Deschutes River Fishing Report — September 10, 2026: Fall Caddis & Redband Trout Season Peaks
Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Copper John, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Woolly Bugger
Deschutes River Fishing Report — September 10, 2026
Flow: 4,440 CFS (USGS gauge 14103000, Moody near Biggs) | Water Temp: 61.5°F (16.4°C) | Clarity: Clear | Conditions: Good
Current Conditions
September on the lower Deschutes is the payoff month for Central Oregon fly fishers. The summer crowd has thinned, the air carries a hint of fall, and the wild redband trout are feeding aggressively ahead of cooling temperatures. Flows are running at 4,440 CFS at the Moody gauge near the Columbia confluence — slightly above the historical September average, but highly fishable throughout the Maupin corridor. Water temperature is a prime 61.5°F: cold enough to keep fish active and strong, warm enough for consistent surface feeding in the afternoons.
The river is running clear. The dam-regulated system upstream buffers against turbidity, and no significant rain events have recently introduced color. Wading is excellent on the broad gravel bars above Sherars Falls; use a wading staff in faster chutes at current flows.
What's Hatching
The star of the September Deschutes show is the fall caddis hatch — large (#8–10), orange-bodied caddis emerging from riffles in the late afternoon and continuing through dusk. Trout key hard on this annual event, and dry fly fishing can be extraordinary. Plan your day around the afternoon hatch window (3–7 PM). PMD activity has wound down from summer peaks but isn't gone — a well-presented Parachute Adams (#16–18) in flat water during midday can still pull a committed riser. Blue-winged olives (#18–20) are beginning to show on overcast afternoons as September's lower sun angles signal the season change.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Elk Hair Caddis (#10–12, tan/orange) — Essential fall caddis match; fish riffles and tail-outs in late afternoon
- Stimulator (#8–10, orange/yellow) — Prime searching dry and caddis imitation; excellent high-visibility option
- Chubby Chernobyl (#8–10) — Foam attractor that doubles as an indicator with a Copper John dropper; deadly combo
- Parachute Adams (#16–18) — Go-to for selective risers on slick water during midday PMD and BWO windows
- Copper John (#14–16, red or green) — Excellent dropper below a foam dry; produces all day in riffles
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–16) — Nymph rig in deeper runs; imitates emerging PMDs and caddis pupa
- Woolly Bugger (#4–6, black or olive) — Strip through deep pools and boulder pockets for trophy redbands
Best Access Points
- Maupin City Park / Heritage Flats — Classic wade and float access; boat ramp available
- Above Sherars Falls (Locked Gate area) — Long productive riffles; prime evening caddis water
- Below Sherars Falls — Mack's Canyon — Float access to lower canyon; lighter boat traffic in September
- South Junction / Trout Creek — Lower canyon access; excellent early morning wade fishing before the sun hits
Hazards & Notices
At 4,440 CFS, use a wading staff and stay on known gravel bars. Rattlesnakes remain active through early October — watch rocky banks and brushy edges. Steelhead closure in effect since August 15 — confirm current ODFW status before fishing for steelhead. No other known access closures or fire restrictions at this time. Standard Deschutes special regulations apply in the trophy trout section: barbless hooks, artificial flies and lures only.
USGS gauge 14103000 data provisional, recorded 5:45 AM PDT September 10, 2026. Always verify current flow at USGS WaterWatch before heading out.