Deschutes River Fishing Report – June 22, 2026: Summer Caddis & Golden Stones in Full Swing
Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John
Deschutes River Fishing Report — June 22, 2026
River Section: Lower Deschutes — Maupin Area, Above and Below Sherars Falls
USGS Gauge (Moody, #14103000): 3,720 cfs | Water Temp: 64.2°F | Clarity: Clear
Current Conditions Overview
The lower Deschutes is in prime summer form as we roll into the longest days of the year. Flows at the Moody gauge are sitting at 3,720 cfs — slightly below historical averages for late June following a light snowpack winter, which means excellent wade access throughout the canyon and clear green water that should have you excited. Water temperature this morning was a comfortable 64.2°F, ideal for active trout feeding but nudging toward the upper end for afternoon angling — time your sessions wisely.
Hatches & What's Working
Welcome to caddis season on the Deschutes. The Evening Caddis (Spotted Sedge, Hydropsyche spp.) are the undisputed star of the show right now, with dense hatches triggering explosive surface activity in the last 90 minutes of daylight. Carry a range of sizes (#12–#16) and don't be afraid to skate your fly. Elk Hair Caddis in tan and olive are absolutely essential.
Golden Stoneflies are also present in good numbers through the canyon, especially in the Maupin area and below Sherars Falls. A Chubby Chernobyl or Stimulator in #6–#10 golden/yellow will draw aggressive strikes from Deschutes redsides all day long — fish them tight to the bank in fast pocket water.
Morning anglers should watch for Pale Morning Dun (PMD) hatches between 8–11 AM. A Parachute Adams in #16–#18 is a reliable match when fish are sipping the surface film.
Subsurface, the Pheasant Tail Nymph and Copper John (#14–#18) remain consistent producers when trout aren't looking up. High-stick nymphing through seams and drop-offs between boulders is a reliable all-day approach.
Timing & Strategy
With water temps flirting with 64°F by mid-afternoon, the first two hours of daylight and the two hours before dark are your prime windows. Mid-day fish are holding in the deepest, coolest seams — go subsurface if you want action between 11 AM and 4 PM. Practice quick, gentle catch-and-release and wet your hands before handling fish.
Best Access Points
- Harpham Flat — classic wade water upstream of Maupin, easy access, excellent caddis hatches
- Maupin City Park (Maupin) — central access, good for all skill levels
- Locked Gate / BLM Road — below Sherars Falls for deeper canyon sections
- Hike-in via the Lower Deschutes trail for solitude and trophy water
Regulations Reminder
The lower Deschutes is fly-fishing only below Pelton Dam with a mix of catch-and-release and selective harvest sections. Consult current ODFW regulations before your trip. A Deschutes River Special Angling Permit is required for out-of-state anglers steelheading. Always check for emergency closures at myodfw.com.
Flow data: USGS gauge 14103000 (Deschutes at Moody, OR) as of 5:45 AM PDT, June 22, 2026. Provisional data subject to revision.