Deschutes River Fishing Report — September 28, 2026
Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Woolly Bugger, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Zebra Midge
Deschutes River Fishing Report — September 28, 2026
Gauge: USGS 14103000 — Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR
Flow: 4,410 cfs (provisional) as of 5:45 AM PDT
Water Temp: 56.3°F (13.5°C)
Clarity: Clear
Overall Conditions: Good
Current Conditions
The lower Deschutes is fishing well this final week of September, with flows running at a healthy 4,410 cfs at the Moody gauge near Biggs. Upstream near Maupin, expect flows in the 2,500–3,200 cfs range — strong but very fishable for anglers comfortable wading the classic canyon water. Water clarity is excellent, running crystal clear with that signature Deschutes blue-green tint. Water temperatures at 56.3°F are sitting in the prime zone for both trout and steelhead.
Hatches & Fishing Action
September 28th puts us squarely in some of the most exciting fishing of the year on the Deschutes. Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs, Baetis #18–22) are the headline hatch right now — on overcast mornings and afternoons, expect long flat tailouts to come alive with rising trout between 10 AM and 2 PM. Approach from downstream with a long 12-ft leader and 6X tippet, and a dead-drifted Parachute Adams #18–20 or Elk Hair Caddis #16 will fool selective fish in the softer seams.
The October Caddis is beginning to show — big, orange-bodied caddis (size #6–8) that get trout looking up in the evenings. A Chubby Chernobyl #8 in orange/tan makes a great searching pattern during the pre-hatch window. Swing a Stimulator #8 orange through the faster pocket water and you may be surprised what grabs it.
For steelhead — this is the window. B-run fish are moving through now, and the classic runs at Maupin, Heritage Flats, Locked Gate, and South Junction are all holding fish. Swing a Woolly Bugger #4–6 in black or olive on a sink-tip through the seams at first light. Nymph anglers should dead-drift a Pheasant Tail Nymph #14–16 or Copper John #14 red through the deeper slots — trout are actively stacking behind structure.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Parachute Adams #18–20 — BWO imitation, deadly in the tailouts
- Elk Hair Caddis #14–16 — afternoon searching pattern
- Chubby Chernobyl #8 (orange/tan) — October Caddis attractor, great for pocket water
- Stimulator #8 (orange) — swing it or dead-drift for aggressive takes
- Woolly Bugger #4–6 (black/olive) — steelhead swinging staple
- Pheasant Tail Nymph #14–16 — subsurface workhorse for trout
- Copper John #14 (red) — deep nymphing attractor
- Zebra Midge #18–22 — backup for midday slow spots in the flat water
Best Access Points
- Maupin City Park / Heritage Flats: Good wading access, classic runs, prime steelhead water
- Locked Gate: Access via trail, excellent pocket water and runs for both trout and steelhead
- Mack's Canyon Campground: Excellent wade fishing above and below camp; canyon narrows here and fish stack in the slower pockets
- South Junction: Lower canyon access, productive swinging water; drift boats run through regularly
- Trout Creek: Good early morning trout action in the riffles; parking area off Deschutes River Road
Hazards & Notes
Flows at 4,410+ cfs mean wading requires caution — cleated wading boots and a wading staff are strongly recommended. Felt-soled boots are prohibited on Oregon rivers; rubber soles with studs preferred. Fire danger has eased with recent September moisture, but always check ODF fire conditions before camping. The lower Deschutes is catch-and-release only for steelhead east of Sherars Falls — please handle fish with care and use barbless hooks where possible. Always check current ODFW regulations before fishing.
Flow data: USGS gauge 14103000 (Deschutes River at Moody, provisional data subject to revision). Report updated daily by Bugs & Jugs Fly Shop — Central Oregon's fly fishing headquarters.