Deschutes River Fishing Report – October 13, 2026 | Fall Redbands on Fire, Light Crowds

Deschutes River – October 13, 2026

Conditions: Good | Flow: 4,200 CFS | Water Temp: 55°F | Clarity: Slightly Off-Color

Current Conditions Overview

Fall has fully arrived on the lower Deschutes, and the river is fishing well despite flows running a touch above the summer norm. The USGS gauge at Moody (14103000) recorded 4,200 CFS this morning at a cool 55°F — on the upper end of ideal fall trout conditions, but absolutely fishable for anglers who know their water. With steelhead season firmly closed, the river belongs to the redbands right now, and those hard-fighting, thick-shouldered fish are making the most of it. River traffic is refreshingly light — a genuine gift for anyone willing to get out on a mid-October weekday.

Hatch Report

Bug activity is excellent for October standards. The headliner is the October Caddis (Dicosmoecus), those big burnt-orange giants fluttering through the canyon at dusk — you simply cannot miss them. Early mornings and evenings are producing the most surface action, with fish keying on October Caddis adults. Midday, look for Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) and Mahogany Duns during overcast windows, particularly in tailouts and slick flats. Small black and slate-gray caddis (#16–18) are also present throughout the day. Zebra Midges are reliable all day in slower seams and back eddies.

Top Fly Recommendations

Dry Flies:

• Chubby Chernobyl (#8–10, orange/tan) — the perfect October Caddis attractor and a superb dry-dropper anchor
• Stimulator (#8–10, orange) — skate it, twitch it, let it get sucked under; Deschutes redbands love the commotion
• Elk Hair Caddis (#16–18, slate gray/black) — essential for early-morning caddis activity along shaded banks and foam lines
• Parachute Adams (#18–20) — covers both BWO and Mahogany Dun hatches; a must-have for spooky risers on slick water

Nymphs and Streamers:

• Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16–18) — classic Deschutes performer, especially effective as a dropper 18-24 inches below a Chubby
• Zebra Midge (#18–20, black/red) — all-day producer in slower current seams and back eddies
• Copper John (#14–16) — heavy enough to get to depth fast in faster runs; hot-bead versions add extra flash
• Woolly Bugger (#6–8, olive/black) — strip it aggressively on a short swing through pocket water for explosive grabs

The dry-dropper rig is the go-to setup: Chubby Chernobyl or Stimulator on top, Pheasant Tail Nymph or Zebra Midge trailing 18–24 inches below. Back eddies, inside seams of large boulders, and foam lines along cut banks are your money water.

Best Access Points

Access the Maupin area via US-97 south. Top public wade-fishing spots include Heritage Flats (above Sherars Falls — excellent pocket water), Maupin City Park boat launch, South Junction, Trout Creek Campground, and the trailhead at Mack's Canyon for those willing to walk for solitude. Drift boat anglers should consider the classic Maupin-to-South Junction run — a spectacular October float with consistent trout water throughout.

Hazards and Closures

• Steelhead season is CLOSED. No targeting steelhead — period. ODFW and Oregon State Police are actively patrolling and checking licenses along the river. Keep your gear scaled for trout (6-weight single-hand or lighter).
• West bank (Warm Springs Reservation) access closes October 31st. Make the most of access while you have it.
• Flows at 4,200 CFS are elevated — wade cautiously, especially at crossings. A wading staff is highly recommended.
• Fall canyon winds can gust; early mornings are typically calmer and often coincide with the best surface activity.

Flow and temperature data sourced from USGS gauge 14103000 (Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR) — as of 5:45 AM PDT, October 13, 2026. Provisional data subject to revision. Report compiled by Bugs and Jugs Fly Shop.