🎣 Fishing Reports
Daily conditions, flows, and hatch reports for Central Oregon fly fishing waters.
Deschutes River Fishing Report – September 11, 2026: Steelhead Season Arrives with Prime Conditions
The Deschutes is running 4,320 cfs with crystal-clear 62°F water and excellent conditions for both steelhead and trout. September marks the arrival of hatchery and wild steelhead throughout the lower canyon, with evening caddis hatches keeping dry fly action alive after dark. Elk Hair Caddis, Woolly Buggers, and Chubby Chernobyls are top picks this week.
Deschutes River Fishing Report — September 10, 2026: Fall Caddis & Redband Trout Season Peaks
The lower Deschutes is prime for resident redband trout as the fall caddis hatch kicks into gear. Flows are 4,440 CFS and water temp is a perfect 61.5°F — fish the afternoon hatch window with Elk Hair Caddis and Stimulators. Note: wild steelhead fishery remains closed per August 15 ODFW order; confirm ODFW status before targeting steelhead.
Crooked River Fishing Report — September 10, 2026: World-Class Tailwater Fishing Below Bowman Dam
The Crooked River tailwater below Bowman Dam is delivering outstanding fishing this September — gin-clear water at 55.4°F, caddis and PMD hatches in full swing, and 4,000+ trout per mile waiting. The Chimney Rock reach is running ~175–200 CFS (ideal wading levels). Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tails, and Parachute Adams are the top producers.
Fall Fires Up on the Crooked: Caddis, PMDs, and Early Mahogany Duns — Guides Calling It Incredible
The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is fishing at its best of the season — guides reporting incredible days with caddis and PMD hatches in full swing and the first Mahogany Duns of fall on the horizon. Water is crystal clear at 55°F; USGS gauge reads 1,240 cfs at the Opal Springs station (prime fishing section below Bowman runs approximately 150-200 cfs). Fly fishing only, catch-and-release.
September Gold: Mahogany Duns Arrive as Lower Deschutes Hits Prime Fall Form
The lower Deschutes is running 4,470 cfs with crystal-clear water and 61°F temps as the highly anticipated Mahogany Dun hatch kicks off for the season. Evening caddis flights remain excellent, and dry fly conditions throughout the Maupin corridor are prime. Verify current ODFW regs before steelhead fishing — wild fish closure enacted August 15 may still be in effect.
Crooked River Report – September 8, 2026 | Tailwater Trout Active, Flows Running Elevated
The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is fishing at Fair conditions today with elevated flows (1,260 cfs at the downstream gauge) and excellent 55°F water temps. Target bank eddies and slow seams — Zebra Midges and Pheasant Tail Nymphs are the ticket for active trout stacked in the soft water.
Deschutes River Report – September 8, 2026 | Peak Steelhead Season, Caddis & Mahogany Duns Active
The Lower Deschutes is fishing excellently today — 4,500 cfs and 60°F water temps place conditions right in the steelhead sweet spot. September hatches including caddis, mahogany duns, and early October Caddis sightings are producing strong dry-fly and swung-fly action from Maupin to Macks Canyon.
Crooked River Fishing Report – September 7, 2026: Incredible Caddis & PMD Action Below Bowman Dam
The Crooked River tailwater below Bowman Dam is delivering incredible fishing this September with 55°F water, strong caddis and PMD hatches, and dam-controlled flows around 175–200 CFS in the Chimney Rock section. Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, and Elk Hair Caddis are the hot tickets right now.
Deschutes River Fishing Report – September 7, 2026: Fall Caddis & Prime Steelhead Season
The lower Deschutes is fishing beautifully this September with flows at 4,380 CFS and water temps at 60°F. Evening caddis hatches are strong near Maupin, and the fall steelhead run is peaking. Elk Hair Caddis, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, and Woolly Buggers are the go-to flies right now.
Crooked River Fishing Report – September 6, 2026 | Below Bowman Dam
The Crooked River is running elevated at 1,340 cfs with off-color water — wade with extreme caution. Water temperature is a cold, fish-friendly 55°F. Target slow inside seams with heavy nymphs: Woolly Buggers, Copper Johns, and Zebra Midges are your best bets today. Mahogany Duns are beginning to emerge — a bright spot on an otherwise challenging day.
Deschutes River Fishing Report – September 6, 2026 | Maupin Area
The lower Deschutes is in excellent form with 4,140 cfs of clear water at 60°F — perfect for both resident redside trout and the first steelhead push of fall. Mahogany Duns are starting to emerge mid-morning and October Caddis scouts are appearing in the canyon. Bring your Stimulators and get there early.
Crooked River Fishing Report – September 5, 2026: Cool Water & Hungry Rainbows
The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is delivering reliable September action with cold 55°F tailwater and an outstanding trout population. Zebra Midges and Pheasant Tail Nymphs are the go-to patterns, with a productive trico and BWO window in the morning for dry fly enthusiasts.
Deschutes River Fishing Report – September 5, 2026: Prime Steelhead Season in Full Swing
The lower Deschutes is firing on all cylinders this September 5th — flows at 4,110 cfs and water temp at 60°F set up ideal conditions for both summer steelhead and resident redband trout. Evening caddis hatches are strong, and October Caddis are beginning to make their first appearances.
Deschutes River Fishing Report – September 4, 2026 | Maupin & Sherars Falls
The Lower Deschutes is in prime shape this Friday with 3,940 cfs and 58.6°F water — ideal conditions for wild redband rainbows. October Caddis are beginning to show in the Maupin reach; pack your Stimulators and Elk Hair Caddis. Important: Verify ODFW steelhead regulations before heading out, as a closure was in effect as of mid-August.
Crooked River Fishing Report – September 4, 2026 | Tailwater Below Bowman Dam
The Crooked River tailwater below Bowman Dam is fishing well this Friday with clear, cold water at 54.9°F. PMDs are producing afternoon dry fly action between 1–4 PM, while Pheasant Tail Nymphs and Zebra Midges are the go-to sub-surface producers. Consistent, stable conditions make for ideal Central Oregon tailwater trout fishing.