Deschutes River Fishing Report – June 9, 2026
Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John
Deschutes River Fishing Report – June 9, 2026
Lower Deschutes | Maupin Area | Above & Below Sherars Falls
The lower Deschutes is fishing well this week with flows at 3,890 CFS (USGS gauge 14103000, Moody) and water temps a comfortable 59°F — right in the sweet spot for active trout and a raging caddis hatch. The river is running clear to slightly off-color, typical for mid-June snowmelt conditions, but visibility is excellent and fish are up and willing.
Hatches & Conditions
The big news: the Salmonfly hatch is still rolling on the lower canyon. These giant stoneflies have been moving upstream over the past few weeks and are currently active through the Maupin corridor — one of Oregon fly fishing's true bucket-list events. Fish are crushing big foam dries along the banks, especially during early morning and evening windows. If you haven't gotten out yet, time is running short before the hatch passes through.
Overlapping the salmonflies is an absolutely wild caddis hatch. Evening caddis activity is thick — if you're walking the banks at dusk without a buff over your mouth, you'll be eating them. Trout are keying on caddis emergers and adults in slack-water seams and along foam lines. Pale Evening Duns (PEDs) and Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are also showing, along with a few early Green Drakes on cooler, overcast days. Hatch activity is more consistent on cloudy afternoons; bright sunny days tend to push action to the edges of the day.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Chubby Chernobyl (#6–8) — The go-to salmonfly imitation right now. Fish it tight to the bank in broken water. A dropper like a Copper John or Pheasant Tail Nymph picks up fish that rise short.
- Stimulator (#6–10, Orange/Yellow) — Classic salmonfly and golden stonefly pattern. Dead-drift through riffles and broken runs with a wiggle mend.
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16) — Essential for the evening caddis blitz. Fish it in the surface film with a slight drag for an enticing skitter presentation.
- Parachute Adams (#14–18) — Covers PMDs and PEDs during midday hatches. Exceptional when fish are sipping softly in slower pools and eddies.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–18) — Dead-drift below an indicator through deeper runs to intercept fish that aren't looking up.
- Copper John (#14–16) — Heavy enough to get down quickly; excellent dropper behind a large salmonfly dry.
Best Access Points
Above Sherars Falls: Heritage Landing and BLM pullouts along Hwy 216 offer solid wade access to classic riffles and runs. The canyon walk-in sections hold less pressure and larger fish. Below Sherars Falls: The lower canyon from Macks Canyon to the mouth fishes well from a drift boat — this stretch is prime salmonfly water right now. Hike-in anglers should target the first mile below the falls. Maupin area: City Park and the pedestrian bridge provide easy walk-in access; wade up or downstream depending on where the hatch front is running.
Hazards & Reminders
Flows at 3,890 CFS make wading challenging — use a wading staff, studded boots, and never wade alone in fast water. The Deschutes canyon is rattlesnake country in June; watch your footing in the rocks. A Combined Angling Tag (CAT) is required for the lower Deschutes — make sure yours is current before heading out. Flies and lures only below Pelton Dam; no bait.