The Deschutes River Redside

 

The Deschutes River Redside is known among anglers everywhere;

The fish's characteristics are unique and their habits are rare.

 

Oregon's Deschutes River is home to this now wild, vigorus trout;

Enduring the desert climate and fast rapids, the Redside is tough beyond any doubt.

 

The species is strong and hardy and not easy to hook;

Their beauty is spectacular and they always demand a second look.

 

With a brilliant red stripe along each lateral side,

To catch an exquisite Redside would cause any fisherman pride.

 

The average Redside trout is fifteen inches in length;

With the Deschutes River topping twenty inches of muscular strength.

 

Known for their ability to endure a hard, bitter fight,

These hard to catch Redsides display power and might.

 

They explode from the surface, leaping from far below,

Then shoot down stream with the river's strong flow.

 

When the hooked fish is netted the angler takes in the sight,

For the size of the Redside dosen't match the fierce fight.

 

South Wasco County School District #1 proudly claims the Redside as it's mascot!

May we, like the Redside, be known as the victor of battles fought!

 

By Charlotte Hawkins


10-31-05

Samantha Roettger

sroettger@swasco.net