Crooked River Fishing Report — September 14, 2026: Mahogany Duns Emerging, Redband Trout On The Feed
Parachute Adams, Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Elk Hair Caddis
Crooked River Fishing Report — September 14, 2026
Flow: 1,330 CFS (USGS gauge 14087400, below Opal Springs near Culver) | Water Temp: 55°F (12.6°C) | Clarity: Clear
Current Conditions
The Crooked River is fishing exceptionally well this week. The USGS gauge at Opal Springs (14087400) reads 1,330 CFS — this measurement is taken below the massive Opal Springs natural spring input, which contributes approximately 1,000 CFS of constant spring flow to the system. The actual tailwater fishing stretch below Bowman Dam near Terrebonne and Crooked River Ranch runs considerably lower and cleaner, with near-perfect flows for wading. Water temperatures are holding at a trout-friendly 55°F (12.6°C) and clarity is outstanding — typical of this spring-dominated tailwater. You can count the rocks on the bottom in four feet of water.
The Fishing
September on the Crooked means one thing above all else: Mahogany Duns. These size 14–16 brownish-red mayflies are beginning to appear in the afternoons, and the wild redband rainbows are keying on them hard. Look for rising fish in the flats and slower pools between 1 PM and 4 PM as the afternoon warmth triggers the hatch. A Parachute Adams in rusty-brown, size 14–16, is an outstanding match — try a size 18 trailer for fish that won't commit to the larger fly. Evening brings caddis activity, and the Elk Hair Caddis in tan (size 14–16) will pick up fish well into dusk.
Sub-surface action has been consistent throughout the day. The Crooked River's wild redband population is one of the most robust in the Pacific Northwest, and these fish are not shy. Nymph a Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 16–18) or Copper John (size 14–16) in the riffles and seams with a short drift. Early mornings reward patience with reliable midge hatches — a Zebra Midge in black and red (size 20–22) under a small indicator will get you into fish before the dry fly action starts.
Active Hatches
- Mahogany Duns (Paraleptophlebia) — Afternoon, sizes 14–16; PEAK season just starting
- PMDs — Tapering off but still present mid-morning, sizes 16–18
- Caddis — Evening hatches, tan/olive, sizes 14–16
- Midges — All day, especially productive in the mornings, sizes 20–24
Top Flies
Right now the Crooked calls for a Parachute Adams (sizes 14–18) for the Mahogany Dun hatch, a Zebra Midge for morning and slow flat water, and Pheasant Tail Nymphs with Copper Johns for consistent sub-surface action. The Elk Hair Caddis shines in the evenings. All patterns are available at Bugs-n-Jugs.
Top Access Points
- Grasshopper Flat — Just below Bowman Dam, easy access, classic tailwater flats
- Palisades Campground — BLM campground with ADA-accessible fishing platform, excellent wading
- Chimney Rock Campground — Further downstream, accessible platform, stunning canyon scenery
- Lower Canyon Access via Terrebonne — Less pressure, good evening caddis fishing
Regulations and Hazards
The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is catch-and-release for trout, artificials only — no bait. This is one of Oregon's finest wild trout fisheries; protect it accordingly. High canyon walls mean early shade — bring extra layers. Rattlesnakes are present in September, especially near rocky outcrops. The access road from Terrebonne has rough sections; a vehicle with reasonable clearance is recommended. Water releases from Bowman Dam can fluctuate unexpectedly — stay aware of rising water when wading in the gorge.
Flow data: USGS gauge 14087400 (Crooked River below Opal Springs, near Culver, OR), as of 5:00 AM PDT September 14, 2026. Note: this gauge is downstream of Opal Springs and reflects combined system flow; the primary fishing stretch between Bowman Dam and Opal Springs runs considerably lower. Data provisional, subject to revision.