When you travel east from Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley, be on the lookout for a “silver lining” in the high desert.

You may find it when you step aboard board a jet boat to travel up the Deschutes River and cast lures for silver-sided summer steelhead! For when you talk summer adventure, the Deschutes River is a rite of passage for anyone who calls the Pacific Northwest home.

Since 1968, fishing guide Bob Toman has been steering anglers to the right spots on the Deschutes River. He knows the river’s nooks, crannies and holding areas where the big fish live.

It may be magical! Anglers are each allowed a generous three-hatchery steelhead limit a day and they usually catch them, while all wild fish must go back.

The timeless Deschutes River offers big surging rapids that churn to their own rhythms and challenge boaters who must pass thru safely; it’s a place only the experienced dare travel. You should wear a PFD when you’re going up the river too. The Deschutes has several Class 3 whitewater rapids and it’s the law to wear one when you’re underway.

If you travel to the Deschutes River, consider a longer stay at Deschutes River State Recreation Area that’s located near the river’s confluence with the Columbia River.

If you go, keep this in mind: a Deschutes River Boater’s Pass is required for all folks who travel the river in a motorized or non-motorized watercraft. In addition, there’s approximately 16 miles of graveled road on the east side of the river that is open to the public. The roadway is perfectly suited for hiking or for a mountain bike ride to fish or camp along the Deschutes River.

Editor’s Note: Grant’s Getaways is a production of Travel Oregon brought to you in association with Oregon State Parks, Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife and Oregon State Marine Board. Episodes air Thursdays and Saturdays on KGW Newschannel 8 and Saturdays onNorthwest Cable News Network.