Crooked River Fishing Report – June 9, 2026
Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Woolly Bugger, Parachute Adams
Crooked River Fishing Report – June 9, 2026
Lower Crooked River Tailwater | Below Bowman Dam | Terrebonne / Crooked River Ranch Area
The Crooked River tailwater is experiencing elevated irrigation releases this week, as is typical for May–June in Central Oregon. The USGS gauge below Opal Springs (gauge 14087400, near Culver) is reading 1,200 CFS with water temps at 55°F — the Opal Springs input contributes significant cold, clear flow to this reading. The fishing section directly below Bowman Dam is running lower than the gauge suggests, but flows are still elevated compared to typical summer levels. Fish are holding in slower water and behind structure.
Current Conditions
High irrigation outflows from Prineville Reservoir are pushing the Crooked out of its typical wade-friendly range this week. Water clarity is slightly off-color in the lower reaches near Crooked River Ranch, but the section immediately below Bowman Dam holds clearer water thanks to the dam's cold, consistent releases. Nymphing is the most productive technique right now — fish are not holding in their usual lies in fast water and are seeking slower, deeper slots.
Afternoon dry-fly opportunities do exist. ODFW has noted fish rising in slow pools and back-eddies during the afternoon hours, particularly in the calmer water behind large boulders and in the canyon's wider bends. Keep an eye out for midge hatches in the morning and early afternoon, and small Baetis (Blue-Winged Olive) activity on overcast days.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Zebra Midge (#18–22) — The Crooked's bread-and-butter fly year-round. Midge larvae and pupae are always abundant; fish a two-midge dropper rig with a strike indicator in slower slots.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16–18) — Matches the Baetis nymphs that dominate the Crooked. Add a bead-head version to get down in higher flows.
- Copper John (#16–18) — Extra weight helps punch through the current to reach fish holding near the bottom.
- Woolly Bugger (#8–10, Olive/Black) — In higher flows, a slow-stripped Woolly Bugger through deep runs and pools can draw aggressive strikes from larger fish that have shifted their feeding patterns.
- Parachute Adams (#16–18) — For anglers who spot rising fish in afternoon eddies, a small Adams or BWO parachute pattern is the go-to dry.
Best Access Points
Below Bowman Dam (BLM): The BLM day-use area at the base of Bowman Dam is the primary access point and sees the clearest, most fishable water during high-flow events. The canyon walk downstream from the dam offers several productive pools within the first mile. Crooked River Ranch area: Lower canyon access via the Crooked River Ranch road (off Hwy 97 north of Terrebonne) provides multiple pullouts along the river — expect higher, slightly off-color water in this stretch. Mile Marker 12 (Hwy 27 south of Prineville): The BLM Wild and Scenic corridor along Hwy 27 offers numerous pullouts for the upper Crooked — this section fishes well even in higher flows thanks to canyon structure.
Hazards & Reminders
With elevated flows, wading in the lower section near Crooked River Ranch is not recommended without a staff and proper studded boots — the basalt streambed is slick under any conditions. Water temperatures at 55°F mean fish are active but watch for warming in afternoon sun in shallow sections. The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is catch-and-release only for trout — barbless hooks are strongly encouraged. No bait; artificial flies and lures only in the Wild and Scenic corridor.