River Conditions

The Crooked River tailwater is running elevated this morning at 1,150 cfs measured below Opal Springs — significantly above typical late-summer flows of 100–300 cfs in the tailwater section. This increase is likely driven by higher releases from Prineville Reservoir (Bowman Dam) combined with cold-water contributions from Opal Springs. The good news: water temperatures remain a superb 55.6°F, keeping trout active and well-oxygenated throughout the day.

Higher flows mean wading is more challenging and potentially dangerous in sections. The clarity is off-color, which actually works in the angler’s favor in some respects — trout are less spooky and more willing to commit to a fly. Nymphing deep seams and runs will be the most productive approach today. Anglers comfortable with higher flows should focus on slower inside bends and eddy lines where fish stack up to avoid the heavier current.

Note: The section immediately below Bowman Dam to approximately Mile Marker 8–10 remains the most productive stretch of the Crooked River tailwater. Flow conditions in that section may differ from the gauge reading at Opal Springs (which is several miles downstream and incorporates additional spring inflows).

Hatches & What’s Happening

The Crooked River tailwater is a year-round midge factory, and mid-August is no exception. With elevated flows, subsurface presentations will outperform dry fly fishing today, but expect windows of surface activity — especially in calmer eddies and tailouts.

• Midges (All Day): The Crooked’s bread and butter. Zebra Midges in size 20–24 are the go-to in black, red, or olive. Fish them as the point fly in a two-nymph rig with a Copper John or Pheasant Tail Nymph above as the anchor.
• PMDs – Pale Morning Duns: Some PMD activity is expected in the slower, shallower riffles. A size 16–18 Pheasant Tail Nymph in the emerger stage works well sub-surface. If you find a flat section with rising fish, a Parachute Adams size 16 is hard to beat.
• Small Caddis: Late-season caddis continue to make sporadic appearances, particularly in the runs between riffles. A size 16 Elk Hair Caddis or small dark Stimulator can pick up opportunistic fish during any surface activity windows.
• Streamers: With off-color water, larger patterns become more visible and can pull big brown and rainbow trout out of deep holding lies. A Woolly Bugger in olive or black (size 6–8) swung through deep runs and eddy seams can produce the fish of the day.

Top Flies for Today

• Zebra Midge — size 20–24, black/red/olive (the #1 Crooked River pattern)
• Pheasant Tail Nymph — size 16–18 (PMD emerger, universal nymph)
• Copper John — size 16–18, red (anchor dropper, great attractor)
• Woolly Bugger — size 6–8, olive/black (off-color water streamer)
• Parachute Adams — size 16–18 (dry fly for calmer eddy risers)
• Elk Hair Caddis — size 16, dark (small caddis imitation)
• Stimulator — size 14–16, dark olive (attractor/caddis combo)

Best Access Points

• Below Bowman Dam (Foot of Dam): Best access for the prime tailwater section. Flows closest to the dam will be most consistent; the cold, clear releases keep fish concentrated here year-round. Take OR-27 south from Prineville.
• Crooked River Ranch (Lower Section): Public BLM access via Lower Crooked River National Back Country Byway. Multiple pull-offs along the road corridor offer access to excellent nymph runs and riffle sections. Fish the inside bends in elevated flow conditions.
• Mile Marker 8 Area (Near Terrebonne Turnoff): A good mid-canyon access point. Walk up or downstream from the road pullout to find un-pressured water. Good eddy lines and seams hold fish today with off-color water.
• Lower Canyon / Opal Springs: Note that Opal Springs adds significant cold-water inflow here. Below this point the river is larger and higher. Above Opal Springs the section is typically lower and calmer.

Hazards & Reminders

• High water alert: At 1,150 cfs the Crooked is running well above normal — wading is difficult and potentially dangerous. Use a wading staff and wear a wading belt. Wade conservatively and avoid crossing in swift water.
• Rattlesnakes are active in the canyon in August — watch where you step and where you place your hands.
• Poison oak is present along the lower canyon trails — wear long pants and closed shoes.
• The canyon is fully exposed to the sun; carry plenty of water and sun protection on hot August days.
• Review current ODFW regulations — portions of the Crooked River tailwater may have special regulations regarding bait, gear, and retention.