Crooked River Fishing Report – September 11, 2026: Mahogany Duns and Fall Fishing in Prime Form
Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Parachute Adams, Copper John, Elk Hair Caddis
Crooked River – Below Bowman Dam / Terrebonne & Crooked River Ranch Area
Date: September 11, 2026 | Flow: 1,310 cfs (USGS Gauge 14087400, below Opal Springs near Culver) | Water Temp: 56°F | Clarity: Clear
Current Conditions Overview
The Crooked River is in fine form as Central Oregon tips into September. The USGS gauge at Opal Springs (gauge 14087400) is reading 1,310 cfs, which reflects flows measured below the significant Opal Springs inflow — the prime fishing canyon above Opal Springs, between Bowman Dam and the Terrebonne area, runs at more moderate dam-release levels, typically 200–400 cfs in this time of year. That upper section is accessible and fishing beautifully right now.
Water temperature is a standout: 56°F is textbook prime for rainbow trout. The Crooked's cold, spring-fed character keeps it fishable through the worst summer heat, and as we move into September, the cooler mornings and afternoons are waking the fish up. The river is running crystal clear — typical for the Crooked's limestone-filtered groundwater sources. Visibility is exceptional, which means light tippet and careful presentations pay dividends.
Hatch Report
September on the Crooked is when Mahogany Duns (Paraleptophlebia spp.) begin to show in earnest. These small, rusty-brown mayflies emerge from late morning through early afternoon and can trigger some of the best dry fly fishing of the year on the Crooked. Keep your eyes peeled for rises in the slower glides and flats — that's where fish will be sipping these small duns. Midges continue to be the backbone of the food chain here, hatching throughout the day, and Blue-Winged Olives are picking up on overcast afternoons. Small PMDs are still present in the mornings.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Zebra Midge (sizes 18-22, black/silver) — the Crooked River's bread-and-butter pattern; fish it deep under an indicator or as a dropper
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (sizes 14-18) — excellent Mahogany Dun nymph imitation as the hatch begins
- Parachute Adams (sizes 14-18) — covers Mahogany Dun and BWO risers throughout the day
- Copper John (sizes 14-16) — a heavy, attractor nymph that works in the riffles all day
- Elk Hair Caddis (sizes 14-16) — small evening caddis are present; a reliable dry in flat-water runs
Best Access Points
The Crooked River National Grassland access points off Lower Bridge Road and Hwy 26 provide entry into the canyon below Bowman Dam. The Terrebonne area and Crooked River Ranch both offer popular wade-access points where the river winds through the high desert canyon. Parking at the BLM trailheads along Lower Bridge Road puts you right on productive water. For the mile closest to Bowman Dam, the tailwater is cold, clear, and loaded with fish — bring a short, light leader and small flies.
Hazards & Regulations
The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is catch-and-release only for trout — always verify current ODFW regulations before fishing. Light tippet (5X or 6X) is essential given the crystal clarity. Watch your footing on the slick basalt cobbles, especially as flows fluctuate from dam releases. No bait — artificial lures and flies only in the designated Wild Trout section.