Deschutes River › Fishing Report

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

Deschutes River Fishing Report – June 26, 2026

Flow: 3,720 cfs (USGS Gauge 14103000 – Deschutes at Moody, as of 5:45 AM PDT)
Water Temp: 62.4°F (16.9°C, at Moody gauge; Maupin-area surface temps trending 65–67°F through afternoon)
Clarity: Slightly Off in lower canyon sections; Clear above White River confluence near Maupin
Conditions: Good

Current Conditions Overview

The lower Deschutes has fully transitioned into its prime summer chapter. The legendary salmonfly and golden stonefly hatches of May and early June are behind us, and the river is now owned by caddis — with a supporting cast of PMD mayflies, Yellow Sallies, and Pale Evening Duns rounding out the menu. It is, in short, a great time to be on the water.

The river is running at 3,720 cfs at the Moody gauge near Biggs, which is moderately elevated for late June but well within fishable range for experienced waders. The flow keeps the fish active and spread through the water column, and the big canyon bends and boulder gardens near Maupin are fishing well. Water temps at the gauge read 62.4°F this morning — excellent for energetic trout — and afternoon temps in the shallower Maupin corridor are likely nudging into the 65–67°F range.

Important note on clarity: The White River tributary has surged significantly following recent runoff events (from roughly 370 cfs to over 3,700 cfs), injecting turbid water into the Deschutes below its confluence. Anglers fishing the Maupin area, Sherars Falls, and the sections above will enjoy clear, fishable water. Plan access accordingly and stay upstream of the White River mouth for the best visibility.

What’s Hatching

• Caddis (Tan & Spotted Sedge, #14–16): The dominant hatch. Activity builds through the afternoon and peaks at dusk, with spinner falls after sunset drawing fish to the surface across riffles and flats.
• PMD – Pale Morning Dun (#16–18): Active in the cooler morning hours (6–10 AM) in smooth glides and tailouts. Look for sipping fish in protected seams.
• Yellow Sally (#14–16): Small stoneflies in full swing through midday. Fish will opportunistically key on them in fast water and around exposed rocks.
• Pale Evening Dun (#14): Afternoon into evening in riffled water; a bonus hatch worth having in your box.

Top Fly Recommendations

Dry Flies (the good stuff):

• Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16, tan or olive): The essential Deschutes dry. Dead-drift first, then let it swing — trout will crush it on the swing. Stock up at Bugs & Jugs.
• Stimulator (#14–16, yellow/orange): Imitates Yellow Sallies and serves as a high-vis searching pattern in rougher water. Excellent attractor when fish are looking up but not keying tight.
• Parachute Adams (#16–18): The Swiss Army knife of the Deschutes. Match any PMD or general mayfly rise with this classic. Easy to see, easy to tie on at dusk.
• Chubby Chernobyl (#10–12): With lingering golden stone activity above Sherars Falls and aggressive summer fish, don’t put the Chubby away yet. It also excels as a caddis dropper rig anchor.

Nymphs & Wet Flies:

• Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–16): Dead-drift under an indicator through the seams and runs during caddis emergences. Fish it tight to bottom in faster water.
• Copper John (#14–16, red or green): Gets down fast in heavy flows. Excellent as a dropper below a Chubby or Stimulator. A workhorse when fish aren’t on the surface.
• Zebra Midge (#18–20, black/silver): For the picky risers in smooth tailouts and back eddies. Size down and slow down your presentation.

Best Access Points

• Sandy Beach (Maupin): The classic in-town access. Wide gravel bars, great wading flats, ideal for morning PMD fishing and evening caddis sessions.
• Harpham Flat: BLM campground and boat launch with excellent wading on the flats below. One of the most productive stretches in the canyon.
• Buckhollow: Access to fast, boulder-studded pocket water above Sherars Falls — a local favorite for aggressive summer fish.
• Sherars Falls: The plunge pool and tailouts directly above and below the falls produce year-round. Steelheaders also frequent the area.
• Macks Canyon (BLM): Lower canyon access for those willing to hike. Fewer crowds and wild fish in the canyon walls.

Hazards & Safety

• High flows: At 3,720 cfs, the main channel is fast and unforgiving. Use a sturdy wading staff, wear felt or studded-rubber soles, and never wade alone.
• Turbid water below White River: Avoid wading in unfamiliar water in the lower reaches (below approximately river mile 15) where White River turbidity is present.
• Rattlesnakes: Peak season — watch where you step on rocky banks, in brushy margins, and near drift wood piles.
• Summer heat: Canyon temps can reach 95°F+ by midday. Carry plenty of water, wear sun protection, and schedule your fishing for early morning and evening.

Flow data: USGS gauge 14103000 (Deschutes at Moody, near Biggs, OR) — provisional data subject to revision. Always verify current conditions before your trip at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Pick up your Elk Hair Caddis, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, Stimulators, and all your Deschutes essentials at Bugs & Jugs — your Central Oregon fly fishing headquarters.

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