Deschutes River Fishing Report – July 18, 2026: Evening Caddis Flights in Full Swing

Deschutes River Fishing Report – July 18, 2026

USGS Gauge 14103000 (Moody, near Biggs): 3,720 CFS • Water Temp: 64°F (17.8°C) • Clarity: Clear • Provisional data subject to revision.

Current Conditions

The lower Deschutes is fishing well this week, but the heat is the story. Flows at the Moody gauge (near Biggs) are holding steady at 3,720 CFS as of early this morning — normal summer range for this reach of river. Water temperatures are running at 64°F, warm but still within safe fishing limits. With a stretch of sunny 90°F+ days in the forecast, afternoon water temps in shallow Maupin-area runs could push toward stress thresholds for trout. Plan accordingly: fish early, take a midday break, and come alive again when shadows reach the water.

Hatches

Caddis are ruling the Deschutes in July — and this week is no exception. Evening caddis flights are robust from Heritage Landing all the way down through the canyon toward Mack’s. The main activity ignites in the last two hours of light, with trout rising aggressively to emerging and skating adults. Size 14–16, tan or dark olive, is matching the naturals. A secondary Pale Morning Dun (PMD) hatch has been active in morning hours, primarily in slower tailouts. No dominant big stonefly activity remaining this late in July.

Top Fly Recommendations

Dry Flies:

• Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16, tan or olive) — The definitive pattern right now. Dead-drift or skate it in the evening and hold on.
• Stimulator (#12–16, orange or yellow) — Outstanding attractor for prospecting broken water and rifle sections throughout the day.
• Chubby Chernobyl (#8–12) — Works all day as a high-floating attractor, especially above Sherars Falls where the canyon widens and fish are opportunistic.
• Parachute Adams (#14–18) — Carry a few for when fish get selective during morning PMD activity or mixed-hatch evenings.

Nymphs & Streamers:

• Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–16) — Dead-drift through deeper runs and pocket water when dry fly action slows mid-morning.
• Copper John (#14–16, red or green) — High-stick into faster pocket water for opportunistic rainbows stacked in feeding lanes.
• Woolly Bugger (#6–8, olive or black) — Strip through tailouts at dusk or swing the canyon pools below Sherars for the biggest fish in the system.

Best Access Points

Above Sherars Falls (Maupin area): Heritage Landing, Maupin City Park (Sandy Beach), and Oak Springs provide excellent wade access along the BLM corridor. Below Sherars Falls: South Junction, Mack’s Canyon Campground, and Trout Creek offer prime wade and camp access via the Lower Deschutes Road. A Recreation Pass is required at most BLM sites. Note: the BLM has just released an updated Boater’s Guide (waterproof, rip-resistant) — worth grabbing before your float.

Hazards & Regulations

Artificial flies and lures only. Catch-and-release for rainbow trout in most sections — check ODFW regulations for any seasonal exceptions. Afternoon canyon temperatures can exceed 100°F in July — bring ample water, electrolytes, and sun protection. Rattlesnakes are active on rocky canyon walls and ledges; watch every footstep. Do not fish with stressed fish when water temperatures approach 68°F.

Flow data: USGS gauge 14103000, provisional, as of 5:45 AM PDT July 18, 2026. Report prepared by Bugs & Jugs Fly Shop.