There is a statepark campground on the east side of the Deschutes right at the mouth. Can get crowded, but real nice spot. Mouth of John Day river also has camp sites. As far as plug colors, bright red, metallic mag warts, or crome w/chartreuse. You can also fish from bank up in the river, try casting steelies (spoons). Make sure your tent is staked down good, gets windy in the afternoons. Haven't fished up in the Deshcutes in a long time, but was artificials only, single barbless last time I was there so check out your regs. When fishing out front in the Col., especially if Col. river is warm, troll mostly in water being brought out by Deschutes. Is colder & the fish slide over into it. We used to troll just inside the large wood piling out there. About 15-20' deep. Make sure you are working right down near bottom w/your mag warts.