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Zebra Midge, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Woolly Bugger

Crooked River Fishing Report – June 19, 2026

Lower Crooked River | Below Bowman Dam | Terrebonne / Crooked River Ranch Area

Current Conditions Overview

The Crooked River tailwater is running on the high side this week. The USGS gauge below Opal Springs (14087400) recorded 1,310 CFS this morning — significantly elevated above the typical summer tailwater flows of 300-600 CFS. Much of this additional volume is attributable to Opal Springs inflow below the prime fishing section, meaning the tailwater stretch immediately below Bowman Dam and extending toward the Chimney Rock area is carrying somewhat lower flows than the gauge suggests, but anglers should still expect faster-than-normal currents, limited wading opportunities in the main channel, and some off-color water in lower reaches. Water temperature is excellent at 55°F (13.0°C) — the cold tailwater character of this fishery is holding strong.

Flow & Water Quality

• Flow: 1,310 CFS (USGS Gauge 14087400, Crooked River below Opal Springs – provisional)
• Water Temp: 55°F (13.0°C) — excellent for trout, cold tailwater quality maintained
• Clarity: Slightly Off — main channel clarity reduced by elevated flows; back eddies and slower margins remain clearer
• Wading: Challenging in main channel; focus on bank-hugging runs, pocket water, and protected seams

Hatch Report

With flows elevated, the Crooked River is leaning heavily into its tailwater identity this week. Midges are the consistent producers — morning midge activity has been reliable with size 20-24 pupae and adults bringing fish to the surface in slower margins and back eddies, particularly in the first two miles below Bowman Dam. Look for dimpling rises in the flat water near the canyon walls starting around 9:00 AM.

Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are beginning to make an appearance as the water warms through late morning — fish with size 16-18 imitations in early afternoon. Baetis (Blue Winged Olives) can pop off on overcast mornings; the cloud-cover days this week have sparked some BWO activity. Caddis have been present in the evenings but are secondary to midges at current flows. The elevated water is pushing fish tight to structure and undercut banks — precision casting into those soft spots will be rewarded.

Top Fly Recommendations

Midge Patterns (primary):

• Zebra Midge (size 20-24, black/red or black/silver) — the Crooked River's signature fly. Fish it as a two-fly rig under an indicator in any soft water you can find. Deadly from late morning onward.
• Parachute Adams (size 16-18) — excellent midge/PMD adult dry fly for surface-feeding trout in calmer margins. The high-vis post makes it easy to track in off-color light.

Nymphs (subsurface):

• Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 16-18) — a go-to PMD nymph imitation that works all season on the Crooked. Weight it down to get through the faster current.
• Copper John (size 16-18, red or olive) — the extra weight is a real advantage right now at elevated flows. Gets to the bottom where fish are holding in front of rocks and debris.
• Woolly Bugger (size 8-10, olive or black) — strip it slow along undercut banks and through the deeper corner pools for the larger rainbows that are hunkered down out of the heavy current.

Best Access Points

• Bowman Dam Tailwater (first 2 miles) — walk-in access from the reservoir parking area. The coldest, clearest section; best midge action. Moderate hike required.
• Chimney Rock Recreation Area (BLM) — approx. 12 miles south of Prineville on Hwy 27. Multiple pullouts with good bank access to deep corner pools and runs.
• Crooked River Ranch Access — community-maintained access through the ranch area near Terrebonne. Several productive riffles and flats in this lower section.
• Mile Marker 12 Area (Hwy 27) — popular wade access near the lower end of the prime tailwater section. Less productive right now with elevated flows but worth exploring for pocket water.

Hazards & Notes

• Elevated Flows: Do not attempt to cross the main channel at current flows. Wade only in side channels, near banks, and in clearly shallow areas.
• Rattlesnakes: June is active season in the high desert canyon — watch your step especially near rocky outcroppings and brush.
• Heat: The canyon heats up quickly after 10:00 AM in June. Early morning starts (7-10 AM) will give you the best conditions and most comfortable fishing.
• Fishing Regulations: The lower Crooked River below Bowman Dam is open year-round; catch-and-release for trout. Single barbless hooks required in designated Wild & Scenic sections. Verify current ODFW regs before fishing.
• Flow Watch: Monitor Bowman Dam releases — flows can change quickly. Check the USGS gauge (14087400) before your trip.

Report based on USGS gauge data (provisional) and regional fishing intelligence as of June 19, 2026. Tight lines!

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