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

Deschutes River Fishing Report – September 21, 2026

Flow: 4,500 cfs (USGS Gauge 14103000 – Deschutes at Moody, near Biggs)  |  Water Temp: 61°F  |  Clarity: Clear  |  Overall: Good

Current Conditions

If there's one month to be standing in the Lower Deschutes, it's September — and the river is not disappointing. USGS Gauge 14103000 at Moody logged 4,500 cfs this morning with water temperatures sitting at a prime 61°F (16.1°C). Flows are moderate for early fall and the river is running clear through the Maupin corridor and canyon stretches. Steelhead are holding in the classic runs, wild redsides are active, and conditions are as good as they get on the lower D.

Hatches & What's Happening on the Water

September means transition on the Deschutes. The summer caddis flights have wound down considerably, but the river is far from done producing dry fly action. Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are hatching on overcast mornings and afternoons — look for subtle surface rises in the long, glassy tailouts between 10 AM and 2 PM. Approach from downstream with a long leader and 6X tippet; these fish have seen it all. October Caddis are beginning their evening appearance, with that distinctive large, orange-bodied silhouette. This hatch will only strengthen through the end of September and into October, and trout and steelhead alike key on it hard.

Top Fly Recommendations

• Woolly Bugger (#4–6, black, olive, or rust) — THE steelhead fly on the lower Deschutes right now. Swing it through the deep seams and classic holding water at Maupin, Heritage Flats, Locked Gate, and South Junction at first and last light.
• Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16) — October Caddis are starting to show in the evenings. The Elk Hair fished in broken water near the banks is producing well.
• Stimulator (#8–12) — Double-duties as an October Caddis imitation and high-visibility attractor in the faster pocket water throughout the day.
• Parachute Adams (#16–18) — Your BWO match on overcast days. Dead-drift the flat tailouts; watch for confident, deliberate sips.
• Copper John (#14) — An excellent dropper below a dry fly or fished on its own through the riffles and runs as a general searching nymph.
• Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16–18) — Dead-drifted on a tight-line setup for wild redsides feeding in slower current seams and feeding lanes.

Best Access Points

Above Sherars Falls (Maupin Area): Maupin City Park, Heritage Flats BLM, and the public corridor along the east bank offer easy walk-and-wade access. The Maupin City Park boat ramp is the primary drift launch for the upper section. Below Sherars Falls: Locked Gate, Mack's Canyon, and South Junction are all road-accessible, offering outstanding bank access and established campsites for overnight trips into the canyon. All access points are currently open — no closures in effect.

Hazards & Notes

Sherars Falls is a mandatory portage for all watercraft — never attempt to run it. Watch for afternoon westerly winds that funnel through the canyon and can make casting difficult. Water temperatures at 61°F are within the safe range for steelhead fishing with no catch-and-release heat restrictions. Flow data from USGS is provisional and subject to revision. Check USGS Gauge 14103000 for the latest real-time readings before you launch.

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