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Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, Copper John, Chubby Chernobyl

Crooked River Fishing Report — June 28, 2026

Below Bowman Dam | Crooked River Ranch | Terrebonne Area

USGS Gauge 14087400 (Crooked River below Opal Springs, near Culver, OR): 1,210 cfs as of this morning. Water temperature: 55°F (12.7°C) — excellent trout-friendly temps thanks to the cold, clear Opal Springs discharge that enters the river below Bowman Dam. The spring inflows that make this stretch famous help maintain good water quality and clarity even at elevated flow levels.

Flows are on the higher side of normal for late June, creating some additional push in the faster runs. Nymphing depth and presentation become more important at these levels — getting flies down to where fish are holding is key. The good news: trout are actively feeding, and the cooler temps this weekend (following Thursday's front) have the fish more comfortable and responsive.

What's Hatching

Midges are the consistent year-round staple of the Crooked, and they continue to produce the most reliable action. Fish a Zebra Midge (size 18–22) under an indicator or as part of a two-nymph rig — this is the bread-and-butter pattern for this tailwater. Expect midge activity throughout the day, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.

Sporadic caddis hatches have been occurring over the past few weeks, and late June often brings some of the best caddis activity of the year on the Crooked. Watch for caddis adults in late afternoon and evening — an Elk Hair Caddis in size 14–16 fished along riffles and softer seams can produce excellent dry fly takes. We are right at the transitional window where PMDs (Pale Morning Duns) should be kicking in — reports from two to three weeks ago noted PMDs were not yet hatching, but conditions are ripe for them to emerge any day now. A Parachute Adams in size 16 or a dedicated PMD pattern is worth having ready.

For nymphing, a two-fly rig of a Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 14–16) and a Zebra Midge (size 18–20) covers the mayfly nymph and midge bases simultaneously. Add split shot to get down in the heavier flows. The Crooked's rainbow and wild trout average 8–12 inches with some real bruisers in the deeper pools.

Top Flies for Today

• Zebra Midge (size 18–22, black/red) — all-day producer, the #1 Crooked River fly
• Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 14–16) — mayfly nymph imitation, deep nymphing rigs
• Elk Hair Caddis (size 14–16, tan) — afternoon/evening dry fly, caddis hatch
• Parachute Adams (size 16) — versatile attractor, pre-PMD coverage
• Copper John (size 14–16) — heavier attractor nymph to get down in elevated flows
• Chubby Chernobyl (size 12) — foam indicator fly with midge or nymph dropper

Best Access Points

Crooked River Ranch: The most popular access area, with multiple pull-offs along Lower Bridge Road providing walk-in access to excellent wade water. The canyon below the Ranch offers some of the best dry fly water on the river. Chimney Rock: A designated ODFW access site with good parking and a trail down to the river — excellent mid-canyon fishing. Lower Bridge: At the Highway 97 crossing near Terrebonne, good access for morning nymphing runs. Bowman Dam (upstream end): The catch-and-release section directly below the dam is tight quarters but fish are thick and often large.

Regulations Reminder

• The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is artificial lures and flies only with catch-and-release for trout in designated sections — check current ODFW regulations for specific boundaries before fishing.
• Flows at 1,210 cfs represent elevated but wading conditions — use a wading staff, wade cautiously in faster sections, and wear a wading belt.

Flow data: USGS Gauge 14087400 (Crooked River below Opal Springs, near Culver, OR). Water temp provisional and subject to revision.

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