Deschutes River Fishing Report – June 7, 2026: Elevated Flows & Epic Caddis Hatches
Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph
Deschutes River Report – June 7, 2026
Maupin Area | Lower Deschutes | Above & Below Sherars Falls
Current Conditions at a Glance
- Flow: 3,800 CFS (USGS Gauge 14103000 – Deschutes at Moody, as of 5:45 AM PDT)
- Water Temp: 57.6°F (14.2°C)
- Clarity: Slightly Off-Color
- Overall: Fair – Challenging for waders, productive for boat anglers
The lower Deschutes is running on the high side this Sunday morning at 3,800 CFS—up from last week’s already-elevated readings as late-season snowmelt continues to push water through the canyon. Expect slightly turbid conditions with some color in the water, especially near tributary mouths. Wading in most locations is difficult to dangerous; plan accordingly and use a wading staff. Drift boat and raft anglers will find the canyon very much accessible and fishing can be excellent if you know where to look.
Hatches & What’s Working
If there’s a silver lining to high flows on the Deschutes, it’s this: the caddis hatch is absolutely on fire. Evening caddis activity has been described as a blizzard along the canyon walls—anglers are inhaling bugs just walking the bank. This is classic early-June Deschutes at its finest. Sporadic Pale Morning Dun (PMD) and Pale Evening Dun (PED) activity has also been reported on overcast days, along with occasional Green Drakes. The dry fly window opens around 6–8 PM and can last well into dusk. During the day, nymphing deep along current seams and eddy lines is your best bet.
Top Fly Recommendations
The high water means fish are stacked in slower current seams, behind mid-river boulders, and along the vegetated banks. Match the hatch and work the edges:
- Elk Hair Caddis (sizes 14–16) – The must-have dry fly right now. Dead-drift or skate it across the surface during evening hatches.
- Stimulator (sizes 12–16, orange/yellow) – A great attractor that doubles as a caddis imitation; excellent in broken water above Sherars.
- Chubby Chernobyl (sizes 10–12) – High-visibility foam dry that floats like a cork in fast, high water. Ideal for the turbulent chutes above Sherars Falls.
- Parachute Adams (sizes 14–18) – Covers PMD and PED hatches beautifully on slower pools below Sherars.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (sizes 14–18, beadhead) – Deadly when nymphing deep through the slots. Run it heavy with split shot in the elevated flows.
Best Access Points
The Maupin City Park boat ramp is the most popular put-in; fish the classic runs below town down toward Wapinitia. The Harpham Flat campground area offers good bank access below Sherars Falls for those on foot. Above Sherars, the Oak Springs section is beautiful but technical wading—use caution at these flows. Drift boats running Sherars Falls should scout conditions carefully; at 3,800 CFS the falls are flushing hard.
Hazards & Closures
No closures in effect as of this report. However, wading is not recommended without a wading staff at current flows—many popular crossing points are too deep and swift. Wear your PFD on the boat. Watch for submerged rocks and strainers in side channels. Fire restrictions may apply on the canyon rim—check ODFW and BLM for any seasonal rules before your trip.
Data sourced from USGS National Water Information System (provisional). Hatch conditions based on area guide reports. Always verify conditions locally before your trip.