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Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Zebra Midge

Deschutes River Fishing Report — July 6, 2026

Flow: 3,720 cfs (USGS Gauge 14103000, Moody near Biggs)  |  Water Temp: 68°F  |  Clarity: Crystal Clear

The lower Deschutes is delivering classic midsummer conditions this week. Flows are holding steady at 3,720 cfs — a solid, wader-friendly level throughout the lower canyon from Maupin down to the mouth. Water clarity is gin-clear, showing off the river's trademark basalt-boulder character. The one caveat: water temps are touching 68°F by mid-afternoon, pushing redband rainbows to the edges of their comfort zone. Fish hard at the bookends of the day and rest the water during the midday heat.

Hatch Activity

July on the Deschutes means caddis, and the fish know it. Little Sister and Spotted Sedge caddis are erupting in size 16–20 from roughly 6 PM through last light, with redsides moving aggressively into riffles, seams, and tailouts. It's must-see dry fly fishing. Morning anglers are picking up fish on Pale Morning Dun risers (size 18–20) in the flat water from 8–11 AM — keep your approach slow and your tippet fine (5X–6X). Blue Wing Olives trickle off in size 20–22 on the early morning water, and a few late-season Golden Stonefly stragglers are still drawing attention from fish in the pocket water midmorning. Midges remain a quiet producer in the flats before sunrise.

Top Flies

• Elk Hair Caddis (size 14–18, tan/olive) — the evening workhorse; dead-drift or skate it in the riffles
• Stimulator (size 10–12, golden/orange) — covers late stone activity and pulls aggressive fish in pocket water
• Parachute Adams (size 16–18) — versatile morning attractor; excellent PMD and BWO cover
• Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 16–18) — fish it deep in the transition edges before hatches fire, indicator set within 6 inches of bottom
• Copper John (size 16–18, red/gold) — anchor fly in two-nymph rigs; deadly in the deeper runs and pocket water edges
• Zebra Midge (size 20–22, black/silver) — reliable early morning producer in the flat water above riffles

Best Access Points

The Maupin City Park boat ramp remains the central launch hub for floaters working the lower canyon. Wade fishers should target the public water corridor above and below Sherars Falls — the areas near Nena Falls and Oak Springs reward those willing to hike. Below Sherars, the cliff-trail corridor opens miles of wade-accessible water with excellent caddis action come evening. Sherars Falls is a mandatory portage for all watercraft — no exceptions.

Hazards & Notes

Afternoon temperatures are pushing 90–92°F in the canyon — bring more water than you think you need, sun protection, and keep an eye on wading fatigue in the heat. Rattlesnakes are active along the rocky benches and talus slopes; watch where you step on trail approaches. No fishing closures are currently in effect on the lower Deschutes. USGS gauge data is provisional and subject to revision.

Gauge: USGS 14103000 — Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR. Data as of 5:45 AM PDT, July 6, 2026.

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