Crooked River Fishing Report — June 16, 2026: Tailwater Running Clear with Active Caddis and PMD Hatches
Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Woolly Bugger
Crooked River — Tailwater Report | June 16, 2026
Flow (USGS Gauge 14087400, below Opal Springs): 1,300 cfs | Tailwater Section (above Opal Springs): ~180 cfs | Water Temp: 55.9°F | Clarity: Clear
A note on flows: USGS gauge 14087400 sits below the massive Opal Springs confluence near Culver, which contributes roughly 1,000+ cfs of cold spring water to the river. The primary fly fishing tailwater section — the stretch from Bowman Dam down to approximately Mile Marker 10–12 near Crooked River Ranch — runs at significantly lower flows controlled by Bureau of Reclamation releases from Prineville Reservoir. Local fly shop reports from June 12 confirm tailwater flows holding steady around 180 cfs, which makes for comfortable wading and excellent conditions throughout this beloved fishery.
Current Conditions
The Crooked River tailwater is fishing beautifully right now. At approximately 180 cfs the water is low and clear — an experienced angler's dream and a reminder to practice careful approach and presentation. Water temperatures clocking in at 55.9°F at the lower gauge are ideal for rainbow trout activity; expect the tailwater section to be slightly cooler given the direct dam-release influence. Fish are healthy, visible in their lies, and actively feeding throughout the day.
Hatches & Conditions
Caddis and PMDs are the headlining hatches as of the most recent local reports. Caddis have returned with force after a brief lull, and evenings are producing strong surface activity with fish rising confidently to size 16–18 imitations. PMD hatches are now joining the party in the afternoon window — keep a sharp eye on the water between 1 and 4 PM for the telltale sipping rises that signal mayfly activity.
Midges remain a year-round staple on the Crooked, and anglers willing to fish size 20–22 patterns are consistently finding willing fish in slower tailout water. A well-presented Zebra Midge under a small indicator in the deeper, flatter sections is one of the most reliable techniques on this river any time of day.
With warm early-summer air temperatures settling in, expect the evening caddis activity to intensify over the coming days. The Crooked is at its most magical right now — long days, clear water, rising fish, and relatively light crowds compared to May.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Elk Hair Caddis (#16–18) — for evening rises when caddis are thick on the water; flush-float presentation is key
- Parachute Adams (#16–18) — versatile dry for PMD windows and as a searching pattern in riffles
- Zebra Midge (#20–22) — the Crooked River standard; fish it deep and slow in tailout pools
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16–18) — matches emerging PMDs perfectly; deadly when fished just below the surface film
- Copper John (#16–18) — gets deep in faster pocket water; excellent point fly in a two-nymph rig
- Woolly Bugger (#10, olive or black) — for larger fish holding in deeper slots; swing it through the deeper runs near canyon walls
Access Points & Notes
Primary access: From Terrebonne, head north on US-97 approximately 0.5 miles, then follow Lower Crooked River Road along the canyon. Multiple BLM pullouts provide access to the first 10 miles of tailwater. The river is designated Wild and Scenic — pack out what you pack in.
Trout redd protection: Please avoid wading through or near the upper section of Big Bend Campground. Spawning redds in this area are critical to the long-term health of the Crooked River fishery. Give them a wide berth.
Regulations reminder: The Crooked River tailwater (below Bowman Dam) is open year-round with catch-and-release for trout above 10 inches. Barbless hooks strongly recommended. Check current ODFW regulations for any updates before your trip.
Gauge data: USGS NWIS Site 14087400 (Crooked River below Opal Springs, near Culver, OR). Tailwater section flow per Confluence Fly Shop report dated June 12, 2026. Data provisional, subject to revision.