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

Deschutes River Fishing Report – October 11, 2026

Flow: 4,200 cfs (USGS Gauge 14103000, Moody/Biggs)  |  Water Temp: 55.6°F (13.1°C)  |  Clarity: Clear  |  Conditions: Good

The lower Deschutes is fishing well this October, with flow and temperature perfectly supporting both fall steelhead and the river's wild redside rainbow trout. The USGS gauge at Moody is reading a solid 4,200 cfs at 55.6°F this morning — an excellent autumn flow that keeps channels well-defined, giving fish prime holding water throughout the Maupin corridor above and below Sherars Falls.

October Caddis (Dicosmoecus) — The Big Event

October on the lower Deschutes means one thing above all else: the legendary October Caddis hatch. These large, bright orange caddisflies (hook sizes 8–10) are arguably the most exciting dry fly event on the river all year. Look for activity in the late afternoon — particularly over riffles and tailouts — as these outsized bugs take flight. An Elk Hair Caddis in orange or rust (size 8–10) is a dead ringer, but a burnt-orange Stimulator (size 8–10) is the go-to pattern: it nails the silhouette and triggers explosive surface takes from both aggressive trout and travelling steelhead. Don't be surprised when the fish that crushes your dry is chrome-bright.

Fall Steelhead — Peak Season

October is prime time for wild summer steelhead on the lower Deschutes. At 4,200 cfs, fish are actively holding in classic lies: tailouts below fast runs, deep seams along basalt ledges, and the soft edges of major riffles. Swinging a black or olive Woolly Bugger (size 4–6) through productive water near Maupin, Oasis Flat, and below Sherars Falls is the traditional approach — and it works. For those who prefer to nymph, a large Copper John or Pheasant Tail Nymph dead-drifted deep into holding slots can be equally effective when fish are less inclined to move for a swung fly.

Trout Fishing — Redsides Active

Wild redside rainbows are actively feeding throughout the system. Blue-winged olives (Baetis) are beginning their characteristic fall emergence on cooler, overcast mornings and afternoons. When you spot rising fish, reach for a Parachute Adams in size 16–18 — it's an exceptional BWO stand-in that the Deschutes redsides find irresistible. During midday lulls, switch to indicator nymphing with a Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 14–16) to keep catching fish between hatches.

Best Access Points

• Maupin City Park & Town of Maupin — Classic wade-fishing water, convenient amenities, good parking
• Heritage Landing (above Sherars Falls) — Excellent run and tailout fishing; boat launch available
• Beavertail Campground — Prime dry fly water, accessible wading, great October Caddis evening sessions
• Below Sherars Falls — Steelhead staging pools; fish can stack up in the big water below the falls
• Macks Canyon — Boat-in/hike-in lower canyon water; less pressure, excellent steelhead holding water

Hazards and Closures

Sherars Falls is impassable — mandatory portage for all watercraft. At 4,200 cfs, wading requires care on slick basalt; felt-soled or studded wading boots strongly recommended. Always wear a wading belt. Regulations: Barbless flies required; wild trout catch-and-release; wild steelhead must be released. Verify current ODFW regulations before your trip.

Flow data: USGS Gauge 14103000, Deschutes River at Moody, OR. As of October 11, 2026 at 5:45 AM PDT (provisional). — Report by BugsNJugs.com

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