Crooked River Fishing Report — July 13, 2026 | Cold, Clear & Loaded with Trout
Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Copper John, Woolly Bugger
Crooked River Fishing Report — July 13, 2026
Below Bowman Dam | Chimney Rock Canyon | Crooked River Ranch / Terrebonne Area
USGS Gauge at Opal Springs (14087400): 1,120 cfs total | Dam-regulated section: ~150–250 cfs | Water Temp: 56°F | Clarity: Crystal Clear
The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is in outstanding shape heading into the heart of July. Water temperatures this morning are reading 56°F at the Opal Springs gauge — remarkably cold for mid-summer, thanks to the hypolimnetic releases from Bowman Dam that keep this tailwater fishery fishing strong when most Oregon rivers are stressed. Note: the USGS gauge at Opal Springs (14087400) captures combined Bowman Dam releases plus the massive Opal Springs contribution (~900 cfs); the prime fishing canyon directly below the dam runs at a much lower, comfortable regulated flow — ideal wading conditions throughout the summer.
Current Conditions
The Chimney Rock section is fishing beautifully right now. Low, clear water in the dam-regulated stretch means sight-fishing to individual trout is very much on the table for anglers willing to approach carefully and make precise presentations. With an estimated 4,000+ trout per mile in this reach, you're never far from a fish. This section is a designated Wild and Scenic River — barbless hooks required, review current ODFW regulations before heading out. Access is excellent along the Crooked River Backcountry Byway (gravel road paralleling the river from Bowman Dam to below Chimney Rock).
What's Hatching
Mid-July on the Crooked brings a diverse menu of insects. PMDs (Pale Morning Duns) are the headline hatch right now, emerging each morning between 9:00 AM and noon — expect rising fish throughout the flats and slower runs. Tricos are beginning to show in the early mornings (look for spinner falls by 7:30–8:30 AM in the coming weeks as they build). Caddis activity remains sporadic but consistent in the evenings, with Little Sister Sedge the most common species. Midges are a year-round staple on the Crooked — fish in all sizes and colors (#20–24) throughout the day, especially in slower pools. Between hatches, nymph and midge larva patterns in the drifts continue to produce reliably.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Zebra Midge (#20–22) — the Crooked River essential; black/red and black/silver both produce all day
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16–18) — dead-drift through the runs during PMD activity; a must-have
- Parachute Adams (#16–18) — covers PMDs and BWOs; dependable dry fly during morning hatches
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16) — evening caddis activity; throw it tight to the bank at dusk
- Copper John (#16–18) — excellent dropper for getting down quickly in faster seams
- Woolly Bugger (#10–12, olive or black) — strip slowly through deep pools and undercut banks for larger resident trout
Access Points & Hazards
From Terrebonne, head north on Lower Bridge Way to Crooked River Ranch and follow signs to the Chimney Rock trailhead and BLM access points. The Crooked River Backcountry Byway (BLM Road 5710) parallels the river and offers multiple pull-offs for wade fishing. Note: the road gate at Telephone Springs limits motorized access seasonally — it is currently open through December 1. Rattlesnakes are common in the canyon; use caution along basalt ledges. Summer afternoons bring strong winds through the canyon — plan for morning or evening fishing windows for the most comfortable experience. This is catch-and-release water with barbless hook requirements — handle fish gently and minimize air time.
Flow data sourced from USGS Gauge 14087400 (Crooked River below Opal Springs, near Culver, OR) — provisional reading as of 5:00 AM PDT, July 13, 2026. Stock up on Crooked River essentials at bugsnjugs.com.