ediblecentraloregon.com | 25 Editor’s note: Matt Mendes is a professional fishing guide through his company Spin the Handle. These images were taken on the lower Deschutes near Warm Springs in fall 2024. This year, the river closed to fishing on August 15 due to low steelhead return numbers. This can be attributed to a variety of factors including lower water levels and higher water temperatures caused by the current drought. To learn more about conservation efforts in Western rivers and how you can help, check out Native Fish Society, Trout Unlimited, and Wild Steelhead Coalition, among others. This story was inspired by the documentary short film The Hard Way, filmed by Arian Stevens and directed by RA Beattie. To watch it, search ‘The Hard Way Deschutes.’ spinthehandle.com Photos near and far left: Mendes nets a wild steelhead caught on the Deschutes.
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