Full Report

The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is currently running at around 35 CFS in the prime fishing section — low but fishable if you adjust your approach. The Bureau of Reclamation shifted from irrigation releases to minimum winter flows earlier this month, and the river is still settling into its off-season rhythm. Clear skies have given way to more typical overcast October weather, which actually improves fishing: trout in low, clear water are easily spooked under bright conditions.

The 10–12 mile Wild and Scenic stretch from Bowman Dam down through the canyon is holding fish, but anglers need to be stealthy. Long leaders, fine tippet, and careful wading are non-negotiable. The good news: these wild redband rainbows and mountain whitefish are actively feeding, and if you’re quiet and precise, you’ll find plenty of willing takers.

What’s Working

At these low flows, double-nymph rigs will constantly snag bottom. The current go-to setup is a dry-dropper rig:

• Top: A buoyant size #14 Chubby Chernobyl (tan or orange) acts as both indicator and attractor — fish will occasionally eat it, especially during October Caddis activity in the afternoons.
• Dropper: A tungsten Zebra Midge (#18–20) or a Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16–18) on 18–24 inches of 5X tippet. Keep it light enough not to override your dry.

What’s Hatching

• Midges (#20–22): Active throughout the day, especially in the slower flats and tailouts. The Crooked’s midge fishery is exceptional in fall and winter.
• Blue-Winged Olives / Baetis (#20–22): Look for sparse BWO activity late morning under overcast skies. Rising fish in the slower water are worth targeting with a small dry or emerger.
• October Caddis (#6–8): Nymphs are active; adults sporadically present 3–5 PM. A Partridge and Orange soft hackle or Stimulator swung through slots can trigger strikes.
• Whitefish Spawning: Mountain whitefish are in spawning mode — egg patterns (pink or orange, #14–16) rigged as a dropper can be deadly. Don’t be too proud to use eggs in October.

Additional Tactics

• Swinging a Woolly Bugger (olive or black, #8–10) or leech pattern through deeper slots and pool tailouts can draw aggressive redband strikes, especially on overcast days.
• A soft hackle (orange or partridge) swung behind a Woolly Bugger as a two-fly trailer is an October Caddis nymph imitation that the fish key on.
• A small Parachute Adams (#18) during the BWO window is worth having rigged and ready for any rising fish you spot.

Best Access Points

• Below Bowman Dam (Top of Section): Access via N Paulina Hwy off US-26 near Prineville; park at the dam and wade down. The first mile below the dam consistently holds the highest density of fish.
• Chimney Rock Trailhead: BLM access off Hwy 27 south of Terrebonne; short hike to the river, beautiful canyon scenery, and good pocket water.
• Crooked River Ranch Area: Multiple BLM pullouts off Lower Crooked River Rd provide walk-in access to mid-canyon sections.
• Terry Johnson Memorial Rd Pullouts: Lower access for wading the canyon stretches near Terrebonne. Less pressure than top-of-run spots.

Regulations Reminder

• The upper section (from Bowman Dam downstream several miles) is fly fishing only — check current ODFW boundaries.
• Wild trout are catch-and-release only in the designated Wild and Scenic reach. Handle fish with care in cold water: wet your hands, minimize air time.
• Whitefish may be retained — check current limits in your reg booklet.

Hazards

• Low flows mean shallow, rocky wading — ankle rollers are a real hazard on the cobbled streambed. Use a wading staff.
• The canyon can be windy, especially on October afternoons. Keep a warm layer accessible.
• Rattlesnakes are less active in October but still present on warm days — watch your step on rocky trails.