🎣 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Crooked River Fishing Report – October 10, 2026
The Crooked River is running elevated at 1,190 CFS with slightly off-color water — wading is challenging today, but the BWO hatch is prime for October and subsurface nymphs are productive in the slower seams. Focus below Bowman Dam and wade conservatively.
Crooked River Fly Fishing Report – October 9, 2026: Low & Clear Tailwater Midge Magic
The Crooked River tailwater is running low and crystal-clear at approximately 35 CFS below Bowman Dam — fish are stacked in pools and responding to midge and small nymph patterns. At 54.7°F, water temps are ideal. Technical, rewarding fishing for those willing to go light and slow down.
Crooked River Fishing Report – October 8, 2026: High Flow Advisory – Check Conditions Before You Go
The Crooked River is running at 1,210 cfs — well above normal tailwater flows — with off-color water and limited wade access. Water temperatures are a comfortable 55°F and trout are holding in margin water along bank edges and protected pockets. Use heavier nymphs (Zebra Midge, Copper John) and watch for afternoon BWO hatches in calmer water. Wading the main channel is not safe at current levels.
Crooked River Fishing Report — October 7, 2026: Blown Out — Major Flow Surge, Stay Safe
The Crooked River is blown out following a dramatic surge to 1,210 CFS overnight — up from 37 CFS the previous day. Do not wade this river today. Monitor USGS Gauge 14087400 for conditions; expect excellent fishing when flows return to normal 80–200 CFS range.
Crooked River Report — October 6, 2026: Fall BWO Action with Elevated Flows Below Bowman Dam
The Crooked River tailwater is running elevated at 1,240 cfs (below Opal Springs gauge) with 55°F water — challenging but fishable for experienced waders. The fall BWO hatch is firing on overcast afternoons and subsurface tactics with Pheasant Tail Nymphs and Zebra Midges are producing well in the soft seams below Bowman Dam.
Crooked River Fishing Report – October 5, 2026: High Flows Below Bowman Dam, BWOs & Selective Redbands
The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is running high at 1,270 cfs (Culver gauge) with 55°F water — challenging but fishable with adapted tactics. BWO hatches are active midday and Zebra Midges are your ace in off-color conditions.
Crooked River Report – October 4, 2026: High Flows — Check Before You Go
The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is currently blown out at 1,280 CFS — up from just 97 CFS nine days ago, likely due to BoR releases from Prineville Reservoir. Do not attempt to wade at these levels. When flows drop back under 200 CFS, October Caddis and BWO fishing will be exceptional.