Deschutes River Fishing Report – July 5, 2026 | Caddis in Full Swing, Fish Early
Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Woolly Bugger
Deschutes River Fishing Report – July 5, 2026
Current Conditions Overview
Happy Fourth of July weekend, Central Oregon anglers! The lower Deschutes is fishing well for those willing to beat the heat and work the water during the prime windows. Flows have stabilized at a solid, fishable level following recent runoff, and caddis activity is building toward its midsummer peak. Plan your day around the hatches and the thermometer — early mornings and evenings are where the action is right now.
Flow & Water Temperature
- Flow (USGS Gauge 14103000 – Deschutes at Moody, as of 7/5/2026 5:45 AM PDT): 3,690 CFS
- Water Temperature: 64.4°F (18.0°C)
- Clarity: Clear
At 3,690 CFS, the Deschutes is running at an elevated but comfortable summer level. Wading is productive in known flats and slower seams — use caution around faster runs and pocket water, particularly at and below Sherars Falls. Water temps of 64°F are approaching the warm threshold for redband trout; fish are active but will seek cold-water refugia in deeper pools and shaded slots during afternoon peak heat. Avoid targeting fish during the 2–5 PM window and consider releasing quickly.
What's Hatching
The salmonfly and golden stonefly extravaganza has wrapped up for another year, but don't let that dampen your spirits — the Deschutes in July belongs to caddis, and they are delivering. Evening caddis emergences (primarily Brachycentrus and Hydropsyche species) are exploding at dusk, triggering aggressive surface takes on both sides of Sherars. Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are your other marquee hatch right now, coming off in good numbers in the morning between 8–10 AM and occasionally again in the late afternoon. Blue-Winged Olives make occasional appearances on overcast sections. Throughout the day, terrestrials are a sleeper — hoppers and beetles fished tight to the bank are tempting big redband trout.
Top Fly Recommendations
Dry Flies (morning & evening):
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16) — The quintessential Deschutes dry. Fish it in the film or skitter it across the surface at dusk for explosive takes.
- Chubby Chernobyl (#8–10) — An attractor that doubles as a caddis or stonefly imitation and works beautifully as a hopper along grassy banks.
- Stimulator (#12–14) — Excellent morning attractor in yellow or orange; triggers fish still keyed on stonefly memories and fresh caddis.
- Parachute Adams (#16–18) — Match the PMD hatch during the morning window; white parachute post is visible in riffled water.
Nymphs & Subsurface (all day):
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–18) — A must-have under an indicator in deeper runs and seams.
- Copper John (#14–16) — Red and green variations are producing well as a point fly in two-nymph rigs.
- Woolly Bugger (#6–8, olive or black) — Swing it through deeper pools in the early morning for bigger redband and the occasional whitefish bonus.
Best Access Points
- Harpham Flat / Oak Springs: Classic above-falls access with good parking and walk-in wading. Fish the long riffle and transition pools.
- Maupin City Park / Wapinitia Road: Convenient in-town access; fish both banks above the bridge in the morning before crowds arrive on the holiday weekend.
- Beavertail / Macks Canyon (below Sherars): The road-accessible lower canyon section. Some of the largest redband trout on the river hold in this remote stretch — worth the drive.
- Sherars Falls: Fish the large eddy and riffles immediately above the falls carefully. Native American fishing platforms may be active — respect all closures and dipnetting operations.
Hazards & Notices
- Rattlesnakes are active along rocky canyon banks in summer — watch where you step on shore.
- Heat: July temperatures on the canyon floor regularly exceed 95–100°F in the afternoon. Carry plenty of water, wear sun protection, and take breaks in shade.
- Water Temp Advisory: At 64°F, fish are still healthy but temps can spike locally. Use barbless hooks for quick releases. Avoid long fights during afternoon hours.
- Check ODFW regulations for current season dates and any special restrictions on wild redband sections.
Flow data sourced from USGS gauge 14103000 (Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR) — readings are provisional and subject to revision. Get everything you need for the Deschutes at Bugs N Jugs — your Central Oregon fly fishing headquarters.