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Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Woolly Bugger

Crooked River Fishing Report – September 5, 2026

Below Bowman Dam | Chimney Rock Reach | Terrebonne / Crooked River Ranch Area

Current Conditions Overview

The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is living up to its reputation as one of Central Oregon's most reliable tailwater fisheries this September. With cool, dam-regulated water temperatures holding at a crisp 55°F (12.6°C) and fishing described as "quite good" by recent local shop reports, this is an excellent destination for anglers seeking a productive day on the water. The USGS gauge at Opal Springs (which measures combined flow from Bowman Dam releases and the Opal Springs inflow) is reading 1,340 cfs. Anglers fishing the Chimney Rock reach above Opal Springs will find flows consistent with typical late-summer dam releases. Clarity is slightly off-color in lower stretches, but the upper tailwater section remains fishable and productive.

Flow & Water Conditions

• Flow: 1,340 cfs (USGS Gauge 14087400 – Crooked River Below Opal Springs, as of 5:00 AM PDT)
• Water Temperature: 55°F (12.6°C) — cold, consistent tailwater from Bowman Dam releases
• Clarity: Slightly Off — clear in the upper Chimney Rock section above Opal Springs; slightly off-color below the confluence

The cold, dam-regulated temperatures on this tailwater make the Crooked one of the most comfortable fisheries in Central Oregon during late summer. Unlike free-flowing rivers that stress fish with high afternoon temps, the Crooked stays fishable all day long.

Hatches & Insect Activity

September on the Crooked brings a reliable midge show that continues year-round on this tailwater. Early morning trico spinner falls (size 20–22) can trigger sipping rises in the flat water sections — show up before 8 AM to catch this window. As the day progresses, Blue-Winged Olives (Baetis) begin emerging through the mid-morning hours, and this is often the best dry fly window of the day on the Crooked. Pale Evening Duns may appear in late afternoon on slower pools. When surface action is quiet, focus on subsurface presentations — the Crooked's legendary trout density (up to 4,000 fish per mile in prime reaches) means nymphing is productive around the clock.

Top Fly Recommendations

Subsurface (the Crooked's bread and butter):

• Zebra Midge (size 18–22, black/silver or red/silver) — the single most effective fly on this river year-round; fish it on a tight-line or indicator rig in the seams
• Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 16–18) — dead-drift through riffles and runs; a must-have dropper behind the Zebra Midge
• Copper John (size 14–16, red or green) — weighted anchor fly in faster water; gets down quickly and triggers strikes on the swing

Dry Fly (morning trico and BWO windows):

• Parachute Adams (size 18–20) — versatile searching pattern during BWO hatches; covers both Baetis and trico risers effectively
• Elk Hair Caddis (size 16–18) — effective in the evening if any caddis activity appears near vegetated banks
• Woolly Bugger (size 8–10, olive or black) — strip through deeper pools for the largest resident fish that rarely feed on the surface

Best Access Points

• Chimney Rock Trailhead: Prime access to the best fishing reach between Bowman Dam and Opal Springs; walk the trail down to the river for classic riffle-pool sequences
• Crooked River Ranch: Multiple public access points along the Crooked River Back Country Byway (Hwy 27); several pull-outs provide wade-in access to excellent stretches
• Bowman Dam Tailwater: Walk downstream from the dam itself for the coldest, clearest water — fish stack here in summer taking advantage of the cold releases
• Smith Rock State Park (lower section): The river through Smith Rock holds fish and offers stunning scenery, though it draws more foot traffic; arrive early
• Opal Springs Road: Pull-offs along the access road give anglers entry to mid-river stretches without a long hike

Hazards & Closures

• Elevated Flows: Flows are elevated at the Opal Springs gauge (1,340 cfs). Use caution when wading below the Opal Springs confluence. The reach above Opal Springs should be more manageable for wading.
• Seasonal Gate: The North Fork Crooked River gate at Telephone Springs is currently closed to motorized vehicles (closed April 30 – December 1 annually). Hike or mountain bike to access upper sections.
• Regulations: The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is catch-and-release only for trout. Single barbless hooks required. No bait. Review current ODFW regulations for any emergency closures before heading out.
• Smoke: Central Oregon smoke events can affect the canyon — check conditions in Terrebonne before heading to the river.

The Crooked River's extraordinary trout density and dam-regulated temperatures make it a dependable option any day in September. Whether you're indicator nymphing with a Zebra Midge rig or waiting for the morning trico spinner fall, this river rewards technical, patient fishing. It's a gem right in Central Oregon's backyard.

Report by Bugs N Jugs Fly Shop | Data sourced from USGS Gauge 14087400 (Crooked River Below Opal Springs, Near Culver, OR). Provisional data subject to revision.

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