Crooked River Fishing Report – September 13, 2026 | Elevated Flows, Cold Water & Tailwater Rainbows
Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Woolly Bugger
Crooked River – Below Bowman Dam, Terrebonne & Crooked River Ranch Area
Date: September 13, 2026 | Flow: 1,310 cfs (USGS #14087400 below Opal Springs) | Water Temp: 55°F
The Crooked River tailwater is running notably elevated today at 1,310 cfs — well above the typical late-summer range for this system. Increased releases from Prineville Reservoir appear to be driving the higher flows. While the elevated water creates some challenges for wading and access, the water temperature remains an excellent 55°F (12.8°C), a hallmark of this cold spring-fed tailwater. Fish are present and catchable — you just need to adjust your approach.
Conditions Overview
Elevated flows have pushed many fish off their typical mid-river lies. Focus your efforts on the slower inside seams, bankside eddies, and deeper pools where trout are seeking relief from the heavier current. Wading should be approached with significant caution and is not recommended for inexperienced waders at these levels. Water clarity is slightly off-color but not blown — midday visibility through the water column is adequate, and well-presented flies are still drawing strikes.
What's Hatching
Midges are the constant on the Crooked River year-round, and September is no exception. Look for midge activity throughout the day, with the most visible surface rises mid-morning and mid-afternoon in slower water. Sporadic Pale Morning Dun (PMD) hatches continue around midday, though activity has quieted from the midsummer peak. The most exciting development: the first Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches of fall are beginning to materialize on overcast mornings. As we move through September and temperatures drop, BWO activity will become increasingly reliable and productive.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Zebra Midge #18–22 — The Crooked River's bread-and-butter fly, every day of the year. Run it as your point fly with a split-shot or as a dropper under an indicator.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph #16–18 — Covers PMD and BWO nymph phases perfectly; fish it deep and slow through the current seams.
- Copper John #16–18 (red or green) — A heavier nymph that sinks quickly to reach trout holding deep in elevated flows; excellent search pattern.
- Parachute Adams #18–20 — For rising fish during the midge and early BWO hatches; flush-floating in the slower film.
- Elk Hair Caddis #18–20 — A smaller version works as a surface midge/caddis imitation in slower water.
- Woolly Bugger #8–10 (olive or black) — With elevated flows, swinging or stripping a Woolly Bugger through the deeper seams can move larger fish that have moved off their typical lies.
Best Access Points
- Crooked River Ranch Road Access – Multiple BLM pull-offs along the canyon road; check current wading conditions before committing
- Lower Canyon below Opal Springs – BLM public land with walk-in access; quality fish hold throughout this reach
- Bowman Dam Tailout – Fish the immediate cold-water tailout below the dam; typically less pressure in mid-September
- Chimney Rock Area – Scenic canyon stretch with good holding water in the deeper pools
Hazards & Notes
⚠️ Elevated Flows Advisory: At 1,310 cfs, the Crooked River is running significantly higher than typical tailwater conditions. Do not attempt to wade across the river. Use a wading staff at all times, stick to known shallow areas, and fish from the bank wherever possible. Flows can change quickly based on Prineville Reservoir releases — always check the current gauge reading before your outing at waterdata.usgs.gov (USGS 14087400). The Crooked River is open to catch-and-release fishing for rainbow trout year-round; check ODFW for any current special regulations. USGS data is provisional and subject to revision.