🎣 Fishing Reports
Daily conditions, flows, and hatch reports for Central Oregon fly fishing waters.
Crooked River Fly Fishing Report — August 20, 2026: PMD & Caddis Action, Ideal 56°F Water
The Crooked River tailwater below Bowman Dam is in prime summer form with crystal-clear water at an ideal 56°F. PMD hatches are firing in the early afternoon and caddis activity (black and tan) has picked up noticeably this week — dry-fly action in the 12–5 PM window is excellent. Zebra Midges and Pheasant Tail Nymphs cover the morning hours before the hatch, and a Woolly Bugger swung through the deep pools rounds out the day.
Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report — August 20, 2026: Evening Caddis Fires Up, 3,920 CFS
The lower Deschutes is fishing well at 3,920 CFS with clear water and a 64°F early-morning temperature. The spotlight right now is the legendary August evening caddis hatch — Elk Hair Caddis and Stimulators are the tickets after 6 PM. Smoke from regional fires is present in the Maupin corridor; plan morning starts and evening sessions to avoid midday heat and poor air quality.
Crooked River Fishing Report — August 19, 2026
The Crooked River tailwater is fishing well in the upper reach below Bowman Dam with an exceptional water temperature of 56°F — a true summer luxury. Flows are elevated at 1,150 CFS at the Opal Springs gauge; the prime stretch to target is the upper tailwater from Bowman Dam to mile marker 8, where Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, and Copper Johns are the go-to flies for wild redband rainbow trout.
Deschutes River Fishing Report — August 19, 2026
The Lower Deschutes is in prime August form with flows at 3,890 CFS and crystal-clear water at 63°F. Evening caddis hatches are outstanding from Maupin to Sherars Falls, and the first summer steelhead are beginning to show in the lower canyon. Fish early mornings for PMDs and Tricos, evenings for the epic caddis hatch.
Crooked River Fishing Report – August 18, 2026 | Elevated Flows, Excellent Temps, Caddis Active
The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is running elevated at 1,230 CFS but with exceptional water temps at 55.6°F — trout are active and feeding throughout the day. Caddis activity is increasing with both black and tan patterns working, along with PMDs in the afternoon and reliable midge and scud nymphing all day.
Deschutes River Fishing Report – August 18, 2026 | Evening Caddis in Full Swing
The Lower Deschutes is delivering classic August dry-fly action with flows at 3,920 CFS and clear water. The evening Spotted Sedge caddis hatch is firing hard from 6 PM to dark — position in the tailouts with an Elk Hair Caddis or Stimulator for the best dry-fly show in Central Oregon right now.
Crooked River Fishing Report – August 17, 2026 | PMDs, Caddis & Prime Tailwater Conditions
The Crooked River tailwater is in outstanding shape this week — water temperatures are a perfect 55.6°F with excellent clarity and active PMD and caddis hatches bringing wild redband rainbows to the surface throughout the day. The upper tailwater from Bowman Dam to Mile Marker 8 is the place to be, with Parachute Adams and Elk Hair Caddis for the afternoon hatches and Zebra Midges plus Pheasant Tail Nymphs for consistent all-day subsurface action.
Deschutes River Fishing Report – August 17, 2026 | Caddis Flights & Summer Flows
The lower Deschutes is running at 3,920 CFS with water temperatures at a warm but fishable 64.8°F — excellent clarity and classic August caddis action throughout the canyon. Evening caddis flights from Heritage Flats to Mack's Canyon are producing great dry fly fishing, while Pheasant Tail and Copper John nymphs are the morning ticket before hatches begin. Keep an eye on air quality with regional wildfire smoke still a factor in the Maupin area.
Crooked River Fly Fishing Report – August 16, 2026
The Crooked River tailwater is running at 1,230 CFS — well above normal — due to irrigation releases from Prineville Reservoir. Wade fishing is dangerous; fish from the bank only. Water temps are an excellent 56°F and PMD hatches are still active in slow bankside eddies. Zebra Midges and Pheasant Tail Nymphs are the go-to flies.
Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report – August 16, 2026
The lower Deschutes is running clear at 3,920 CFS and 65°F — evening caddis hatches are firing and Chubby Chernobyls are working the cut banks. A fire closure from Warm Springs to Trout Creek limits access; Maupin, Sherars Falls, and Mack's Canyon are open. Check smoke conditions before you go.
Crooked River Fishing Report — August 15, 2026: PMD Hatches Firing, Perfect Tailwater Temps
The Crooked River tailwater below Bowman Dam is the standout river in Central Oregon this week, with water temps a fish-friendly 55.6°F and PMD hatches firing reliably from late morning through early evening. Crystal-clear water and consistent dam-regulated flows make this an ideal destination for dry fly and nymph anglers alike.
Deschutes River Fishing Report — August 15, 2026: Evening Caddis & Hopper Season in Full Swing
The lower Deschutes is fishing well this Saturday with flows at 3,920 CFS and crystal-clear water temps of 65.7°F. Evening caddis hatches are explosive, hoppers are producing aggressively mid-day, and nymphing through deep riffles is outperforming expectations. Get on the water early or late to avoid afternoon heat.
Crooked River Fishing Report — August 14, 2026
The Crooked River tailwater below Bowman Dam is fishing excellently at 56°F — ideal temperatures for wild redband trout. PMD hatches are firing from 10 AM through early afternoon, with Tricos and caddis rounding out the day. Flows are elevated at 1,100 CFS so wade carefully, but clarity is excellent throughout the canyon.
Lower Deschutes River Fishing Report — August 14, 2026
The lower Deschutes is fishing well at 3,830 CFS with crystal clear water and water temps at 65°F. Evening caddis flights are outstanding from Maupin through Macks Canyon — bring your Elk Hair Caddis and Chubby Chernobyl. Early risers and late evenings are the sweet spot as afternoon heat pushes fish into shaded lies.
Crooked River Report – August 13, 2026: Cold Tailwater Gold, PMDs at Midday
The Crooked River tailwater is running cold at 55.6°F with excellent clarity — prime conditions for August. PMDs are hatching midday from 10 AM to 2 PM, and the classic Pheasant Tail/Zebra Midge nymph rig is working all day long. Great wading conditions in the Crooked River Ranch corridor.