Deschutes River Fishing Report — July 13, 2026 | Caddis Heating Up, Flows Elevated
Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John
Deschutes River Fishing Report — July 13, 2026
Lower Deschutes | Maupin Area | Above & Below Sherars Falls
USGS Gauge at Moody (14103000): 3,800 cfs | Water Temp: 64°F | Clarity: Clear
The lower Deschutes is running on the higher side for mid-July, with flows measured at 3,800 cfs at the Moody gauge near Biggs — slightly elevated compared to a week ago but holding steady. Water temperatures have dropped a few degrees from last week's peak, sitting at a comfortable 64°F this morning. That's good news: trout are active, and fish are less stressed than they were during last week's heat. Clarity is excellent — gin-clear in the canyon reaches above Maupin and through the Locked Gate section below Sherars Falls.
Current Conditions
At 3,800 cfs, wading is challenging but very doable if you know your footing — stick to slower inside seams and use a wading staff. Drift boat anglers will find excellent conditions with room to work every bucket. The Maupin City Park launch and Harpham Flat offer reliable put-ins. Below Sherars Falls, the BLM Locked Gate Road section is open and delivering some of the best dry fly action on the lower river right now.
What's Hatching
July on the Deschutes means one thing above all else: caddis. Spotted Sedge (Hydropsyche) and Little Sister Caddis are hatching in force, with the most intense activity kicking off around 6:00–7:00 PM and running well into dusk. Mornings are seeing solid PMD (Pale Morning Dun) hatches from roughly 8:00–11:00 AM — look for rising fish in the slower tailouts and glassy flats. Golden Stoneflies are tapering off but adults are still skittering along bankside rocks; an occasional salmonfly straggler may still draw a riser near the canyon walls. On overcast afternoons, brief windows of Blue-Winged Olives are possible. Mid-day, go sub-surface.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16) — the all-day workhorse and evening hatch essential
- Stimulator (#8–12) — golden stone and large caddis attractor; still moving fish along rocky banks
- Chubby Chernobyl (#10–14) — excellent foam attractor through broken water; fish a Pheasant Tail off the bend
- Parachute Adams (#14–18) — versatile PMD and BWO stand-in during morning hatches and off-hatch periods
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–18) — dead-drift deep through the runs mid-day; deadly under an indicator or as a dropper
- Copper John (#14–16) — a heavy-hitting staple in fast seams and pocket water all day long
Access Points & Hazards
Primary access above Sherars Falls: Maupin City Park, Harpham Flat, Oasis, and Sandy Beach. Below the falls, the BLM Locked Gate Road (reached via Hwy 216) leads to Oak Springs, Nena, Beavertail, and Macks Canyon — all worth fishing. Caution: Sherars Falls is impassable; portage required on float trips. Rattlesnakes are active in July heat — watch your footing on rocky banks and ledges. Always check current ODFW regulations before fishing, especially catch-and-release and fly-only designations in effect for the lower canyon.
Flow data sourced from USGS Gauge 14103000 (Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR) — provisional reading of 3,800 cfs and 64°F as of 5:45 AM PDT, July 13, 2026. Get the flies you need at bugsnjugs.com.