Deschutes River Fishing Report — Caddis Madness & Falling Flows | June 5, 2026
Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John
Current Conditions Overview
Good news for anglers heading to the Maupin corridor this weekend: flows on the lower Deschutes have dropped to 3,860 cfs (USGS gauge 14103000, Deschutes at Moody, as of June 5, 2026 at 5:45 AM PDT) — down from last week's 4,380 cfs and trending in the right direction. Water temperature is reading a prime 58.8°F (14.9°C), right in the sweet spot for aggressive surface feeding and prolific hatches. Clarity holds clear through most of the lower canyon, and fish are active. Overall: Good conditions with elevated but fishable flows.
Hatch Report
June is the month Deschutes regulars live for, and 2026 is delivering in a big way. Caddis hatches are absolutely off the charts — reports from the past week describe clouds of bugs so thick you're eating them while rigging up streamside. Expect heavy caddis activity from mid-afternoon through dark, especially in broken pocket water and riffles from Harpham Flats down through Maupin to Sherar's Falls. Alongside the caddis show, Pale Evening Duns (PEDs) and PMDs (Pale Morning Duns) are making a strong appearance — particularly on overcast afternoons when hatches are most reliable. A scattering of Green Drake sightings has also been reported in deeper, cooler runs. On sunny days, expect hatches to push later into the evening; on overcast days, look for afternoon activity as early as 2 PM.
Top Fly Recommendations
Stack your box with these proven producers from the Bugs-N-Jugs lineup for early June on the lower Deschutes:
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16) — the non-negotiable for evening caddis madness; dead-drift or swing across current for savage grabs
- Stimulator (#14–16) — excellent caddis and golden stonefly crossover pattern; rides high in choppy, fast water
- Chubby Chernobyl (#10–12) — foam keeps it floating through the heaviest pocket water; a big silhouette meal for aggressive redside rainbows during elevated flows
- Parachute Adams (#14–16) — your go-to during lighter PED and PMD activity; the wing post is easy to track in the glare
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–18) — rig as a dropper 18–24 inches below your dry; takes fish between surface pushes
- Copper John (#14–16) — heavy enough to reach bottom in fast runs; a searching pattern for pocket water between hatches
Best Access Points
Above Sherar's Falls (Wade & Drift): The Maupin city park boat ramp is the central hub for the Maupin reach. Harpham Flats offers excellent wade access north of town — bring your wading staff at current flows. Long Bend, Beavertail Campground, and Oak Springs provide productive pullout access for anglers drifting the classic Maupin-to-Sherar's Falls run.
Below Sherar's Falls (Drift Preferred): This section is best run by drift boat or raft. The Sherar's Falls-to-Macks Canyon float is a local favorite; experienced oarsmen can continue to the take-out near the mouth. Macks Canyon Campground provides the best bank access in this lower stretch.
Hazards & Closures
At 3,860 cfs, wading is challenging — particularly on the lower river's slick basalt shelves. A wading staff is strongly recommended and felt-sole boots or aggressive rubber cleats are a must. No current closures reported. The lower Deschutes is catch-and-release, artificial flies and lures only for trout — confirm current ODFW regulations before your trip. Evening caddis hatches draw significant crowds near Maupin; arrive early to secure parking and your preferred run. Reminder: the river corridor has a no campfire zone in effect for many public lands sections — pack a stove.