardless of the weather, this event will proceed as planned.
Fishing License
All anglers over 18 years old must purchase a fishing license. Purchase HERE. Older anglers may be eligible for a Pioneer or Senior License. Veterans and Active members of the armed services may also be eligible for license benefits.
- Columbia River Basin Endorsement is not needed if you are only fishing for trout on the Deschutes River.
- Tribal Fishing Permits –
- A tribal fishing permit is required for fishing or boating access for the waters of the Warm Springs Reservation. Read More HERE.
Fish Species
These are the fish species tha you might encounter while fishing the Deschutes River.
Wild and Native Redband Trout
Hire a Guide
We recognize that not everyone wants to DIY Fish and may prefer the expertise of a fishing guide. In our commitment to showcasing local businesses and guides, we’re pleased to provide a list of area guides who have registered on the Fish and Hang website, demonstrating their support and alignment with the iFishiBelong mission.
- Alysia Aguilar – Little Leaf Guides
- Guiding the salmon fly hatch on the Warm Springs reservation side of the Deschutes River.
- Matt Mendes – Spin the Handle
- Mia and Marty Sheppard – Juniper River Adventures
- Sequoia Hoffstetter – The Fly Fishers Place
There are several great guides on the Deschutes River. Click HERE to learn more.
Mark your calendars for the Live Q&A Session on April 22nd at 6:00 pm PT, where we’ll explore weekend logistics and share local fishing information. The Fish and Hang events involve some preparation and proactive involvement. To provide attendees with the essential information for a successful weekend, please utilize this website to outline the weekend’s logistics and assist in crafting your fishing itinerary.
Lower Deschutes River maps
Click HERE to view Bureau of Land Management (BLM) river maps.
DIY Fishing Blogs/Books
- Deschutes Angler Fishing Report
- Deschutes Angler River FAQ
- Fly Fishers Place Deschutes River info
- Fin and Fire Lower Deschutes Report
- Fly and Field Lower Deschutes
- Deschutes River Flows * Current Conditions
- Destination Fly Fishing Guide – Lower Deschutes River Oregon
- Hatch Guide for the Lower Deschutes River
Borrow Equipment
Each angler is expected to bring their own equipment and flies. We have rod/reel setups, boots and waders available for borrowing on a first-come, first-served basis. Please fill out the “Borrowed Equipment” form by May 15th, 2025 if you wish to borrow equipment.
The Lower Deschutes River is big water. It’s important to be aware of conditions as they can change daily. A few things to remain conscious of:
- Slippery rocks and uneven footing, use a wading staff.
- Fast, deep water in sections, use a wading staff.
- Poison Oak – Leaves of three, let them be!
- You are in rattlesnake territory so a wading staff can be helpful to warn critters of your presence.
- During the spring and summer, we do see ticks in the area.
- Wear your bug spray, waders and protective clothing. Always check clothing after fishing to ensure you’re not bringing anything back to camp with you.
Clothing
- Waders are recommended for safety.
- Studded felt or studded rubber boots are best as rocks can be very slippery and uneven.
- There is not a lot of shade in the Deschutes Canyon so sun-protective clothing and sunscreen are a must, along with a good hat.
- It can be windy on the Lower Deschutes so be prepared to tighten your hat down or use a cord to keep it in place.
- Everyone should have a pair of polarized sunglasses for eye protection and to see fish and your obstacles under water.
- It’s always recommended to bring a rain jacket.
- Fly Rods – 5wt – 6wt.
- Rod Length – Average 9’.
- Fly Lines – Typical Floating Fly Lines
- Leader – 9’ 2x – 5x
- Tippet Spools – 3x – 5x
Deschutes River Flies
- Stoneflies
- Golden Stones (Dry and Nymph)
- Yellow Sallies
- Salmon Flies in Various Sizes and Patterns
- Chubby Chernobyls in Various Sizes and Colors (Black and Purple, Tan and Brown)
- Mayflies
- Pale Morning Dun (PMD) Light Yellow Bodies, Size #16
- Pale Evening Dun (PED) Born on Top, Pale Yellow Bellies, Size 12
- Green Drakes
- Dark Brownish Green, Dark Grey Wings, Size 10
- Caddis
- Nymphs
- Green Rock Worms
- Olive and Tan Caddis Pupa
- Dries
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Nymphs
Deschutes River Hatch Chart
Leader Examples
Local Fisheries
The main river that most anglers will be fishing during the Oregon Fish and Hang will be the Deschutes River. There are several fisheries that you can try on your way into Maupin Oregon.
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
- Fall River – Deschutes National Forest
- Metolius River – Camp Sherman Oregon
- John Day River
Safety Policy
For the safety of all, if you show any signs of illness or have a positive covid test result, kindly remain at home. Stay informed about the weather, dress for the occasion, and stay alert to any shifts in water conditions.
Weekend Disclaimer
We aim for a memorable weekend, emphasizing community for everyone present. Educational resources will be available, and connections among anglers encouraged. We expect a drama-free setting and clarify that while co-hosts will be around, the weekend is self-guided. Attendees can coordinate fishing plans with other participants via the Facebook Group. This is not an exclusive women’s weekend. Partners, friends, and family are encouraged to join.
Questions
Please utilize this webpage and the Oregon Facebook Group as most of your questions will answered. Otherwise email [email protected].
