Deschutes River Fishing Report – July 12, 2026 | Maupin Area
Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Woolly Bugger
Deschutes River — Lower Deschutes, Maupin Area
Report Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026 | USGS Gauge 14103000 (Moody)
Current Conditions
The lower Deschutes is fishing well this Sunday with steady summer flows and the classic July caddis circus beginning to unfold. The USGS gauge at Moody is reading 3,720 CFS — elevated for midsummer but well within the fishable range. Wade anglers should exercise caution and stick to familiar, well-established crossing points; floating is excellent and offers the best access to productive water. Water temps are measuring 64°F (17.9°C) at the Moody gauge — right in the zone where fish remain active, though approaching the upper edge of the comfort range as afternoon air temps climb into the 90s. Plan your fishing for early morning (6–10 AM) and evening (6 PM until dark) for the best action and lowest fish-stress.
Water Clarity & Flow
Clarity is excellent and crystal clear, as expected from this tailwater below Pelton/Round Butte dams. The classic blue-green Deschutes color is on full display. Flows above Sherars Falls in the Maupin corridor are running slightly lower than the Moody gauge; anglers floating the Maupin reach should expect a good drift with a lively current and moderate technical requirements at known rapids.
Hatch Report
July on the lower Deschutes means one thing above all else: caddis. Evening caddis hatches are building toward their midsummer peak, with fluttering flights beginning around 7 PM and lasting well past dark. Mornings are seeing steady Pale Morning Dun (PMD) hatches from roughly 9 AM to noon — look for rising fish in the flat water above riffles. Yellow Sallies (yellow stoneflies, size 14) are trickling off midday and can draw opportunistic surface takes. A few Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are showing in overcast windows, particularly in shaded canyon sections.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16, tan/olive) — The go-to dry fly for evening caddis flights; fish it dead-drift then skate it back
- Stimulator (#14, yellow) — Doubles as a Yellow Sally and attractor; excellent midday searching pattern
- Parachute Adams (#16–18) — Reliable PMD stand-in for morning risers; versatile all-day attractor
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16–18) — Dead-drift under an indicator or as a dropper off a dry fly; essential sub-surface option
- Copper John (#16, red/green) — Heavy enough to punch through fast water; excellent mending water and seams
- Woolly Bugger (#6–8, olive/black) — For big trout and early-morning streamer swings; strip slowly along cut banks
Best Access Points
Prime access for the Maupin corridor includes Maupin City Park (wade and launch), Sandy Beach, Oasis Campground, and the Oak Springs reach above Sherars Falls. Below Sherars Falls, the BLM access at Locked Gate and South Junction offer excellent walk-in wade fishing in the wild and scenic corridor. The Maupin area is busy on summer weekends — get on the water early.
Hazards & Notices
At 3,720 CFS, use caution when wading — felt-soled boots or studded soles are strongly recommended. Water temps will spike in the afternoon; practice rapid catch-and-release and avoid targeting exhausted fish. No current closures reported. Always check ODFW regulations for wild redside trout retention rules — most of the lower Deschutes is catch-and-release only for trout.
Flow data sourced from USGS gauge 14103000 (Deschutes at Moody) as of 5:45 AM PDT, July 12, 2026. Data provisional and subject to revision.