Deschutes River Fishing Report – July 9, 2026 | Evening Caddis in Full Swing
Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Chubby Chernobyl, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John
Deschutes River Fishing Report — July 9, 2026
Lower Deschutes River | Maupin Area | Above & Below Sherars Falls
Current Conditions Overview
The lower Deschutes is fishing well this week. Flow is running at 3,670 cfs at the Moody gauge (USGS #14103000) as of this morning, sitting at a solid mid-summer level with excellent wading access throughout the canyon. Water clarity is clear with good visibility to the substrate, and water temperature is 64°F — still prime for active redside rainbows, though fish are increasingly seeking shade and cooler seams as afternoon temperatures climb. Fish hard in the mornings and evenings, and take a break during the heat of the day.
Hatch Report
July on the lower Deschutes is a caddis-lover's paradise, and 2026 is delivering. The evening caddis push is the headline event — expect the main show from roughly 5:00–8:00 PM as canyon walls cool and tan caddis swarm the seams, soft edges, and tail-outs. This is your best dry fly window of the day. Fish are keying on skating and dead-drifted emergers in the film before fully committing to adults on top.
From 10 AM to 1 PM, a PMD (Pale Morning Dun) hatch is producing opportunistic risers in sheltered eddies. Tight-line nymphing through mid-column runs during this window is deadly when surface activity is scattered. Golden Stoneflies are winding down but still trickling through early morning hours. With warmer temps settling in later this week, anticipate the first hopper action along grassy banks — typically kicks off mid-July on the lower canyon.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Elk Hair Caddis #14–16 — The go-to during the evening caddis blitz. Dead-drift first, then skate across the current to trigger aggressive takes from redside rainbows.
- Stimulator #12–14 — Covers the golden stone and early hopper window beautifully. Fish tight to grassy banks and basalt ledges.
- Parachute Adams #16–18 — Exceptional during the PMD hatch window as a versatile crossover imitation. High visibility in riffled water.
- Chubby Chernobyl #10–12 — Start fishing this attractor along bank structure mid-afternoon. Hopper season is knocking on the door, and fish are primed for big foam.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph #16–18 — Drop one below a Chubby or fish tight-line through runs during the PMD window. Consistently takes fish all day long.
- Copper John #16 — Excellent dropper for mid-column runs, especially in faster pocket water above Sherars Falls.
Best Access Points
Above Sherars Falls: The Maupin City Park boat ramp and BLM trailheads off Deschutes River Road (Hwy 216 corridor) offer the most reliable foot access. Wade with care on the east bank — the basalt shelves are uneven. The Sandy Beach and Oak Springs areas fish well throughout the day. Below Sherars Falls: The Heritage Landing and Macks Canyon stretch is accessible by drift boat or on foot via the primitive road. The lower canyon is wilder and less pressured; wade fishing is best early morning before the afternoon canyon wind kicks up. Note: Sherars Falls itself is closed to fishing — observe required buffers.
Hazards & Closures
No closures are currently in effect for the lower Deschutes trout season. Rattlesnake season is active — watch your step on rocky shelves and in basalt boulder fields. Float permits are required for overnight trips. Monitor ODFW for hoot owl restriction updates — water temps approaching 68°F can trigger voluntary or mandatory afternoon closures. With temps at 64°F today, the river is well within safe fishing range.
Flow and temperature data: USGS Gauge #14103000 — Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR (as of 7/9/2026 05:45 PDT). Data provisional, subject to revision. Tight lines out there — the evening caddis is worth every minute of the drive to Maupin!