Crooked River Report – October 4, 2026: High Flows — Check Before You Go
Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Zebra Midge, Copper John, Woolly Bugger
Crooked River – Below Bowman Dam | October 4, 2026
Flow: 1,280 CFS (USGS Gauge 14087400 – Crooked River below Bowman Dam, current as of early this morning) | Water Temp: 55°F | Clarity: Turbid
⚠️ High Flow Advisory — River Not Fishable at Current Levels
The Crooked River below Bowman Dam has surged dramatically this week. As recently as September 25th, the river was flowing at just 97 CFS — ideal tailwater conditions with pocket water fish and October Caddis in the bushes. As of this morning, the gauge at Bowman Dam is registering 1,280 CFS, a more than 13-fold increase in just nine days.
This level of flow on the Crooked is dangerous and unfishable. The tailwater canyon, typically a 50–200 CFS fishery, is now running bank-to-bank. The water is off-color and turbid. Do not attempt to wade the Crooked at these flows.
The likely cause is emergency or excess storage releases by the Bureau of Reclamation from Prineville Reservoir through Bowman Dam. Fall storms and increased reservoir inflow often trigger managed releases at this time of year. BoR releases can change rapidly — flows could drop significantly within days once reservoir management targets are met.
When to Come Back
When the Crooked drops back into the 75–200 CFS range, it will return to excellent condition quickly — tailwater fisheries flush and clear fast. Based on the late-September conditions, here's what you can expect when flows normalize:
- October Caddis — Big orange adults were already in the bushes as of September 25. When flows drop, the evening October Caddis skating bite will be on fire.
- Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) — Overcast fall days trigger heavy BWO emergences on the Crooked. Expect size 20 BWOs rising throughout the morning and early afternoon.
- Midges — Year-round on this tailwater; always reliable in early morning.
Flies to Have Ready
Stock up now at Bugs-n-Jugs so you're ready to hit the water the moment flows come down:
- Elk Hair Caddis (size 10–14, tan/orange) — Skated at dusk when October Caddis are on the wing. Essential right now.
- Parachute Adams (size 18–22) — The best all-around BWO and midge dry fly for the Crooked's technical trout.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 18–22) — BWO nymph workhorse. Drop it below a Parachute Adams as a dropper and hold on.
- Zebra Midge (size 20–22) — The Crooked's bread-and-butter nymph. Never leave home without it on this river.
- Copper John (size 16–18) — Excellent attractor nymph for the pocket water and seam fishing that makes the Crooked so productive at lower flows.
- Woolly Bugger (size 8–10, black or olive) — When flows are slightly elevated but fishable (200–400 CFS), swing a Woolly Bugger through deeper slots. Leeches are a consistent producer on the Crooked.
Access Points — Terrebonne / Crooked River Ranch Area
When the river is fishable, here are the primary access spots below Bowman Dam:
- Chimney Rock Trailhead (BLM) — The most popular and scenic access point. Short hike to the river through the canyon.
- Post-Bowman Dam pullout – Walk-in access immediately below the dam; first stretch of canyon holds concentrated fish.
- Crooked River Ranch area – Multiple BLM access trails; less crowded than Chimney Rock.
How to Monitor Flows
Check the USGS gauge in real time before making the drive: USGS Gauge 14087400 – Crooked River below Bowman Dam. A reading under 200 CFS means good fishing conditions are likely. Under 150 CFS is ideal tailwater territory.
We'll continue publishing daily updates. Check back tomorrow — flows on this Bureau of Reclamation tailwater can drop as fast as they rise.