Deschutes River Fishing Report – July 11, 2026: Caddis Firing, 3,720 CFS, 64°F
Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Woolly Bugger
Deschutes River Fishing Report — July 11, 2026
Lower Deschutes: Maupin Area | Above & Below Sherars Falls
Current Conditions at a Glance: Flow 3,720 cfs (USGS Gauge #14103000, Moody) | Water Temp 64°F | Clarity: Clear | Conditions: Good
The lower Deschutes is fishing well this Saturday morning. Flows are running at 3,720 cfs — on the higher side for mid-July, but completely wadeable with care, and the extra push actually concentrates fish in predictable soft-water seams and bucket structure. Water temperature is sitting at a comfortable 64°F, right in the sweet spot for active trout, and clarity remains excellent. Expect warm afternoon air temps pushing into the low 90s, so hit the water early or plan an evening session for the best topwater action.
Hatches & What's Working
Caddis are the name of the game right now on the lower Deschutes. With the heat rolling through Central Oregon, the evening caddis explosions have been outstanding — fish are rising aggressively in the last two hours of daylight. Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16) and Stimulator (#12–16) in tan and orange have been the top dry fly producers all week. During afternoon shade, the Chubby Chernobyl (#8–12) is doing serious damage as both a standalone dry and as a buoyant strike indicator for dropper nymph rigs.
PMD (Pale Morning Dun) hatches remain active, typically peaking between 9–11 AM before the heat arrives. A Parachute Adams (#16–18) covers the PMD and spinner falls beautifully. Stonefly season is winding down, but the subsurface bite remains strong — drift a Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16–18) or Copper John (#14–16) on a two-nymph rig through the deeper pocket water for consistent hookups all day long. Early morning and late evening, swing a Woolly Bugger (#6–8) in black or olive along the canyon walls for aggressive takes from larger rainbows and the occasional bull trout.
Best Access Points
The Maupin City Park boat ramp and the wade-in access just downstream remain the most popular and productive entry points. Hwy 197 pull-outs north and south of Maupin offer solid public bank access above Sherars Falls. Below Sherars, the Nena Recreation Site and Sandy Beach launch provide excellent reach into some of the river's best canyon runs. All roads and access points are currently open with no closures to report.
Hazards & Safety Notes
At 3,720 cfs, wading requires a wading staff and either felt or studded soles — do not wade in fast chutes. Stick to tailouts, inside bends, and protected slots. Water temp is a healthy 64°F today — well below the 68°F trout-stress threshold — but watch afternoon readings as the heat builds through the week. Respect all posted closures near Native American fishing grounds at Sherars Falls, which are active during summer salmon and steelhead season.
Flow and temperature data sourced from USGS real-time gauge #14103000 (Deschutes River at Moody). All fly patterns mentioned are available at bugsnjugs.com. Practice catch and release on wild redband trout.