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Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Woolly Bugger

Deschutes River Fishing Report – June 19, 2026

Lower Deschutes | Maupin Area | Above & Below Sherars Falls

Current Conditions Overview

The lower Deschutes is fishing well heading into the summer solstice. Flows at the USGS Moody gauge (14103000) are reading 3,750 CFS as of this morning — a touch below the long-term June average, which is a reflection of the lighter-than-normal snowpack this year. The silver lining: the river has been running clear all week with excellent visibility. Water temperature is coming in at 64°F, which is ideal for active trout. Anglers have been finding good action throughout the Maupin corridor, and if you haven't been out in the last few weeks, you're missing one of the best dry-fly windows of the year.

Flow & Water Quality

• Flow: 3,750 CFS (USGS Gauge 14103000, Deschutes at Moody – provisional)
• Water Temp: 64°F (17.8°C) — excellent for trout activity
• Clarity: Clear — good visibility throughout the wade-able sections
• Note: At 3,750 CFS, wading above Sherars Falls requires caution. Most access below Sherars is best by drift boat or raft.

Hatch Report

June on the Deschutes is synonymous with one thing: caddis. The evening caddis emergences are absolutely extraordinary right now — anglers near Maupin and Beavertail are reporting clouds of caddis at dusk that make a buff practically mandatory. The action typically fires up around 7:00 PM PDT and runs until dark.

Alongside the caddis, Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) have been providing quality midday dry-fly action, particularly on overcast afternoons. A smattering of Green Drakes have also been spotted — hatches are inconsistent on bright sunny days but much more reliable under cloud cover. Keep your eyes peeled between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM for drake activity in the riffles. Golden Stoneflies are tapering off but adults are still skittering on the surface in faster water near Sherars.

Top Fly Recommendations

Dry Flies (evening prime time):

• Elk Hair Caddis (sizes 14-16, tan/olive) — the go-to for evening caddis emergences. Dead-drift through tailouts and swing at the end for explosive strikes.
• Stimulator (size 8-12, golden/orange) — works double duty as a Golden Stone imitation and caddis attractor. Great for faster pocket water above Sherars.
• Chubby Chernobyl (size 10-12) — excellent high-visibility indicator fly and trigger for big trout in broken water. Run a Pheasant Tail dropper off the bend.
• Parachute Adams (size 14-16) — your all-purpose PMD and caddis flush imitation. Deadly during midday PMD hatches on flatter water.

Nymphs & Subsurface:

• Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 14-18) — bread and butter for this river year-round. Fish it as a dropper below a dry or under an indicator in deeper runs.
• Copper John (size 14-16, red or green) — heavy enough to get down in the 3,750 CFS flows. Ideal in the deeper seams along canyon walls.
• Woolly Bugger (size 6-8, olive or black) — swing it through the big tailouts early morning for the largest trout in the system.

Best Access Points

• Harpham Flat (BLM) — mile 6 below Sherars, excellent wade fishing and camping. Boat ramp available.
• Heritage Landing / Locked Gate — above Sherars Falls, wade access to some of the most productive riffles on the river.
• Beavertail Campground — above Sherars, prime evening caddis water with easy bank access.
• Maupin City Park — popular launch for day floaters; wade upstream toward Oak Springs for less pressure.
• South Junction (lower river) — less crowded than Maupin corridor, excellent nymphing runs.

Hazards & Notes

• Sherars Falls: All boats and rafts must portage. No exceptions. Scout the right bank.
• Rattlesnakes: Active in the canyon during warm June afternoons. Watch your step on rocky banks.
• Wading Safety: Flows at 3,750 CFS are not beginner-friendly. Always use a wading staff above Sherars.
• Fishing Regulations: The lower Deschutes is catch-and-release only for trout. Check current ODFW regulations for steelhead rules.
• Heat Advisory: Mid-June canyon temps can exceed 95F in the afternoon. Fish early mornings and evenings. Carry plenty of water.

Report based on USGS gauge data (provisional) and regional fishing intelligence as of June 19, 2026. Tight lines!

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