angler on the Deschutes River

Know Before You Go

Boater Passes are required year-round for day and overnight use for anyone using a watercraft/floating device for transport on the Lower Deschutes River.

Boater Pass fees are non-refundable:

  • If you have not printed your boater pass, you may cancel it online without a refund. Cancelled passes are returned to the available quota.
  • Once a boater pass is reserved changes to dates, segments, and group size cannot be made online.
  • The boater pass is only valid for the segments and dates for which it is issued and for only one group.

Limited Entry Dates – Access is restricted to a limited number of boaters on:

  • Segment 1: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 15 - September 15
  • Segment 4: 7 days a week, May 15 - October 15

Limited Entry Pass Availability – Passes become available in a batch rolling release as follows:

  • 26 weeks in advance - 50% of passes released
  • 4 weeks in advance - 30% of passes released
  • 1 weeks in advance - 20% of passes released

Fees:

  • $6.00 Non-refundable reservation fee required per boater pass
  • $5.00 Per person per day, every day of the year.

Group Size Limit: Maximum group size is 16 in Segments 1, 3 and 4; and 24 in Segment 2.

Campfire/Smoking Restrictions: June 1 - October 15; NO open fire, charcoal fires or portable propane fire pits; only use commercially manufactured metal camp stoves and shielded lanterns fueled with propane or liquid fuel. Smoke only in non-public buildings, vehicles, in a boat on the water, or while standing in the water. 

Trash/Human Waste Disposal: Pack out trash. Do not use vault toilets for trash disposal. Overnight boaters must carry and use an approved RV dump station or SCAT machine compatible human waste pack out system. There are SCAT machines located at Maupin City Park and at Heritage Landing. Commercially-manufactured Human Waste Bags may be used provided they are approved by the Department of Environmental Quality for deposit into a landfill. Used human waste bags must be stored in a leak-proof screw-lid container or a heavy duty dry bag during the trip. Human waste systems must be set-up and available for use as soon as practical upon arrival at campsite. 

Motorized Boating: Motorized boating is allowed in Segment 3 and 4. Motorized boating is not permitted in Segment 3 between June 15 and September 30 or in Segment 4 on alternate weekends (Thursday - Sunday) from June 15 - September 30. See Segment 4 Motorboat Schedule. 

Moody Island Pass: Self-pay at Heritage Landing boat launch and day use area. A Deschutes River boater pass is not required below Moody Rapids and to access the Island across from Heritage Landing. 

Aquatic Invasive Species Permit: The Oregon State Marine Board requires operators of motorized boats from outside of the state of Oregon to carry an Aquatic Invasive Species Permit. Permits are available online and where fishing licenses are sold. 

Warm Springs Tribal Permit: A Warm Springs Tribal permit is required for use of Harpham Flat and Sandy Beach access points.