About This Project

The Middle Deschutes River is a picturesque 35-mile section of the renowned Deschutes River, situated between the city of Bend and Lake Billy Chinook in Oregon. This part of the river is characterized by deep canyons and extensive public lands, making it one of Oregon’s most scenic desert canyons. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including red-band trout, otters, and ospreys, all of which rely on clean, healthy water flows.

Historically, the majority of the river’s flow near Bend was diverted to meet the agricultural needs of central Oregon. However, through collaborative efforts involving the Portland Trail Blazers, the Deschutes River Conservancy, and local irrigation districts, innovative solutions have been implemented to restore over 115 cubic feet per second of flow to the Middle Deschutes during the summer. Funding has enabled the Deschutes River Conservancy to negotiate lease agreements with irrigators, ensuring these flows remain in the river and support a thriving ecosystem for people, plants, and wildlife.

Agency-led monitoring efforts are currently underway to assess the positive impacts of these restored flows. Meanwhile, fly-fishing guides and biologists who frequently visit the area report notable improvements in the population of red-band trout.