Trout Creek

Supporting Steelhead in the Lower Deschutes

Trout Creek is a key tributary to the Deschutes River below the Pelton Round Butte dam complex. It supports one of the largest native steelhead runs in the basin—nearly one-third of all returning steelhead spawn in this creek each year.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has identified late-season streamflows, particularly in the reach through Degner Canyon, as critical for holding steelhead. Flows during April and May are especially important for steelhead lifecycle stages.

DRC works with partners like Deschutes Land Trust, Portland General Electric, and local landowners and producers to incentivize improved water use and protect flow in the Creek during the summer months. Building on this work, DRC continues to build relationships in the Trout Creek area and explore opportunities to improve streamflows in support of this important fishery.