Crooked River Fishing Report – September 18, 2026: Mahogany Duns Emerging, Crystal-Clear Tailwater
Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Zebra Midge, Copper John, Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl
Current Conditions Overview
The Crooked River’s famed tailwater trout fishery is in excellent shape this Friday. The USGS gauge 14087400 (below Opal Springs, near Culver) is reading 1,350 CFS—this gauge sits downstream of the Opal Springs confluence, which contributes roughly 1,200 CFS of cold, crystal-clear groundwater. The prime fishing section between Bowman Dam and Opal Springs (the 10–12-mile stretch through Crooked River Ranch and Terrebonne) is running at approximately 140–175 CFS, and water temperature is 54.9°F (12.7°C)—ideal for the wild redband rainbows this canyon is famous for. Clarity is gin-clear, as expected from this tailwater system.
Hatch Report
September delivers one of the Crooked’s signature hatches: Mahogany Duns (Paraleptophlebia) are beginning to emerge in decent numbers, typically showing mid-morning through early afternoon. These size #14–#16 mayflies bring trout up confidently—watch for rings in the slower-moving flats and inside bends. Blue-Winged Olives (Baetis, #18–#22) remain active, especially on overcast periods. Black Caddis (#16) continue to pop off around midday, extending the dry fly window nicely. Midges are ever-present in this system—a Zebra Midge or Brassie under an indicator is a reliable producer throughout the day when the hatch action slows.
Nymphing Game
Even on active hatch days, nymphing will put more fish in the net. The Crooked’s wild redbands are selective but abundant. A Pheasant Tail Nymph in #14–#18 dropped below a strike indicator is the bread-and-butter setup. Supplement with a Zebra Midge (#18–#22) as a dropper and you’ll cover nearly every feeding lane. Copper John in red or green (#14–#16) is a consistent anchor fly for this canyon water.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Parachute Adams (#14–#16) — Dead-drift for Mahogany Duns in flat water
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–#18) — The workhorse—fish it deep and slow
- Zebra Midge (#18–#22) — Always a safe drop fly throughout the day
- Copper John (#14–#16, red) — Anchor nymph, gets down fast in riffles
- Elk Hair Caddis (#16) — Match the black caddis midday hatch
- Chubby Chernobyl (#10) — Big attractor as a dry-dropper indicator in runs
Best Access Points
Skull Hollow Campground (BLM) off Lone Pine Road provides excellent walk-in wade access to multiple productive runs. The Lower Crooked River National Back Country Byway (Hwy 27 south from Prineville) parallels the river for miles—pull-offs at the various BLM day-use sites give quick access. Chimney Rock and the stretches near Crooked River Ranch community are popular with local anglers and easily waded at current flows.
Hazards & Notes
The canyon is remote—cell service is spotty to nonexistent. Let someone know your plans. Rattlesnakes are active in the rocky canyon walls during warm afternoons—watch your step when scrambling. The Crooked River is fly-fishing-only below Bowman Dam to the confluence with the Deschutes. All wild fish must be released. This is a no-bait, catch-and-release gem—treat it accordingly.