Deschutes River Fishing Report — June 12, 2026
Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John
Deschutes River — Lower Canyon Report
Date: June 12, 2026 | Flow: 3,860 CFS (USGS Gauge 14103000, Moody near Biggs) | Water Temp: 61.3°F | Clarity: Clear
Current Conditions
The lower Deschutes is in prime shape heading into mid-June. Flows are running at 3,860 CFS — down measurably from the 4,380 CFS recorded two weeks ago — and the trend is headed in the right direction. Water clarity remains excellent at this level, and at 61.3°F the river is sitting right in the sweet spot for aggressive trout feeding. If you have been waiting to pull the trigger on a Maupin trip, the window is wide open right now.
Hatch Report
June is delivering the goods. Evening caddis hatches are nothing short of extraordinary — anglers walking the banks at dusk report clouds of caddis thick enough to make a buff or scarf a necessity. This is the window every dry fly angler dreams about. Pair that with the last remnants of the Golden Stonefly spinner fall — dead and drowned stones tumbling in the seams are drawing some of the biggest trout in the system — and you have multiple opportunities throughout the day.
Little Yellow Sallies (size 14–16) are now center stage and will remain so into early July. Watch for egg-laying females with reddish tips in the afternoons. PMDs and PEDs are hatching inconsistently, showing best on overcast afternoons. A few Green Drakes have been spotted — a bonus hatch worth keeping an imitation handy for.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Elk Hair Caddis #14–16 — the evening workhorse right now; fish it aggressively in the riffles
- Stimulator #14–16 (Yellow) — excellent Yellow Sally imitation; skate it lightly for explosive takes
- Chubby Chernobyl #10–12 — perfect attractor for fast water above Sherars; use it as a dropper indicator too
- Parachute Adams #14–16 — covers PMD and PED hatches on slower slicks and tailouts
- Pheasant Tail Nymph #14–16 — dead-drift through slots and beneath riffles during non-hatch hours
- Copper John #14–16 — heavy enough to reach the feeding lane in faster water; gold bead version is crushing it
Best Access Points
Above Sherars Falls (Maupin area): The public access corridor above Sherars is the go-to zone. Launch from the Maupin City Park boat ramp or fish the wade-access reaches along Hwy 216. The sandy beach runs downstream of town offer excellent evening caddis stations. Below Sherars Falls: The Deschutes River Trail (BLM) provides walk-in access to quality pocket water. The lower canyon section from Macks Canyon downstream sees lighter pressure and rewards anglers willing to hike.
Hazards & Notes
Flows at 3,860 CFS require respect — wading is possible but stay off slick basalt shelves in swift water. Always wear a wading belt. Rattlesnakes are active in the canyon rim; watch your step on dry rocky banks. Crowds have thinned since Memorial Day — this is the sweet spot. The lower Deschutes from Sherars Falls to the Columbia is open year-round for trout (check current ODFW regulations for any closures or special rules before your trip).
Flow data: USGS Gauge 14103000 (Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR) — 3,860 CFS as of 6:45 AM PDT, June 12, 2026. Water temperature: 16.3°C / 61.3°F. Data provisional and subject to revision.