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

Crooked River — June 25, 2026

USGS Gauge 14087400 (Crooked River below Opal Springs, near Culver): 1,150 cfs | Water Temp: 55°F (12.9°C) | Clarity: Slightly Off

Current Conditions

The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is running on the higher side this week, with flows at 1,150 cfs as measured at the USGS gauge below Opal Springs near Culver. This is notably above the typical summer baseline for this tailwater fishery, which normally runs in the 200–600 cfs range through June. Elevated reservoir releases and the natural contribution from Opal Springs are both pushing volumes up. Water clarity is slightly off-color — visibility is reduced but not blown out, and fish are still findable with the right approach.

Water temperatures are a comfortable 55°F, one of the real advantages of this tailwater system — Prineville Reservoir keeps the Crooked cool and consistent even as summer heats up the surrounding high desert. That cold, stable temperature keeps trout active and holding in consistent seams throughout the day, unlike freestone rivers that can shut down on hot afternoons.

Hatches and What's Working

Midge activity continues to be the bread and butter on the Crooked at these elevated flows. Sporadic caddis emergences have been reported over the past few weeks, and as flows stabilize and drop, expect caddis activity to improve significantly. PMDs (Pale Morning Duns) are on the horizon — typically beginning to appear in earnest by early July in this section.

With slightly off-color water and higher flows, sub-surface presentations are the most consistent producers right now. Focus on slower inside bends, eddies behind large boulders, and the softer water near undercut banks where fish can hold without fighting heavy current.

• Zebra Midge (#18-22) — The essential Crooked River pattern in any condition. Fish it in the film or just below the surface in slower eddies and seams for consistent takes from redband trout.
• Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14-18) — Versatile nymph that covers the PMD nymph and caddis larva bases. Effective dead-drifted through slower runs and current seams.
• Copper John (#14-16) — Heavier pattern that gets down quickly in the elevated flows. An excellent anchor fly in a two-nymph rig with a midge dropper.
• Woolly Bugger (#6-10, olive or black) — In off-color water at higher flows, a slow-swung Woolly Bugger through deeper slots can draw aggressive strikes from larger fish that are not keying on the surface.
• Parachute Adams (#14-16) — Worth throwing as a dry-dropper indicator with a midge or nymph dropper during any lull in wind, particularly in the slower pools where fish might rise opportunistically.

Best Access Points

The Crooked River below Bowman Dam (near Prineville) offers the most controlled and well-known wade fishing in the upper section. Lower down, the Crooked River Ranch area (off Hwy 97, north of Terrebonne) provides access to the deep canyon reach where the river cuts through dramatic rimrock terrain. The canyon trail from the Skull Hollow Campground area gives walk-in access to less-pressured water. Use caution at all access points given elevated flows — crossing points that are normally easy wades may be unsafe at 1,150 cfs.

Hazards and Reminders

Do not attempt to wade the main channel at current flow levels unless you know the specific run well. The Crooked River canyon can rise quickly and the rocks are notoriously slick — cleated wading boots and a wading staff are strongly recommended. Stick to bank fishing and shorter presentations from stable footing. This section is catch-and-release only for rainbow trout over 20 inches. Check current ODFW regulations before heading out, as special restrictions apply in several sections of the Crooked.

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