Deschutes River Fishing Report – July 10, 2026
Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John
Deschutes River Fishing Report – July 10, 2026
Lower Deschutes | Maupin Area | Above & Below Sherars Falls
The lower Deschutes is fishing beautifully this mid-July morning. USGS gauge data at Moody (gauge #14103000) shows the river running at 3,670 cfs with water temperature at 64°F (17.9°C) — right in the sweet spot for active trout and a prolific evening caddis hatch. Flows are holding steady, providing excellent wading access throughout the lower canyon reach.
Current Conditions
Water clarity is crystal clear — typical of the lower Deschutes tailwater. The river is running with that distinctive blue-green tint that signals prime fishing conditions. At 3,670 cfs, expect moderate wading difficulty in the main channel; stick to established gravel bars and consider a wading staff in faster runs. Afternoon air temps are pushing into the 90s, so plan to fish early mornings or stay for the evening magic hour — this is where the real action is in July.
What's Hatching
July on the Deschutes means one word above all else: caddis. Evening hatches of Spotted Sedge (Hydropsyche) are going strong from Maupin downstream and will intensify as the week's heat builds. Expect fish to start rising in the slower tailouts and current seams beginning around 6:30–7:00 PM, continuing until dark. Morning hours are producing solid dry-fly action with Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) and Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs), especially in slower flats and the upper canyon above Maupin. Midges are a consistent early-morning option in the calmer pools. Golden stonefly activity is tapering but large attractor patterns still draw aggressive strikes throughout the day.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16) — The undisputed evening go-to. Dead-drift through rising fish or swing through runs at last light. This is the fly for the Deschutes in July.
- Chubby Chernobyl (#8–12) — Killer attractor that doubles as a strike indicator for dropper rigs. Fish a Pheasant Tail or Copper John off the bend for a devastating two-fly setup.
- Stimulator (#10–14) — Works double duty as a caddis adult or golden stonefly imitation. Effective all day in broken riffles and pocket water.
- Parachute Adams (#14–18) — Excellent PMD and BWO match during morning hatches. Highly visible in broken water, a confidence fly for any angler.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–18) — The subsurface workhorse mid-day when surface activity slows. Fish two-fly nymph rigs in deeper runs and slots.
- Copper John (#14–16) — Heavy enough to get down fast in faster runs. Red and green variations both effective; great anchor fly in a dropper rig.
Best Access Points
- Maupin City Park — Easy walk-in access with good wade fishing above and below the boat ramp. Expect weekend crowds; weekday mornings are far more peaceful.
- Above Sherars Falls — Hike the BLM trail from Sherars Bridge. Less pressure, outstanding pocket water and seams. One of the best stretches on the whole river.
- Below Sherars Falls — Prime drift boat water through the lower canyon. Wade anglers can reach several runs from Hwy 216 pullouts. Note: portions of the river in this reach border tribal fishing grounds — respect all posted boundary signs.
- Oak Springs / Harpham Flat — Classic wade-accessible stretches with reliable evening risers and less boat traffic than the Maupin section.
Hazards & Important Notes
⚠️ Rattlesnakes are very active in July — watch every step off maintained trails, especially on rocky canyon slopes. Poison oak is widespread in riparian brush. Check ODFW regulations before you go: the lower Deschutes wild redsides fishery is primarily catch-and-release for trout. Use barbless hooks, minimize fight time, and avoid landing fish in warm afternoon water if you can. Water temps in the mid-60s are acceptable but afternoon temperatures can push higher — protect the fish and protect the fishery.
Flow data sourced from USGS gauge 14103000 (Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR) as of 7/10/2026 at 5:45 AM PDT. Provisional data subject to revision.