Lower Deschutes River Fishing Report — July 20, 2026
Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John
Lower Deschutes River — July 20, 2026
USGS Gauge (Moody #14103000) as of 6:00 AM PDT: 3,920 CFS | Water Temp: 66°F | Clarity: Clear
Current Conditions
The lower Deschutes is fishing well this Monday in mid-July, with flows running at a healthy 3,920 CFS at the Moody gauge near the Columbia confluence. Expect flows in the Maupin corridor to be somewhat lower — roughly 3,000–3,400 CFS through the classic wade and drift water above and below Sherars Falls. Water clarity is excellent, running gin clear as is typical for this tailwater fishery in summer. At 66°F, water temps are elevated but still within the safe range for trout (below the 68°F stress threshold), so plan your fishing accordingly — get on the water early and consider wrapping up by early afternoon on hot days.
Hatches & Fly Recommendations
The big salmonfly and golden stonefly circus that rolls through Maupin in late June and early July has largely run its course for this year. By the third week of July, the Deschutes shifts into its classic summer dry-fly rhythm — and it is excellent. Here is what is active right now:
- Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) — Expect prolific PMD hatches from mid-morning through early afternoon in sizes 16–18. This is the marquee hatch right now. A Parachute Adams in #16–18 is the workhorse dry and should be in every box on the river today.
- Evening Caddis — As temps cool after 6 PM, caddis activity picks up dramatically, especially in faster runs and pocket water. An Elk Hair Caddis in tan or olive, sizes 14–16, will draw aggressive surface takes. Fish it with a slight skitter to imitate egg-laying adults.
- Yellow Sallies — Small yellow stoneflies continue to trickle off throughout the day. A Stimulator in yellow or orange (#14–16) doubles nicely as a Yellow Sally imitation and terrestrial attractor.
- Terrestrials — Hot afternoons push ants and hoppers to the bank. A Chubby Chernobyl in tan or yellow fished tight to the willows can produce some of the biggest fish of the day.
- Nymphs — If the surface bite is slow during midday, dead-drift a Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–18) or Copper John under an indicator through the deeper runs. The fish are there — they just may be looking down rather than up.
Best Access Points
Above Sherars Falls: The Harpham Flat area and Heritage Landing provide excellent wade access to prime riffles and runs. Fish the seams along the canyon walls early in the morning before the sun hits the water. Below Sherars Falls (Mack's Canyon corridor): This stretch rewards those who hike or float. Access at Mack's Canyon campground and the road corridor gives you miles of productive water away from crowds. The section from South Junction to Trout Creek is particularly productive for summer PMD fishing.
Hazards & Notes
With highs pushing toward 90°F this week, start early and fish hard until 10–11 AM, then again after 5 PM. Rattlesnakes are active on hot canyon days — watch where you step on the trails and while scrambling through rocks. The Heritage area and boat ramps can get busy on summer weekends; weekday mornings offer a significant solitude advantage. Always wear a PFD when floating — Sherars Falls is a mandatory portage.
Flow data: USGS gauge 14103000 (Deschutes River at Moody). Data is provisional and subject to revision.