Crooked River Fishing Report – September 16, 2026
Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Parachute Adams, Woolly Bugger
Crooked River – Below Bowman Dam, Terrebonne / Crooked River Ranch
Date: September 16, 2026 | Flow: 1,350 CFS (USGS Gauge 14087400, below Opal Springs near Culver) | Water Temp: 55°F (12.7°C)
Current Conditions
The Crooked River is one of the most consistently fishable tailwaters in Central Oregon, and September is proving that again. Water temperature is clocking a perfect 12.7°C (55°F) — squarely in the ideal range for aggressive feeding wild redband trout. The river is running clear with excellent visibility throughout the canyon.
Note on flows: The USGS gauge 14087400 is situated below Opal Springs near Culver and reads 1,350 CFS — this reflects the combined flow of Bowman Dam releases plus the substantial Opal Springs contribution further downstream. The prime fly fishing section above Opal Springs (below Bowman Dam near Terrebonne and Crooked River Ranch) runs considerably lower, typical of regulated dam releases, and is in great shape for wading.
What's Hatching
The Crooked is in a classic fall transition right now — summer patterns giving way to the cooler-weather hatches that define October here. Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are producing afternoon risers but winding down for the season; catch them while you can with a Parachute Adams in the tailouts. More importantly, Blue-Winged Olives (Baetis) are ramping up for their fall emergence — watch for pod-rising fish in the riffles and flat water between 10 AM and 2 PM on cloudy days, especially after a morning overcast. This is some of the best dry fly fishing of the year when conditions align.
Midges are the year-round backbone of the Crooked River and remain highly productive right now. Fish midge larvae and pupae in a double-nymph rig, drifted through slower runs, pool edges, and tailouts. Scuds (freshwater shrimp) are always present and always on the menu — olive, tan, and orange patterns work well in the spring-influenced canyon sections.
ODFW reports that bull trout may now be encountered in the lower reaches following volitional passage at Opal Springs. These are a fully protected species — do not target them, and release immediately with minimal handling if accidentally hooked.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Zebra Midge (size 18–22, black/silver or red/silver) – the undisputed Crooked River staple; fish it in a tandem nymph rig as the anchor fly
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 16–18) – PMD and BWO nymph match, deadly as a dropper off a dry or in a tight-line nymph rig
- Copper John (size 16–18, red or natural) – weighted attractor nymph that gets down fast in the riffles; trigger pattern when fish are being picky
- Parachute Adams (size 16–18) – BWO and PMD surface match for afternoon rising fish; use a 12-ft leader with 6X tippet for technical flat-water presentations
- Woolly Bugger (size 8–10, olive) – strip through deeper canyon pools to move the largest redband trout; also effective on a slow swing
Best Access Points
Crooked River Ranch (community access points) provides the most popular wade-in access through the upper canyon — multiple pullouts with short hikes to the river. Chimney Rock (BLM) is a mid-canyon gem with classic pool-riffle-run water and dramatic rimrock scenery. The section immediately below Bowman Dam (Lone Pine Road) is excellent for technical nymphing in the crystal-clear tailwater just below the dam face. All sections are artificial lures and flies only, with single barbless hooks and catch-and-release for all trout.
Hazards & Regulations
The Crooked River Canyon walls are steep and can be unstable — stay on established trails and exercise caution near cliff edges. September afternoons can still be warm in the canyon; bring water and sun protection. All trout are catch-and-release only, artificial lures/flies, single barbless hook. Bull trout are fully protected — do not target; release immediately. Current flow and temperature data: USGS Gauge 14087400.
USGS data provisional, subject to revision. Report current as of September 16, 2026. Flow and temperature sourced from USGS Gauge 14087400 — Crooked River below Opal Springs, near Culver, OR.