Deschutes River Fishing Report — May 31, 2026: Salmonfly Peak at Maupin, Elevated Flows
Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, Copper John, Pheasant Tail Nymph
Deschutes River Fishing Report — May 31, 2026
Lower Deschutes | Above & Below Sherars Falls | Maupin Area
If you have been waiting all year for the Deschutes to deliver its finest hour, this is it. The Salmonfly hatch is at full peak from Trout Creek through Maupin, with the hatch front advancing toward Warm Springs. This is the most electric dry-fly window of the entire year on the lower Deschutes — and it is happening right now.
Current Conditions
Flows at the USGS Deschutes at Moody gauge (14103000) are reading 4,380 CFS as of this morning (measured near the Columbia confluence at Biggs, OR). Expect elevated, pushy water throughout the Maupin corridor. Water temperature is a prime 56°F (13.4°C) — ideal for aggressive trout and perfectly timed with the big hatch. Clarity is slightly off due to late-season snowmelt, but visibility holds at 2–3 feet and fish are actively feeding on the surface. Important: A flood watch is in effect from Maupin to the mouth of the Deschutes through this weekend. Wade cautiously, scout access points before entering, and monitor conditions closely.
Hatches in Progress
The Giant Salmonfly (Pteronarcys californica) is the centerpiece right now — adults are flying, egg-layers are smacking the surface, and trout are stacked under every piece of bankside structure waiting for one to fall. Golden Stoneflies are hatching simultaneously through the mid-canyon. Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are rounding out the afternoon action, with caddis joining the party as light fades. Morning hours feature midges in the slow tailouts before the stonefly activity kicks in around 10 AM. This is once-a-year stuff — get out there.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Chubby Chernobyl (#6–8) — The quintessential salmonfly attractor. High-floating, rubber-legged, and built to handle fast water. Fish tight to the banks. Available at bugsnjugs.com.
- Stimulator (#6–8, orange or yellow) — The classic stonefly silhouette. Dead-drift through riffles and bank seams; twitch occasionally to trigger follows.
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16) — Shine in the late afternoon as caddis become active. Skitter across the surface or let it dead-drift through riffles.
- Parachute Adams (#14–16) — A reliable crossover for PMD and mixed-hatch feeding lanes in the slower tailouts.
- Copper John (#14–16) — Drop one 18–24 inches below a Chubby or Stimulator for fish refusing the dry. Deadly in faster runs.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16–18) — Excellent trailing nymph or standalone pattern for nymphing the deeper slots and pocket water.
Best Access Points
- Maupin City Park & Beavertail — Classic roadside wade access; work the near-bank riffles upstream from the bridge pool.
- Harpham Flat (BLM) — Excellent wade access with camp spots; multiple riffle-run-pool combinations.
- Above Sherars Falls — Fish the big tailout above the falls with streamers or stonefly dries; deep pocket water rewards patient nymphers.
- Below Sherars Falls — South bank BLM corridor or Warm Springs tribal access (tribal permit required). Big water, big fish.
Hazards & Closures
Elevated flows are present throughout the lower canyon. A flood watch is active through the weekend — do not wade unfamiliar water in high flows. Studded or felted wading boots are recommended. Monitor USGS gauge 14103000 before heading out. The salmonfly hatch will continue for another 10–14 days, so there is no need to rush and take unnecessary risks.
Flow data: USGS gauge 14103000, Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR. Water temp 56°F (13.4°C). Data timestamped 2026-05-31 05:45 PDT (provisional). Report by Bugs & Jugs Fly Shop — Central Oregon's fly fishing headquarters. Visit bugsnjugs.com for flies, gear, and guided trips.