🎣 Fishing Reports
Daily conditions, flows, and hatch reports for Central Oregon fly fishing waters.
Crooked River Fishing Report – October 18, 2026 | High Water, Prime Nymphing
The Crooked River tailwater is running elevated at 1,210 cfs with off-color clarity following recent runoff. Dry fly action is limited, but nymphing with Zebra Midges, Copper Johns, and Pheasant Tail Nymphs in slack water and back eddies — especially near Bowman Dam — is producing well.
Lower Deschutes River Fishing Report – October 18, 2026 | October Caddis & Fall Steelhead
The lower Deschutes is fishing beautifully this October, with flows at 4,290 cfs and water temps at 56°F. October Caddis and Blue-Winged Olives are delivering excellent dry fly opportunities in the Maupin corridor, with steelhead still pushing through Sherars Falls.
Crooked River Report – October 17, 2026: Flows Spiked to 1,210 CFS — Exercise Caution
The Crooked River is running high at 1,210 CFS this weekend — up dramatically from just 37 CFS eleven days ago — making wade fishing difficult and dangerous. Bank fishing with Woolly Buggers and Copper Johns in eddy water is your best option. Monitor the USGS gauge and plan to return when flows drop back to the 50–150 CFS range.
Deschutes River Report – October 17, 2026: October Caddis Firing Hard at 4,170 CFS
The lower Deschutes is fishing great this weekend with 4,170 CFS of clear water and temperatures at 56°F. October Caddis hatches are heavy from 4 PM through dusk — this is one of the best dry fly events of the year. Bring an Elk Hair Caddis or Stimulator and plan to stay through last light.
Lower Deschutes River Fishing Report – October 16, 2026
The lower Deschutes is in excellent shape for mid-October with flows at 4,090 CFS, 56°F clear water, and the fall steelhead run at or near peak. October Caddis are hatching in the afternoons for explosive dry-fly action on redbands, and BWOs are beginning to show on overcast days — a Stimulator, Woolly Bugger, and Pheasant Tail cover all the bases.
Crooked River Fishing Report – October 16, 2026
The Crooked River is running elevated at 1,280 CFS at the Opal Springs gauge with slightly off-color water in the lower canyon. Focus on the first 3 miles below Bowman Dam where dam-regulated flows keep conditions more stable — BWO and midge fishing on 6X is the game plan today.
Crooked River Fishing Report – October 15, 2026: Low, Clear Flows Deliver Technical Dry Fly Action
The Crooked River tailwater below Bowman Dam is fishing beautifully in mid-October — low, clear flows around 35–40 cfs in the Terrebonne/CRR section, water temp at 54°F, and midge hatches bringing quality redband rainbows to the surface. Technical conditions reward careful anglers with exceptional dry fly and nymph fishing.
Deschutes River Fishing Report – October 15, 2026: October Caddis Season Peaks in Maupin Canyon
The Lower Deschutes is fishing well this week with flows at 4,090 cfs (Moody gauge) and water temps at 56°F. The October Caddis hatch is at peak intensity — big orange caddis are drawing explosive dry-fly strikes from quality trout all afternoon. Steelhead action continues throughout the canyon.
Deschutes River Fishing Report – October 14, 2026: Fall Trout Action Heats Up
October on the lower Deschutes means prime trout conditions: 4,170 CFS at Moody, crystal-clear water at 55.8°F, and October Caddis hatches drawing big redband trout to the surface. Steelhead season remains closed, but the dry-fly and nymph fishing for wild redband trout is outstanding. An Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, or dry-dropper rig with a Pheasant Tail are the top picks.
Crooked River Fishing Report – October 14, 2026: Ultra-Clear Tailwater, Technical BWO Action
The Crooked River tailwater below Bowman Dam is running ultra-clear and cold at approximately 37 CFS with water temps of 53.8°F — demanding but rewarding conditions for technical sight-fishing to wild rainbows. Blue Wing Olives are the top hatch mid-morning on overcast days, with October Caddis appearing in the afternoons. Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, and Parachute Adams round out the top fly list.
Deschutes River Fishing Report – October 13, 2026 | Fall Redbands on Fire, Light Crowds
Fall redbands are on fire on the lower Deschutes with flows at 4,200 CFS and water temps at 55°F. October Caddis, BWOs, and small caddis are producing excellent dry-fly and dry-dropper action with light river traffic. Steelhead season is closed — this water belongs to the trout.
Crooked River Fishing Report – October 13, 2026 | Elevated Flows – Check Gauge Before You Go
The Crooked River tailwater is blown out today at 1,270 CFS — dramatically elevated from last week's 37–100 CFS range. Fishing is not recommended until flows drop back toward the 100–250 CFS winter minimum. When it comes back, expect outstanding BWO and midge dry-fly fishing with Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, and Zebra Midges.
Crooked River Fishing Report – October 12, 2026
The Crooked River is running high at 1,270 cfs with off-color water from elevated reservoir releases — wading is not recommended today. Focus on slower inside bends with Zebra Midges and Copper Johns; excellent water temps (54°F) mean fish are active despite the challenging conditions.
Deschutes River Fishing Report – October 12, 2026
The lower Deschutes is flowing at 4,200 cfs with water temps at 55°F — prime conditions for steelhead and the October Caddis hatch is absolutely firing. Pack your Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulators, and Woolly Buggers for one of the best weeks of the fall season.
Crooked River Report – October 11, 2026: Fall BWOs, Midges & Tailwater Trout in Full Swing
The Crooked River tailwater is dialed-in for fall with crystal-clear flows at 53.8°F — prime conditions for the blue-winged olive hatch and midges. Bring your Zebra Midges and Parachute Adams for some of the best dry fly and nymphing fishing of the year.