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

Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report – June 8, 2026

Flow: 3,860 CFS (USGS Gauge 14103000, Deschutes at Moody)  |  Water Temp: 59°F  |  Clarity: Clear  |  Conditions: Good

Current Conditions

The lower Deschutes is sitting at 3,860 CFS this morning — elevated from spring snowmelt but well within prime summer fishable range. Water clarity is excellent throughout the Maupin corridor, and temperatures at 59°F put the Redband trout in an active, aggressive feeding mood. Early June is one of the most celebrated times to fish the lower Deschutes, and 2026 is living up to the billing.

Hatch Activity

Caddis have taken over as the dominant food source on the lower Deschutes. Tan and gray Hydropsychidae caddis are swarming the canyon in heavy numbers each evening, triggering explosive surface feeding from dusk into dark. The Golden Stonefly hatch is tapering off but is still relevant — big golden stone nymphs remain highly effective subsurface throughout the day as trout continue to key on them in the drift.

Pale Morning Duns are producing reliable morning rises between 8 AM and noon, particularly in slower tailouts and back-eddy seams. Blue-Winged Olives are also in the mix, especially during the overcast windows that have been rolling through the canyon this week. Little Yellow Sallies add a midday option in #14–16.

Top Fly Recommendations

• Elk Hair Caddis #14–16 (Tan) — Your go-to dry for the evening caddis blitz. Fish it with confidence in riffles and along foam lines from 6 PM until dark. Dead-drift first, then swing it on the hang-down.
• Chubby Chernobyl #8–10 — An outstanding attractor that doubles as a stonefly imitation. Fish it tight to the bank in heavier current and near big boulders where the largest Redband trout hold.
• Stimulator #8–10 (Orange/Yellow) — Perfect Golden Stone imitation for the hatch that’s winding down but still producing. Swing it through fast pocket water for explosive strikes.
• Parachute Adams #16–18 — A must during the PMD morning window. High-floating and visible, it’s the reliable tool for working rising fish in tailouts.
• Pheasant Tail Nymph #14–18 — Drift it deep on a tight-line rig through boulder gardens and pocket water. An all-day producer covering PMD, BWO, and caddis pupa stages at once.
• Copper John #14–16 — The attractor nymph that sinks fast and triggers takes when nothing else will. Ideal for the deep slots and faster runs above Sherar’s Falls.

Best Access Points (Maupin Area)

• Maupin City Park (below Sherar’s Falls): Excellent bank access and drift boat put-in. The riffles just below the park hold fish in the morning PMD hatch.
• Harpham Flat (below Sherar’s Falls): State park campground with good wade access to deep runs and classic Deschutes gravel bars. One of the premier evening caddis stretches.
• Above Sherar’s Falls (Oak Springs area): Lower pressure stretch with excellent wade fishing in braided channels. The caddis and stonefly action here is exceptional at prime flows.
• Beavertail Recreation Site: Accessed via Deschutes River Road. Great for early morning PMD action in the wide, shallow riffles.

Hazards & Notes

At 3,860 CFS, wading requires attention — felt-soled wading boots with a staff are strongly recommended. Watch for fast seams and don’t wade beyond thigh-depth in the main current. Sherar’s Falls is extremely dangerous — never wade or approach the lip. The lower Deschutes is a fly-fishing only, catch-and-release river for Redband trout. Use barbless hooks. Check current ODFW regulations before heading out.

With sunny skies today and manageable flows, plan your morning around the PMD hatch and save your best energy for the evening caddis blitz. This is about as good as it gets on the lower Deschutes.

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