Deschutes River Fishing Report – June 10, 2026 | High Flows, Golden Stones & Evening Caddis
Stimulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John
Deschutes River – Lower Canyon Fishing Report
Date: June 10, 2026 | Section: Lower Deschutes (Maupin area, above & below Sherars Falls)
The lower Deschutes is running high this morning at 3,890 cfs (USGS gauge 14103000 at Moody, as of 5:45 AM PDT) with water temperatures measured at a comfortable 58°F (14.7°C). Flows are above the seasonal ideal of 2,000–3,000 cfs but remain within the fishable range for experienced waders who pick their spots carefully. Expect slightly off-color water and faster currents — stay off mid-river exposed gravel bars and fish the softer seams, tailouts, and bankside eddies.
Hatches & What's Happening
June on the lower Deschutes is historically one of the most exciting months of the year, and 2026 is delivering. The Golden Stonefly hatch is in full swing through the Maupin corridor — adults are flying and egg-laying activity picks up in the late afternoon through dusk. If you missed the Salmonfly madness, the Goldens offer a second chance at big-fish surface action. Fish are keyed in.
Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are hatching in the late morning hours, creating technical dry-fly opportunities in the calmer stretches above Sherars. By evening, caddis come off in impressive numbers — the classic Deschutes evening rise is on. Look for fish sipping in the flats and rising aggressively in moderate riffles as the light fades.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Stimulator (#6–10, orange/golden) — Your go-to Golden Stone dry. Fish it in the fast water near structure and along grassy banks where adults are egg-laying. Dead drift with an occasional twitch.
- Chubby Chernobyl (#8–10) — High-vis attractor that doubles as a Golden Stone and hopper imitation. Excellent dropper rig anchor — pair with a Pheasant Tail Nymph 18–24" below.
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16, tan/brown) — Indispensable for the evening caddis hatch. Fish it in the riffles as light fades. Let it skate slightly and hold on.
- Parachute Adams (#14–16) — Reliable PMD stand-in during the midday hatch. Works when fish are sipping in flat water and being selective.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–18) — High-water days like today mean fish stack in the softer seams and pocket water. Euro-nymph or indicator rig with a PTN gets deep and stays in the zone.
- Copper John (#14–16, red or green) — Heavy enough to cut through the current at 3,890 cfs. Fish it in the deeper runs and under cut banks where big fish wait out high water.
Access Points & Conditions
Above Sherars Falls (Maupin area): Heritage Landing and the Wapinitia access off HWY 216 remain good put-in options. Wade carefully — high flows mean the wading staff is not optional today. The White River confluence area (upstream of Maupin) is accessible via the paved Heritage Road. Fish the inside seams and avoid deep crossing attempts.
Below Sherars Falls: The BLM road from Maupin to the Locked Gate area (Heritage Road / Lower Access Road) provides walk-in access to some of the best dry-fly water on the river. The stretch from Locked Gate down toward Mack's Canyon holds large resident redside rainbows. At today's flows, float fishing gives you a significant advantage — consider renting a raft or drift boat through a Maupin outfitter to cover more water safely.
Hazards & Reminders
With flows approaching 4,000 cfs, the lower Deschutes is a powerful river. Do not wade without a wading staff and inflatable PFD belt. The current is fast and the bottom is slippery basalt cobble. Wading is best in the upper half of riffles and tailouts — avoid the main push. Rattlesnakes are active this time of year along warm, rocky banks — watch your step off the trail. The 11-mile TCA (Tribal Cultural Area) above Sherars Falls requires a Warm Springs tribal permit to fish; have it in your vest.
Outlook: Flows may ease slightly as snowmelt peaks out — check USGS gauge 14103000 before heading out. Conditions are fishing Good for those who know the river and wade conservatively. Dry-fly opportunities are real and the fish are eating.