🎣 Fishing Reports
Daily conditions, flows, and hatch reports for Central Oregon fly fishing waters.
Caddis Explosion on the Crooked River — May 22, 2026
The Mother's Day Caddis hatch is PEAK on the Crooked River right now with fish responding to caddis patterns in all forms. Flows are elevated at 1,210 cfs (USGS 14087400) with water temps at 55°F — stick to edge water and tailouts, and bring your Elk Hair Caddis and Zebra Midges.
Salmonfly Peak: Lower Deschutes on Fire — May 22, 2026
The Lower Deschutes Salmonfly hatch is at FULL PEAK from Trout Creek through Maupin — USGS gauge 14103000 reads 3,800 cfs and water temps are a perfect 61°F. Redside rainbows are crushing big foam dries tight to the banks. Don't wait — this is the window of the year.
High Water Advisory — Crooked River Blown Out | May 21, 2026
The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is currently blown out at 1,170 CFS — well above its typical late-May base flow of 200–300 CFS. Water is turbid and unsafe for wading. Water temperature remains a stable 55°F. Monitor the USGS gauge daily; the Mother's Day Caddis hatch was excellent as recently as May 15 and will resume quickly once flows moderate.
Salmonfly Peak — Lower Deschutes at Full Boil | May 21, 2026
The Lower Deschutes Salmonfly hatch is at peak intensity from Trout Creek through Maupin — this is the window you've been waiting for. Flows are running 3,800 CFS at 61°F with slightly off-color water. Chubby Chernobyls and Stimulators slammed tight to the banks are producing explosive takes from trophy redside rainbows.
Crooked River Report — May 20, 2026: High Flows & Mother's Day Caddis Near Terrebonne
The Crooked River is running high at 1,240 CFS with off-color clarity, but the Mother's Day Caddis hatch is in full swing near Crooked River Ranch and Terrebonne. Water temp is 55°F. Fish back-eddies and inside bends with green-body Elk Hair Caddis dries or go deep with Zebra Midges and Copper Johns.
Deschutes River Report — May 20, 2026: Salmonfly Peak Is On, Big Bugs & Big Fish
The Lower Deschutes Salmonfly hatch is at full peak from Trout Creek through Maupin — this is the window of the year. Flows running 3,940 CFS (slightly elevated/off-color) with water temps at a prime 59°F. Redside rainbows are crushing Chubby Chernobyls and Stimulators tight to the banks.
Deschutes River Report – May 19, 2026: Salmonfly Hatch at Full Peak — The Day You've Been Waiting For
The Salmonfly hatch has reached full peak on the Lower Deschutes from Trout Creek through Maupin — this is the single best dry-fly window of the year. Flow is 3,940 CFS at 57.7°F with slightly off-color water; target soft bank edges and inside seams with a Chubby Chernobyl or Stimulator. Spring Chinook season at Sherars Falls closes May 20 — get out today.
Crooked River Report – May 19, 2026: Mother's Day Caddis Still Firing — Bring Your Elk Hair
The Mother's Day Caddis hatch is in full swing on the Crooked River tailwater below Bowman Dam — fish are actively rising to caddis dries throughout the afternoon and evening. Water temp is 54.3°F and the upper tailwater remains comparatively stable under dam regulation. Rig up an Elk Hair Caddis or Parachute Adams with a Zebra Midge dropper for consistent action.
Crooked River Fishing Report — May 18, 2026: Mother's Day Caddis Hatch in Full Swing
The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is running 1,350 cfs at 54°F as irrigation season pushes flows high, but the Mother's Day Caddis hatch is in full swing. Focus on bank eddies and slow seams below Bowman Dam with caddis patterns and midges for the best action.
Deschutes River Fishing Report — May 18, 2026: Caddis Hatch Peaking, Salmonflies on the Move
The lower Deschutes is running 3,940 cfs at 57°F — elevated but prime for float fishing as caddis dominate the surface and the first salmonflies begin to show. The Day Stretch and Camp Stretch are producing well on double-dry rigs and natural stonefly nymphs.
Crooked River Fishing Report – May 17, 2026: Mother's Day Caddis Hatch in Full Swing
The Crooked River tailwater below Bowman Dam is in prime form with the Mother's Day Caddis (Brachycentrus) hatch firing on all cylinders. Water temp is a comfortable 54°F and clarity is excellent — bring your Elk Hair Caddis with a bright green egg sac for the best dry-fly action of the season.
Deschutes River Fishing Report – May 17, 2026: Salmonflies Arrive, Caddis Rule the Surface
The lower Deschutes is running at 3,800 cfs with a flood watch in effect from Maupin to the mouth — drift boats are having excellent success on the Camp Stretch while caddis dominate the surface action. Water temp is a prime 55°F with salmonflies making their first appearances in the canyon.
Crooked River Fishing Report – May 16, 2026: Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch in Full Swing
The Mother’s Day Caddis hatch is firing hard on the Crooked River tailwater. Flows are elevated at 1,140 cfs at the Opal Springs gauge; focus on the prime stretch below Bowman Dam for the best wade fishing. Water is clear and 55°F — Elk Hair Caddis, Zebra Midge, and Pheasant Tail Nymphs are the go-to flies right now.
Lower Deschutes River Fishing Report – May 16, 2026: Caddis Taking Over, Elevated Flows Fishable
Flows are elevated at 3,720 cfs but the Lower Deschutes is fishing well — Redbands are active and the caddis hatch is the dominant surface event. Run a caddis dropper off your Chubby Chernobyl, nymph the mornings, and go dry in the evenings for the best action from Trout Creek to Maupin.
Crooked River Fishing Report – May 15, 2026: Caddis in Full Force, Watch the Rising Flows
The Crooked River tailwater is seeing elevated flows for mid-May 2026 as irrigation season ramps up from Bowman Dam, with the USGS gauge near Culver at 1,180 cfs and water temps at 55°F. The Mother's Day Caddis hatch is in full force — sub-surface caddis and midge patterns are the top producers right now.