Deschutes River Fishing Report – June 17, 2026 | Caddis Hatch Firing, Flows Dropping
Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Woolly Bugger
Deschutes River Fishing Report – June 17, 2026
Flow: 3,750 CFS (USGS Gauge 14103000 – Deschutes at Moody, near Biggs, OR | 5:45 AM PDT) | Water Temp: 64°F | Clarity: Clear
Current Conditions
The lower Deschutes is fishing beautifully as we roll through mid-June. Flows at the Moody gauge have dropped from 4,380 CFS three weeks ago to a more angler-friendly 3,750 CFS this morning — a welcome trend that is tightening seams and putting fish in predictable lies. Water is running clear, and temperatures at 64°F are well within the comfort zone for the wild redband trout this river is famous for. The stretch between Maupin and Sherars Falls is showing some of the finest dry fly conditions of the entire season, and evening hatch activity is bringing fish to the surface in force. If you have been waiting for your window on the Deschutes, that window is wide open right now.
What's Hatching
Welcome to caddis season — arguably the greatest dry fly fishing the Deschutes has to offer. The salmonfly hatch has run its course through the Maupin corridor and moved upriver, giving way to the prolific summer caddis (Hydropsyche and Brachycentrus sp.) that will dominate evening flights through August. Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are hatching well in the morning hours, with good spinner falls mid-morning. Yellow Sally stoneflies are beginning to appear on warm afternoons, adding another dimension to the dry fly rotation. Plan your day around two prime windows: early morning for PMDs (6–10 AM) and evening for caddis and spinners (6–9 PM). Midday action slows in the summer heat — use that time to scout and rest water.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Elk Hair Caddis #14–16 — The Deschutes caddis pattern. Dead drift first, then skate with subtle drag to imitate an egg-laying adult. This is the fly to tie on at dusk. Available at Bugs N Jugs.
- Stimulator #10–14 — A high-riding attractor that doubles as a large caddis or Yellow Sally imitation. Works well as an indicator fly with a soft hackle dropper. Available at Bugs N Jugs.
- Chubby Chernobyl #8–12 — A Deschutes summer staple. The foam body rides high in fast pocket water and is visible to fish and angler alike. Excellent indicator fly with a Pheasant Tail or Copper John dropper. Available at Bugs N Jugs.
- Parachute Adams #16–18 — Cover the morning PMD hatch and spinner falls with this all-purpose classic. The white parachute post helps visibility in low light. Available at Bugs N Jugs.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph #14–18 — When fish are keying on subsurface PMD nymphs, a beadhead PTN drifted through slower runs and seams is deadly. Fish it 18–24 inches below an indicator. Available at Bugs N Jugs.
- Copper John #14–16 — Add flash and weight to your dropper rig with a Copper John as the point fly in pocket water and faster chutes. The gold bead catches afternoon light and triggers strikes. Available at Bugs N Jugs.
- Woolly Bugger #6–8 (black or olive) — Strip through deep tailouts and plunge pools during low-light hours. Big redbands and early-run summer steelhead will chase a well-presented streamer. Available at Bugs N Jugs.
Best Access Points
- Harpham Flat — Excellent wade and boat access above Sherars Falls. One of the most productive evening caddis stretches on the lower river. Day-use parking available.
- Sandy Beach Recreation Site (Maupin) — Easy river access near town with consistent redband trout water. Great spot for wading the evening hatch with amenities nearby.
- Oak Springs Fish Hatchery Area — Walk-in access to productive runs below the hatchery. Fish tight to the basalt canyon walls where trout hold in the shade.
- Jones Canyon (below Sherars Falls) — Remote walk-in access with significantly less pressure. Excellent deep holding water for larger fish. Bring a sturdy wading staff.
Hazards & Advisories
At 3,750 CFS the Deschutes moves with authority — felt-soled wading boots with metal studs and a wading staff are strongly recommended. The river's slick basalt bottom is unforgiving. Afternoon canyon winds (2–5 PM) can make casting challenging; use that time for a streamside break or upstream scouting. Heat advisory: if water temperatures approach or exceed 68°F (20°C), ODFW may issue a voluntary or mandatory angling closure — always check current advisories before heading out. Sherars Falls is a significant waterfall that is not crossable by foot and not runnable by watercraft; portage is mandatory. Summer steelhead regulations are in effect — know the rules before you go.
Stream flow data sourced from USGS National Water Information System, Gauge 14103000. Data is provisional and subject to revision. Please practice catch-and-release on wild Deschutes redbands and handle fish with care in warming summer water.