Deschutes Angler

Lodging Details
When visiting Central Oregon to fish the Deschutes River, there is one obvious oasis in the desert that no serious angler should overlook – Maupin, Oregon. Located in the middle of the lower 100-mile section of the Deschutes, the small town of Maupin welcomes fly anglers from around the world. Though Bend and Sunriver are more well-known than Maupin, those cities are 90 to 110 miles away from the prime, blue-ribbon trout and steelhead sections of the Deschutes. If you are serious about your fly fishing, then you’ll want to station yourself in Maupin to take advantage of nearly 40 miles of river access via unpaved and paved access roads that parallel the river both upstream and downstream of this little community. Maupin offers four lodging facilities for those who desire a comfortable bed and private bath after a long day on the river. Rooms can be difficult to secure on last-minute notice, so we suggest that you make arrangements for a room upon booking a trout or steelhead trip.

Small town charm is what you will find at each of Maupin’s lodging establishments. These family-run businesses offer rooms that are comfortable and quiet but, for the most part, lacking in modern conveniences like televisions and telephones. Your trusty cell phone may not work down in the canyon on the river’s edge, but good reception is only a short drive up the hill just minutes outside town. Lodging options (hotels and campgrounds) include – 

Imperial River Company
The only lodging right on the banks of the Deschutes, the Imperial offers 25 rooms and a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

River Run Lodge
Six rooms, each with a private bath and ranging in size from “tight quarters” to a suite with a full kitchen. If you are just looking for a clean place to leave your gear while you fish all day, and you are not planning on hanging out in your hotel room, this is a solid option.

Oasis Resort
Celebrating fifty years of welcoming visitors to their family-run establishment, the Oasis Resort offers private cabins in a grassy tree-shaded “oasis” just across the street from the river. 

Deschutes Motel
On the edge of town, perched on a hillside overlooking the Deschutes River, you will find the 12-room Deschutes Motel.

Camping and Campgrounds
If you drive up or down the river along the Deschutes River access road, you will come across many public fee campgrounds maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. The portions of the access road that is closest to Maupin are paved. As you drive further away from Maupin, either upstream or downstream, the paved access road turns into rough gravel. Driving south (upstream) of Maupin, you will find four BLM campgrounds in six miles of access road; two are on the paved stretch and two are on the gravel section. Driving north (downstream) of Maupin, you will find nine campgrounds in 28 miles of access road; four are on the paved stretch and five are on the gravel stretch. All BLM campgrounds have very clean permanent outhouses and several designated campsites, each with a picnic table. BLM campgrounds fill on a first-come-first-served basis and they do not accept reservations. Each campground has a self-service pay station and some have campground hosts.

Maupin City Park
In the town of Maupin, the Maupin City Park has tent sites and RV sites with full hookups right on the river’s edge. City Park also has flush toilets and shower facilities. Camping fees are payable to the camp host at Maupin City Park.

Food and Beverages
For all standard day trips, the guide will provide beverages throughout the day and a large, deli-style lunch. If you are staying in Maupin, there are several restaurant options in town for an early breakfast, a late dinner, and plenty of cold beer.

Non-Angling Activities and Options
Central Oregon is home to every type of outdoor activity imaginable. Hiking, camping, and pack trips are all popular in the area, and almost every trail in the area is a scenic marvel. There is something for everyone to enjoy. The world-famous Smith Rocks attract climbers of all levels and are one of the most popular climbing sites in North America. Other activities include swimming, canoeing, whitewater rafting, snowmobiling, skiing, cycling, mountain climbing, horseback riding, boating, and shopping.

Internet / Communications
Wireless internet is available at several motels in the Maupin area. Most cell phones will not work in the river canyon, but will if you drive to the top of the hill and leave the canyon.