Crooked River Fishing Report — September 28, 2026
Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Woolly Bugger
Crooked River Fishing Report — September 28, 2026
Gauge: USGS 14087400 — Crooked River below Opal Springs, near Culver, OR
Flow: 1,310 cfs (provisional) as of 5:00 AM PDT
Water Temp: 54.3°F (12.4°C)
Clarity: Slightly Off
Overall Conditions: Fair
Current Conditions
The Crooked River tailwater is running elevated today — 1,310 cfs at the USGS gauge below Opal Springs — significantly above the typical prime-fishing range of 150–400 cfs for this stretch. Bureau of Reclamation releases from Prineville Reservoir combined with Opal Springs groundwater input are pushing flows higher than ideal. The good news: the cold springs keep water temperatures dialed in at a trout-perfect 54.3°F year-round, and the uppermost section — the first 2 to 3 miles immediately below Bowman Dam — tends to fish at lower, more stable flows than the gauge at Culver indicates. Anglers focusing their efforts close to the dam access may find significantly more fishable water.
Hatches & Fishing Action
With elevated flows, this is a day for subsurface tactics. Midges are the year-round staple of the Crooked River tailwater, and today is no different — a two-fly nymph rig with a Zebra Midge #18–22 as the point fly and a Pheasant Tail Nymph #16–18 as the dropper is the go-to approach. Fish the slower seams, the inside of bends, and any slack water behind structure where trout can hold out of the main current push.
Blue-Winged Olives will appear mid-morning if cloud cover holds — the Crooked gets excellent BWO hatches in September. A small Parachute Adams #18–20 is a reliable imitation when fish start showing in the softer current edges. On the nymph rig, add a Copper John #16 red as an attractor to trigger fish that are holding deep in elevated flows.
The rainbow trout in this system are healthy and numerous — fish averaging 12–16 inches with trophy-class fish to 20+ inches are present throughout the 8-mile tailwater section. Even on high-flow days, patient anglers working the margins will find willing fish.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Zebra Midge #18–22 — the bread-and-butter pattern, fish it all day
- Pheasant Tail Nymph #16–18 — classic dropper above the Zebra Midge
- Copper John #16 (red) — attractor nymph, good in elevated flows
- Parachute Adams #18–20 — BWO dry fly when fish are rising to olives
- Elk Hair Caddis #16 — evening searching pattern in slower bankside water
- Woolly Bugger #8 (olive/black) — strip it through deeper runs for aggressive takes from bigger fish
Best Access Points
- Below Bowman Dam (upper access): Best bet on high-flow days — closest to the dam means lowest flows. Pullouts along Hwy 27 just below the reservoir provide easy access.
- Crooked River Ranch: Multiple pullouts along the ranch road give access to excellent mid-section water; often less crowded on weekdays.
- Lower Pullouts (Mile Markers 1–8 on Hwy 27): Several established parking areas with short walks to the river. On high-flow days, focus on inside bends and slower pockets rather than wading the main channel.
- Smith Rock State Park (lower river): Scenic access, more foot traffic on weekends. The park section holds fish but expect company.
Hazards & Notes
With flows at 1,310 cfs, do not attempt to wade the main channel — the Crooked River runs over slick basalt and is deceptively powerful at elevated levels. Work the bankside water and access from gravel bars. The Crooked River is catch-and-release only for trout in the tailwater section — all trout must be released unharmed. Use barbless hooks. Water temperatures will remain cold and stable thanks to the groundwater influence, so fish are not stressed by heat.
Keep an eye on Bureau of Reclamation release schedules — flows can change quickly when irrigation season adjustments are made. Check the USGS gauge before heading out: waterdata.usgs.gov gauge 14087400.
Flow data: USGS gauge 14087400 (Crooked River below Opal Springs, near Culver, provisional data subject to revision). Report updated daily by Bugs & Jugs Fly Shop — Central Oregon's fly fishing headquarters.