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Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Woolly Bugger

Lower Deschutes River — Daily Fishing Report

Date: May 28, 2026  |  Gauge: USGS 14103000 (Deschutes at Moody)  |  Flow: 3,780 CFS  |  Water Temp: 60°F

Current Conditions

If you have been waiting all year for one window to be on the Lower Deschutes, this is it. The Salmonfly hatch (Pteronarcys californica) is at full, raging peak from Trout Creek through Maupin, with the hatch front advancing toward Warm Springs. Redside rainbows are in full dry-fly mode, crushing big stonefly imitations slammed tight to the canyon walls and overhanging willows. Afternoon Golden Stonefly activity overlaps beautifully, and a heavy tan caddis flight kicks in each evening to extend the action well past sunset.

Flows are running at 3,780 CFS at the Moody gauge — elevated for late May — pushing water slightly off-color in the main current seams. Work the soft inside edges, shaded bank slots, and tailouts where clarity improves and fish are stacking. Water temperature is a perfect 60°F, which has insects firing aggressively and fish feeding with confidence all day long.

Hatch Activity

• Salmonfly (Pteronarcys californica) #4–6 — PEAK — Full flight from Trout Creek to Maupin; hatch front pushing upstream toward Warm Springs. Midday through late afternoon is prime time. Fish tight to banks within inches of cover.
• Golden Stonefly #8–10 — Heavy — Overlapping with Salmonflies and extending the big-dry window throughout the canyon.
• Tan Caddis #14–16 — Strong — Thick afternoon and evening flights every day. Explosive evening rises in flat water below Maupin.
• Pale Morning Dun (PMD) #16 — Active — Side channels, flat tailouts, and slower canyon water produce consistent PMD risers late morning into early afternoon.
• Yellow Sally Stonefly #14–16 — Building — Excellent secondary dry option when the big stones momentarily slow.
• Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) #18–20 — Moderate — Overcast or shaded canyon sections trigger the best emergences.

Top Fly Recommendations

Dry Flies (go big and go to the bank):

• Chubby Chernobyl #4–6 — The go-to Salmonfly imitation. High-float, high-visibility, and irresistible to redsides. Fish it tight to overhanging willows and rocky canyon walls.
• Stimulator #6–8 (orange) — Classic Salmonfly and Golden Stone imitation. When the Chubby gets refused, size down to a Stimulator and watch the carnage begin.
• Elk Hair Caddis #14–16 (tan/brown) — Deadly during afternoon and evening caddis flights. Dead-drift or skitter across the surface for explosive takes.
• Parachute Adams #14–16 — Versatile attractor covering PMDs and general surface activity. Works especially well in slower flat water and side channels.

Subsurface (for off-color water and fish holding deep):

• Pheasant Tail Nymph #14–16 — Dead-drift through soft seams and bucket water. Excellent pre-emergent stonefly and PMD nymph imitation.
• Copper John #14–16 — Heavy enough to get down fast in elevated flows. Exceptional attractor nymph when fish are not coming to the surface.
• Woolly Bugger #6–8 (black/olive) — Streamer option for off-color seams and undercut banks. Swing or strip through deeper slots for aggressive takes from bigger fish.

Best Access Points

• Maupin City Park / Sandy Beach — Central access to the heart of the peak Salmonfly water. Walk upstream or downstream to find fish actively working the banks.
• Harpham Flat (BLM) — Excellent walk-in bank access; wade the gravel bars to target stonefly water with room for a full backcast.
• Trout Creek Campground — The upstream end of the peak hatch zone. Float trip put-ins here see fish responding aggressively to dries all day long.
• White River Bridge (above Sherars Falls) — Good wading access to upper canyon water; slightly cleaner clarity than the lower reaches at current flows.
• Sherars Falls Area — Classic vantage point; tribal dip-net fishing is actively taking place under treaty rights — give the fishers wide berth and respect their space.

Hazards & Notices

• Elevated Flows (3,780 CFS): Wading is technical. Cleated wading boots or felt soles are strongly recommended. Do not attempt to cross main current — fish from gravel bar edges only.
• Tribal Fishing Rights: Sherars Falls is an active treaty dip-net site for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Respect and do not interfere.
• Weekend Pressure: Salmonfly peak draws heavy angler traffic. Arrive early, be courteous, and give other anglers space in prime bank slots.
• No active fishing closures on the Lower Deschutes as of this report.

USGS flow data: Provisional, subject to revision. Gauge 14103000 at Moody, OR — reading as of 5:45 AM PDT, May 28, 2026.

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