Fishing & Floating the Upper Deschutes
Trout, Fall River fly fishing and easy floats near Sunriver, from two riverfront cabins with kayaks.
Two of our homes, The Beaver Cabin and The Marten Cabin, sit right on the Big Deschutes River about 10 minutes south of Sunriver, each with three kayaks for guests. Here’s what to know about fishing and paddling the Upper Deschutes and nearby Fall River.
Fishing the Upper Deschutes
The Upper Deschutes holds wild brown trout and redband (native rainbow) trout, along with hatchery rainbows, mountain whitefish, brook trout and kokanee. Above Benham Falls, wild redband trout are catch-and-release. Many sections are limited to artificial flies and lures, and seasons vary by stretch.
You’ll need an Oregon fishing license, available online from ODFW or at shops in Sunriver and Bend. Always check the current ODFW Central Zone regulations before you fish.
Fall River: fly fishing only
Fall River is a clear, spring-fed river that rises in the forest west of the Deschutes and flows into it near La Pine State Park. It’s fly fishing only with barbless hooks, and wild rainbow trout must be released. A state hatchery on the river stocks rainbow and brook trout, which mix with wild browns, brookies and rainbows.
From Sunriver, it’s roughly a 15–20 minute drive via South Century Drive. There are no restrooms or drinking water at most access points, so come prepared. Seasons differ above and below Fall River Falls, so check ODFW first.
Floating and paddling
The Upper Deschutes near Sunriver is mostly slow, flat water through pines and meadows, which makes it great for kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.
- Harper Bridge to Sunriver Marina: about 3 miles of easy water.
- Harper Bridge to the take-out above Benham Falls: about 8 miles. Know exactly where your take-out is.
- Sunriver Marina rents canoes and kayaks and offers a shuttle back from the take-out.
Life jackets are required by law for every paddler. The water rarely gets above 60°F and the current can be faster than it looks, so dress for a cold swim even on hot days.
⚠️ Know your falls. Never float over them.
- Benham Falls (Class V+) is just north of Sunriver. Take out above it at the warning signs.
- Dillon Falls and Lava Island Falls, farther downstream toward Bend, are also dangerous.
- South toward La Pine, Pringle Falls and the Tetherow logjam require portages.
Not sure which stretch is right for your group? Ask us. We’re happy to suggest an easy float from the cabins.
More to explore nearby
- La Pine State Park: about 2,000 acres on the Deschutes with roughly 15 miles of trail, and “Big Red,” a giant old ponderosa pine.
- Newberry National Volcanic Monument: Lava Butte, Lava Lands, and the Newberry Caldera with Paulina and East Lakes. Paulina Lake has rainbow and brown trout and kokanee.
- Cascade Lakes: Cultus, Wickiup, Crane Prairie, Elk, Lava and more, under an hour away.
Where to stay
The Beaver Cabin: riverfront lodge with hot tub, game room, fire pit and three kayaks; sleeps 8.
The Marten Cabin: riverfront cabin with a big river-view deck, hot tub, fire pit and three kayaks; sleeps 8.
Prefer SHARC and bike paths? 7 Rogue is inside Sunriver. See our Sunriver & SHARC guide.