Lower Deschutes River Fishing Report – July 19, 2026: Caddis, Heat & Prime Early-Morning Risers
Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Stimulator, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John
Lower Deschutes River Fishing Report
Date: July 19, 2026 | Gauge: USGS 14103000 (Deschutes at Moody) | Flow: 3,830 cfs | Water Temp: 64°F | Clarity: Clear
Current Conditions
The lower Deschutes is fishing well this week, with a classic mid-July picture unfolding across the Maupin corridor and both above and below Sherars Falls. Flows at the USGS Moody gauge (near Biggs) are running at a solid 3,830 cfs — right in the fishable summer sweet spot for the lower canyon. Water clarity is excellent, as expected from this dam-regulated tailwater system. The elephant in the room is heat: afternoon highs are pushing into the low-to-mid 90s, and water temperature came in at 64°F as of this morning’s USGS reading. That is still within safe range for wild redband trout, but it is creeping toward the 65°F stress threshold. Smart anglers are on the water at first light and wrapping up by early afternoon, then returning after 6 PM when canyon shadows fill and temps moderate.
What’s Hatching
The salmonfly circus has long since packed up and moved north. Caddis now own the Deschutes. Evening caddis hatches — primarily Hydropsyche in sizes #14–16 — are erupting along the canyon walls shortly before dusk, and trout are keying on them aggressively. PMDs (Pale Morning Duns) are showing in the calmer, shaded slots from mid-morning through midday when temps permit. Keep an eye out for scattered Yellow Sallies (little yellow stoneflies) bouncing along the riffles throughout the afternoon — they draw opportunistic rises even in the summer heat.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16, tan or olive) — The workhorse evening dry on the Deschutes all summer long. Dead-drift it or skitter it across the surface to trigger slashing takes.
- Chubby Chernobyl (#8–10) — Big attractor still draws large wild redbands in pocket water above Sherars Falls, especially early morning. Doubles as a deadly hopper-dropper indicator.
- Parachute Adams (#14–16) — Covers PMD and general mayfly activity during the mid-morning window in softer glides and back-eddies.
- Stimulator (#10–12, yellow) — A solid Yellow Sally imitation for mid-afternoon pocket water. Fish it tight against rock ledges and canyon walls.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–16) — Dead-drift below an indicator or hopper-dropper style under a Chubby. Prime producer all day in fast seams and runs.
- Copper John (#14–16, red or green) — Heavier attractor nymph for reaching fish in the deeper slots below Sherars Falls. Add split shot and fish it through the plunge pools.
Best Access Points
Above Sherars Falls: Maupin City Park, Heritage Landing, Harpham Flat, and Oak Springs (private — verify current access). Below Sherars Falls: Beavertail, Jones Canyon, Macks Canyon BLM ramp, and Dant (car-top only below Macks). Note: the BLM has just released a newly reprinted Deschutes River Boater Guide on waterproof, rip-proof paper — an essential tool for float planning.
Hazards & Reminders
With heat locked in through the coming week, practice responsible catch-and-release: keep fish in the water, use barbless hooks, and limit fight times. If afternoon water temps exceed 65°F, consider stopping fishing until evening. Sherars Falls is a mandatory portage for all watercraft. No current ODFW emergency closures reported for this section as of July 19, 2026.