Deschutes River Fishing Report — June 27, 2026
Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Chubby Chernobyl, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Zebra Midge, Woolly Bugger
Deschutes River Fishing Report — June 27, 2026
Flow: 3,690 cfs (USGS Gauge 14103000 — Deschutes at Moody, near Biggs) | Water Temp: 61°F | Clarity: Clear in Maupin corridor; Off-Color below White River confluence
Current Conditions
The lower Deschutes is running at a historically low 3,690 cfs — the lowest recorded flow for this date in the river's 130-year gauge history (long-term median: ~5,000 cfs). A strong weather front rolled through the Maupin area Thursday night, bringing high winds, rain showers, and a welcome cooling trend into the weekend. The parched high desert soaked up every drop of rain without generating runoff, so clarity in the Maupin corridor remains excellent despite the storm.
Important Hazard: The White River surged dramatically following the storm — from roughly 370 cfs to approximately 3,700 cfs — and sections of the lower Deschutes from the White River confluence downstream toward the mouth are running off-color. Anglers should plan their day above the White River confluence and avoid the lower canyon until conditions improve.
The silver lining of low, stable flows: trout are feeding confidently. Fish don't have to fight current to eat, and wading access has opened up sections that are knee-deep in average years. Cloud cover this weekend should trigger excellent mid-day mayfly activity.
Hatches
The famous 2026 salmonfly and golden stone hatches are now history. The river has transitioned into its classic summer caddis and mayfly mode. Caddis pupae are the star attraction — look for surface activity from mid-morning through evening, with the best action coinciding with cloud cover. Pale Morning Duns and Pale Evening Duns are hatching simultaneously in the mid-day hours. Blue Winged Olives (size 18) are also mixed in; drop to 6X tippet when targeting BWO-sipping trout on the flats.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16) — the quintessential caddis surface fly for the Deschutes
- Stimulator (#14–16) — versatile attractor covering caddis and golden stone impressions
- Parachute Adams (#16–18) — outstanding match for PMDs and PEDs hatching mid-day
- Chubby Chernobyl (#10–12) — big and visible in faster riffles and runs
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16–18) — sub-surface workhorse for mayfly nymphs in the water column
- Copper John (#16–18) — heavy nymph for deeper slots, excellent as a dropper
- Zebra Midge (#18–20) — effective on slow flats fished under a small indicator
- Woolly Bugger (#8, olive or black) — target shaded undercuts and deep runs at first light and dusk
Best Access Points — Maupin Area
- Maupin City Park — centrally located, easy wade access, restrooms on-site
- Sandy Beach — popular riffle water with strong caddis habitat, moderate walk from parking
- Heritage Landing — float put-in and wade-up access to quality upstream riffles
- Beavertail / Jones Canyon (BLM) — lower canyon solitude and excellent water, longer hike required
- Above Sherars Falls — classic deep pool; scout the falls carefully at any flow level
Hazards and Reminders
- Record-low flows expose mid-river rocks — felt-soled wading boots and a staff are strongly recommended
- Stay above the White River confluence until off-color conditions clear (likely 2–3 days)
- Floaters: some rapids are more technical at low flows with exposed boulders — scout unfamiliar drops
- Motorized watercraft prohibited on the lower Deschutes (Wild and Scenic designation)
- Oregon fishing license required; check ODFW regulations for current rules
Flow data: USGS Gauge 14103000, Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR. Reading as of 5:45 AM PDT, June 27, 2026. Provisional data subject to revision. Hatch and condition notes sourced from Deschutes Angler Fly Shop (June 26, 2026) and Fin and Fire Fly Shop.