Deschutes River Fishing Report – May 24, 2026: Golden Stones Peak as Salmonfly Season Wraps Up
Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Woolly Bugger
Current Conditions: Good
The Lower Deschutes is fishing well this Sunday morning with flows at 3,800 CFS at the Moody gauge (USGS #14103000) and water temps a prime 60.6°F. Flows are elevated for late May — typical for snowmelt season — but the river remains largely fishable with careful wading. Clarity is slightly off near the banks but still clear enough through the main seams for great dry fly action.
Hatch Report
Big news from the Maupin shops: the Salmonfly hatch has officially moved upriver and past Maupin as of Friday, May 22. If you missed it, don’t despair — the Golden Stonefly is now fully in the spotlight and will carry the big-bug action through early June. These size 6–10 golden stones are drawing aggressive surface takes throughout the Maupin corridor, particularly in the lower canyon. Caddis activity is also ramping up in the afternoons and evenings, with heavy hatches of Little Sister Sedge adding to the topwater excitement. Early risers will find good PMD activity in the flatter water before the afternoon wind picks up.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Chubby Chernobyl (#6–8) — The go-to Golden Stone attractor right now. Float the big pockets and seams near the canyon walls. High-vis foam keeps it riding in fast water.
- Stimulator (#8–10, golden/orange) — Classic Golden Stone imitation and a proven Deschutes staple. Dead-drift with an occasional twitch.
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16) — Afternoon and evening caddis hatches are starting to fire. Match the tan/olive versions for best results.
- Parachute Adams (#14–16) — Excellent all-day searching pattern for any rising fish between hatches.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–18) — Drop it off your dry fly as a trailer or fish it independently below indicators in the tailouts for consistent trout.
- Copper John (#14–16) — Heavy enough to get down in 3,800 CFS flows. Outstanding in runs below riffles.
- Woolly Bugger (#6–8, olive/black) — Swung wet in the big pools during midday lulls. Particularly effective above Sherars Falls where larger fish hold in deeper lies.
Best Access Points
Above Sherars Falls: Harpham Flat BLM Camp offers wade access to excellent runs. Oak Springs is a productive drift section. The reach from Trout Creek down through Harpham holds good concentrations of redsides right now.
Below Sherars Falls: Maupin City Park and the gauge access are reliable wade-in spots. The BLM road along the river south of Maupin provides pull-outs to multiple runs. Drift boats are popular from Maupin to Sandy Beach take-out.
Hazards and Notes
At 3,800 CFS, wading is challenging — felt soles and a wading staff are strongly recommended. Avoid wading in flows above knee-depth without testing your footing carefully; the Deschutes cobble is notoriously slick. No closures currently in effect. Rattlesnake season is active in the canyon — watch your step on warm rocks. The lower canyon section from Maupin to the mouth requires a Deschutes River Access Permit for overnight camping.
USGS data: Deschutes at Moody (#14103000) — 3,800 CFS | 60.6°F as of 5:45 AM PDT, May 24, 2026. Provisional data subject to revision.