Lower Deschutes River Report — Salmonfly Hatch at Full Peak | May 26, 2026
Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Parachute Adams, Woolly Bugger
Lower Deschutes River Fishing Report — May 26, 2026
Flow: 3,780 CFS (USGS Gauge #14103000, Deschutes at Moody) • Water Temp: 59°F • Clarity: Slightly Off-Color • Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
Current Conditions
It does not get better than this on the Lower Deschutes. The Salmonfly hatch is at full peak from Trout Creek through Maupin, with the hatch front now pushing hard toward Warm Springs — this is the moment Central Oregon fly fishers wait all year for. Redside rainbows are aggressively rising to big stonefly dries slammed tight against the basalt canyon walls, and a strong afternoon Caddis flight is providing a reliable second act each day in the canyon.
According to USGS gauge #14103000 (Deschutes at Moody, near Biggs), the river is running at 3,780 CFS with a water temperature of 59°F. The river is carrying a slight off-color tint at these elevated spring flows — target soft bank edges, inside seams, and shaded canyon walls where clarity is best and fish are holding tight. Above Sherars Falls in the Maupin area, access is excellent and hatch activity is concentrated.
Active Hatches
- Salmonfly (Pteronarcys californica) — #4–6: 🔥 PEAK from Trout Creek through Maupin. Midday through late afternoon is prime time. This is the electric window of the entire season.
- Golden Stonefly — #8–10: 🔥 Overlapping heavily with Salmonflies and extending the big-dry window significantly into the evening hours.
- Tan Caddis — #14–16: 🔥 Thick afternoon and evening flights throughout the canyon — do not leave the water before dark.
- Pale Morning Dun (PMD) — #16: Active in slower side channels and flat tailouts, especially late morning.
- Yellow Sally Stonefly — #14–16: Building as a secondary dry-fly option when big stones slow on calm stretches.
Top Fly Recommendations
Lead with a Chubby Chernobyl (#6) or Stimulator (#4–6) slammed to the bank — that is your prime searching dry during peak Salmonfly activity. When fish want something slightly smaller, an Elk Hair Caddis (#14) during the afternoon caddis flight is consistently deadly. Drop a Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–16) or Copper John (#14) off the back as a trailing nymph. On slower water, a Parachute Adams (#14–16) excels during PMD activity. Carry a few Woolly Buggers (#6) to swing the deeper slots below Sherars Falls.
Best Access Points
- Above Sherars Falls: Heritage Landing, Harpham Flat, and Beavertail campground all offer solid walk-wade access. Drift boats run daily from Trout Creek to Maupin — the classic Lower Deschutes float during Salmonfly season.
- Maupin City Park: Walk-in access right through town; fish the long iconic run upstream of the bridge where fish are stacked during the hatch.
- Below Sherars Falls: Drift access continues to Sandy Beach takeout. Respect all tribal fishing areas and posted boundary closures.
Hazards & Notes
The river is running at elevated spring levels — wading anglers should exercise caution and always wear a wading belt. The Sherars Falls portage is mandatory for all watercraft. Weekend crowds in the Maupin core will be heavy; a mid-week trip or early morning start puts you ahead of the masses. No harvest of wild steelhead per ODFW regulation. A Warm Springs Tribal fishing permit is required for access above the reservation boundary near Trout Creek. Check current ODFW regulations before heading out.