I can't wait....This August I'm staying near the Deschutes River canyon for three days with my wife and her family. Two of those days will be spent fishing the Deschutes. Unfortunately, while I've steelhead fished for nearly 10 years now, I've yet to try it with a fly rod. I know I'm missing out but forget about that for just one second. All of the websites I've looked at only speak of fly fishing. I checked the regs and it said that bait is prohibited only. It said nothing about "fly fishing only." However, will I look like a "freak" out there amongst all the flyfisherman (whom I greatly respect) while throwing a corky and yarn? Also, can I expect to catch anything this way? I'm really excited but don't want to make the mistake of looking like a jackass. Thanks guys....
Cuthroat
Also, where should I go?

Don't worry, you won't look like a Jackass, roughly half of the guys fishing the deschutes use terminal gear. Heck, even alot of the bug-rodders'pack baitcasters along to throw spinners and plugs after the sun hits the water. As far as lures goes no bait, and you need to pinch the barbs but you can use trebles(I don't) Rip Lips!

The scoop:

In August the best steelhead fishing will be down toward the mouth of the river (Max Canyon and below). Above Maupin will likely be spotty.

Gear slingers tend to use: Blue Fox spinners, Tadpollys (cast and swing), sideplaner w/plug, corkie/yarn, jig and float.

Don't crowd the flyfishermen (they can be real sensative....).

No fishing from a floating device. Barbless hooks no longer required. No bait or soft plastics. Can keep two fin-clipped steelhead per day.

Mike

Don't bother with the corkies and yarn. The Big D is wide and snaggy. I recommend spinners for gear slingers. #3's to #5's. A #4 Blue Fox silver and chartreuse is hard to beat. If the fishin's slow, switch to brass or black blades. Stay below Shears Falls and fish current seams, pockets and around boulders and you'll find fish. Biggest problem that time of year is hot weather. White River blows the Deschutes out easily when the glaciers on Mt Hood melt. Also, the fish don't bite well if the water gets over 65 degrees. Have a backup plan in case of hot weather.

one more bit of information on lower river. keep your eyes open for rattle snakes. they live there. good luck ill be there.