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

Deschutes River – Lower River Fishing Report

Date: June 29, 2026  |  Section: Lower Deschutes, Maupin Area (Above & Below Sherars Falls)

📊 Current Conditions at a Glance

• Flow (USGS Gauge 14103000 – Deschutes at Moody): 3,720 cfs — historically low, the lowest recorded flow for this date since records began in 1897 (median for late June is 5,000 cfs)
• Water Temp: 60.8°F (16.0°C) — ideal trout feeding range
• Clarity: Clear — a recent weather front brought rain, but the parched high desert soaked up every drop with zero impact to river color
• Overall Rating: Good — low, steady flows with actively feeding fish

🌤️ Weather & River Conditions

A strong frontal system rolled through Central Oregon late last week bringing high winds, some rain, and a welcome cooling trend heading into this week. Daytime highs are tracking in the mid-to-upper 50s–70s, dramatically cooler than the scorching heat of earlier in June. This is great news for trout fishing: cloud cover and cooler temps suppress fish stress, keep water temps in the ideal range, and trigger excellent daytime hatches.

At 3,720 cfs, flows are remarkably steady — which fish love. Floaters should be aware that some normally-submerged rocks are now exposed, a few rapids will feature larger standing waves at this low stage, and others will require more technical navigation around rock hazards. Wade fishing is actually excellent at these levels — more water is accessible on foot, and fish are stacked in predictable lies along seams and in deeper pocket water.

🪰 Hatch Report

The salmonfly and golden stonefly spectacle of 2026 is a fond memory now, but don't let that fool you — June is arguably the best dry-fly month on the Deschutes, and this week is proving it. Current hatches:

• Pale Morning Duns (PMDs): Hatching mid-day in good numbers, size 16–18. Fish are keyed in on emergers as much as duns.
• Pale Evening Duns (PEDs): Mixing with the PMDs in afternoon hatches, size 16–18. Both names are a bit misleading — they're hatching mid-day right now.
• Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs): Very small (size 18–20) but present, especially under overcast skies. Expect them to pop whenever cloud cover rolls in.
• Caddis: Evening caddis flights are still happening — look for surface activity at dusk along flatter water and back eddies.

🎣 Top Flies for Today

Match the hatch mid-day, then swing big patterns in the evening:

• Parachute Adams (size 16–18) — the Swiss Army knife for mixed PMD/PED hatches, a must-have
• Elk Hair Caddis (size 14–16) — works all day, lights up the evening caddis flights
• Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 16–18) — fish it in the film or just below as a dropper under a dry
• Copper John (size 16–18) — excellent attractor nymph in the current seams, gets down fast in pocket water
• Zebra Midge (size 18–20) — essential for the BWO hatch, fish on 6X tippet with a soft mid-action rod
• Stimulator (size 12–14) — still earns eats as an attractor during slow periods between hatches

Tip: Run 6X tippet for the smaller mayfly patterns. In low, clear water the fish are getting a long look at everything — presentation is everything right now.

📍 Access Points

• Maupin City Park: Great wade access, public restrooms, central location — start here
• Above Sherars Falls: Classic drift boat and wade water; approach wading carefully with exposed rocks at this low stage
• Below Sherars Falls: The canyon stretch fishes well on foot; longer hike but well worth the solitude
• Harpham Flat: Reliable public access for wade fishing upstream of Maupin

⚠️ Hazards & Notes

Low water means more exposed hazards for floaters — scout unfamiliar drops before running them. The river is not crowded right now (post-salmonfly lull), so enjoy the elbow room. Selective fish in clear water reward anglers who slow down, match the hatch carefully, and present on fine tippet. This is the Deschutes at its most rewarding.

Data source: USGS gauge 14103000, Deschutes River at Moody (provisional). Hatch intel: Deschutes Angler Fly Shop, June 26, 2026.

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