Lower Deschutes River Report — June 25, 2026: Caddis Prime, Excellent Summer Conditions
Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John
Lower Deschutes River — June 25, 2026
USGS Gauge 14103000 (Deschutes at Moody, near Biggs): 3,690 cfs | Water Temp: 64°F (17.8°C) | Clarity: Clear
Current Conditions
The lower Deschutes is fishing well as summer fully settles into the canyon. Water clarity is excellent throughout the Maupin corridor — both above and below Sherars Falls — with prime wading conditions reported across the system. Flows at the USGS Moody gauge (near the Columbia River confluence) are running at 3,690 cfs, well within the normal late-June range. The Maupin and Sherars Falls sections are pushing comfortable summer levels with clean, highly fishable water.
Water temperatures are reaching the mid-60s°F by early afternoon, which is right in the sweet spot for active redband trout. Early morning and evening sessions offer the most comfortable temps and coincide with the best hatch activity. Fish are holding in classic summer lies — behind boulders in broken riffles, along current seams near the canyon walls, and in the softer tailouts of deeper pools.
Hatches and What's Working
The salmonfly hatch is officially behind us for 2026, but do not pack away those dry fly boxes just yet — caddis season is fully underway and building. Evening caddis emergences are intensifying throughout the entire lower canyon, and dry fly fishing is outstanding from about 5 PM through dark. Swarms of tan and olive caddis begin lifting off in late afternoon, triggering aggressive surface feeds from both redband trout and whitefish.
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16) — The premier dry fly on the Deschutes right now. Dead-drift it in the film or skate it across the surface during the evening hatch for explosive surface strikes.
- Chubby Chernobyl (#8-10) — Exceptional high-visibility attractor for prospecting riffles and pocket water throughout the day. Its foam body rides high even in turbulent chutes.
- Stimulator (#10-14, orange or yellow) — A reliable searching pattern in broken water all day long, and equally effective twitched through the caddis hatch at dusk.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14-18) — Essential sub-surface option, especially in the mid-column through riffles and at pool heads where fish stage pre-hatch.
- Copper John (#14-16) — Heavy-wire nymph for punching into faster pocket water and deep runs. Pair it as a dropper under a Pheasant Tail for a deadly two-nymph setup.
Best Access Points
Maupin City Park provides easy river access right in town with a boat ramp and wade fishing immediately below. Harpham Flat and Blue Hole (above Sherars Falls) are classic wade-fishing destinations with established parking and well-known productive runs. Sherars Bridge offers convenient bank access and is one of the most reliable evening caddis spots on the river. Below Sherars Falls, Macks Canyon is the destination for float trips and walk-in anglers seeking the solitude of the lower canyon — plan an overnight camp or a long day float.
Hazards and Reminders
Summer wading is manageable but always respect the power of the Deschutes — the canyon offers little forgiveness in faster chutes and technical drops. Afternoon water temps approaching the upper 60s°F increase thermal stress on trout during catch-and-release; target early mornings and evenings, keep fish wet, and minimize fight times. A valid Oregon fishing license and a Columbia River Basin Endorsement are required for the lower 100 miles of the Deschutes. No bait allowed in the trophy trout section — flies and lures only.