Deschutes River › Fishing Report

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

Current Conditions Overview

September 18th brings some of the best all-around fishing of the year to the lower Deschutes. The river is running at 4,440 CFS at the USGS Moody gauge (gauge 14103000, near Biggs), with a water temperature of 59.5°F (15.3°C)—squarely in the sweet spot for both redband trout and summer steelhead. Water clarity is excellent with a clear green tint through the classic Maupin canyon runs. This is exactly the kind of late-season window that makes the Deschutes legendary.

Hatch Report

Fall is officially announcing itself on the Deschutes. October Caddis (Dicosmoecus) are beginning to appear in the afternoons along canyon walls and bankside willows—these big orange bugs (#6–#8) can trigger some explosive surface takes when trout commit to them. The fall caddis (Grannom) in smaller sizes (#14–#16) remain the consistent daily hatch, popping off in riffles and runs through mid-morning and again in the evening. Blue-Winged Olives (Baetis) are your secret weapon on overcast days—look for trout rising in the long, flat tailouts between 10 AM and 2 PM. PMD activity is winding down for the season but can still produce sporadic rises in the morning hours.

Steelhead Corner

September is prime time for summer steelhead on the lower Deschutes, and fish are stacking up in the classic Maupin runs. Swing classic Intruder-style patterns early and late, or try a Woolly Bugger in black or olive through the bucket water below Sherars Falls. The water temperature is ideal for aggressive takes. Above Sherars Falls, the Maupin town reach and Harpham Flat offer excellent bank and boat access for swinging flies through the tailouts. Below the falls, the wade fishery at the base is legendary this time of year.

Top Fly Recommendations

• Elk Hair Caddis (#14–#16) — Match the fall Grannom hatch all day
• Stimulator (#6–#8, orange) — October Caddis imitation; fish the banks in afternoons
• Chubby Chernobyl (#8–#10) — Attractor dry, great as a dropper indicator rig
• Parachute Adams (#18–#20) — BWO match on overcast mornings and tailouts
• Woolly Bugger (black/olive, #4–#6) — Steelhead swinging in canyon runs
• Copper John (#12–#16) — Nymphing riffles for trout below surface cues
• Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–#18) — Solid all-day nymph choice, drift deep

Best Access Points

Above Sherars Falls: Harpham Flat boat ramp (BLM) is the go-to put-in. Sandy Beach and Long Bend offer wade access with parking. The Maupin Waterfront City Park allows easy access to town-reach runs. Below Sherars Falls: BLM road off Hwy 216 provides access to the base of the falls and several miles of walk-in wade water. The lower canyon requires a float or long hike—plan accordingly.

Hazards & Notes

Flows at 4,440 CFS demand respect—felt-soled wading boots, a wading staff, and a belt-worn inflatable are strongly recommended. The gravel bars can shift seasonally. Rattlesnakes remain active on warm, sunny afternoons on the canyon slopes. No bait fishing in the lower Deschutes (fly and lure only). Check current ODFW regulations for steelhead retention rules before heading out.

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