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

Deschutes River Fishing Report – June 20, 2026

Flow: 3,720 CFS (USGS Gauge 14103000 – Deschutes at Moody, as of 6:45 AM PDT)  |  Water Temp: 64°F  |  Clarity: Clear

Current Conditions

The lower Deschutes is fishing well as we slide into the heart of summer. Flows at the Moody gauge are running at 3,720 CFS — slightly below average for mid-June, a reflection of the lighter snowpack we saw this past winter — but that is actually good news for wading anglers. The canyon is clear, water levels are manageable, and the fish are actively feeding throughout the day, especially early and late.

Water temperature hit 64°F this morning at Moody. That is squarely in the feeding zone for Deschutes redside rainbows, but keep in mind temperatures will climb through the afternoon heat. Expect fish to go deep and sulky between 1–5 PM on warm days. Prioritize fishing from first light until late morning, then again from late afternoon into dusk — that is when the real magic happens.

Hatch Report

Caddis are the headline act right now. Spotted sedges (Hydropsyche) are hatching throughout the day in the Maupin corridor, both above and below Sherars Falls, with the most reliable emergences occurring between 10 AM and noon and again in the evening. Evening spinner falls — those dancing clouds of caddis over the riffles at last light — are producing some of the best dry fly action of the season. If you have never experienced a Deschutes caddis hatch at dusk, put it on your bucket list.

Golden stoneflies are largely finished through the lower canyon, though you may still encounter a stray adult near shaded canyon walls upstream toward Mecca Flat. PMDs are making sporadic appearances in the slower, silkier glides. Green drakes could show mid-morning on overcast days in the flats above Maupin.

Top Fly Recommendations

• Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16, tan/olive) — the go-to dry all day; dead drift or skitter across the surface at dusk for explosive takes
• Stimulator (#8–12, orange/yellow) — doubles as a golden stonefly or large attractor; excellent in broken pocket water above Sherars Falls
• Chubby Chernobyl (#8–10) — load it up as a hopper/stonefly indicator and drop a Pheasant Tail Nymph off the bend for a killer two-fly rig
• Parachute Adams (#14–18) — covers PMD and caddis hatches in calmer water; a reliable multi-hatch attractor when fish get picky
• Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–18) — fish it deep on a Euro leader or under a caddis dry; the workhorse nymph throughout the canyon
• Copper John (#14–16, red or green) — great attractor nymph in the runs and pockets; pairs perfectly as a dropper off the Chubby Chernobyl

Best Access Points

Above Sherars Falls: The Maupin City Park ramp and BLM Oasis Campground provide easy wade-in opportunities. The White River confluence area can be exceptional early morning. Head upriver via Hwy 216 to the Nena Campground corridor for some of the river's finest dry fly runs.

Below Sherars Falls: The Heritage Landing boat ramp near Maupin gives drift boats access to excellent water downstream toward the Columbia. Wade anglers should target the Beavertail and Long Bend BLM sites for quality pocket water and deep holding pools. This section consistently produces bigger fish.

Hazards & Closures

Rattlesnakes are active in the canyon — watch your step on rocky banks, especially when stepping over boulders or reaching into shoreline vegetation. Afternoon heat in the canyon can be extreme in late June; carry plenty of water and wear sun protection. No reported closures at this time. A two-rod validation is required to fish the Deschutes — pick yours up before you head out.

Flow data sourced from USGS Gauge 14103000 (Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR). Provisional data subject to revision. Report date: June 20, 2026.

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