Deschutes River Fishing Report – June 23, 2026: Caddis Madness & PMDs in Full Swing
Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Chubby Chernobyl
Deschutes River Fishing Report — June 23, 2026
Flow: 3,720 CFS (USGS Gauge 14103000 – Deschutes at Moody, as of this morning) | Water Temp: 64.4°F | Clarity: Clear
Current Conditions
The lower Deschutes is in fine shape this Tuesday morning. Flows are running at 3,720 CFS — slightly below last year's June average but well within the fishable range. Water clarity is excellent throughout the canyon, and the river is pulling clear and fishable top to bottom. That said, with water temps nudging 64.4°F and climbing on warm afternoons, plan your day accordingly: fish the early mornings and evenings when temps are most favorable for trout, and give fish a break during the midday heat.
Wading above Sherars Falls in the Maupin corridor requires caution at these flows — stick to known crossings and avoid lone wading in heavy current. Below Sherars Falls, drift boat anglers will have the most flexibility to cover water.
Hatch Report
June is delivering exactly what it promises on the Deschutes. Evening caddis hatches are absolutely insane — locals are joking you need a buff over your face just to walk the bank without inhaling bugs. The Little Sister Sedge and Spotted Sedge are the primary players; fish them hard from about an hour before dusk well into dark.
Pale Evening Duns (PEDs) and Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are coming off, especially on overcast stretches. The inconsistency of this hatch on bluebird days is real — watch for cloud cover to trigger the best mayfly action. A few Green Drakes have also been spotted mixed in, which can bring some genuinely large trout to the surface.
The Yellow Sally stonefly is now taking center stage as the golden stones wind down. These size 14–16 bright yellow beauties will be active through late June and into early July — an often-overlooked dry fly opportunity. Don't sleep on drowned stonefly imitations tumbled in heavy seams and whirlpool edges; big redband trout are gorging on drowned stones being pulled under.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Elk Hair Caddis (sizes 14–16) — Your evening workhorse. Fish it with a short skitter across riffles at dusk.
- Stimulator (size 14, yellow/orange) — Doubles as a Yellow Sally and general attractor. Deadly right now.
- Parachute Adams (sizes 16–18) — Versatile mayfly match for PMDs and PEDs on overcast days.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (sizes 16–18) — Drop it as a dropper under a Chubby Chernobyl; excellent in runs and riffles all day.
- Copper John (sizes 14–16, red or copper) — A proven attractor nymph for mid-column feeding redband trout in the seams.
- Chubby Chernobyl — Excellent as an indicator/attractor with a nymph dropper, or just hammered dry in choppy pocket water.
Best Access Points
- Sandy Beach / Harpham Flat (above Sherars Falls) — Classic wade access near Maupin; park and walk the canyon trail upstream.
- Maupin City Park — Convenient put-in/take-out; great evening bank access for caddis fishing.
- Buckhollow / Nena Recreation Site — Good mid-canyon access for wade and drift boat anglers below Sherars.
- Beavertail / Long Bend — Lower canyon drift boat camping and wade sections with less pressure.
Hazards & Notices
⚠️ Water temperature advisory: Afternoon temps are approaching 65°F. If temps exceed 67–68°F on hot afternoons, consider resting the fish and picking up again after sundown. Carry a stream thermometer. Barbless hooks and quick releases are especially important this time of year.
⚠️ Wading: At 3,720 CFS the wade-fishing sections above Sherars are swift — wading staff and cleated boots are strongly recommended. Never wade alone in unfamiliar crossings.
The Deschutes is open for catch-and-release fly fishing for trout year-round in the Maupin area. Check current ODFW regulations for steelhead seasons and any updated restrictions before heading out.
Report based on USGS real-time gauge data (site 14103000) and current field reports from the Maupin corridor. Get your caddis and PMD patterns stocked up at bugsnjugs.com before you hit the water!