Crooked River Fishing Report — May 9, 2026
Elk Hair Caddis, Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Parachute Adams, Woolly Bugger
Crooked River — Below Bowman Dam (Crooked River Ranch / Terrebonne Area)
The Crooked River tailwater is serving up its annual Mother's Day Caddis event right on schedule, and the hatches have been nothing short of biblical according to local reports this week. While fish have been slightly more selective than usual during the heaviest surface activity, the overall fishing has been solid and the river is in fishable shape heading into the weekend.
Current Conditions
USGS gauge data recorded this morning at the Crooked River below Opal Springs (near Culver) shows flow at 1,130 cfs with water temperature at 54.7°F (12.6°C). Note that Opal Springs — a major cold-water tributary — enters the Crooked downstream of Bowman Dam and significantly boosts flows at that gauge; the prime tailwater fishing section from Bowman Dam through the first 10 miles runs at considerably lower flows. Water clarity in the tailwater section remains clear, which is typical for this dam-regulated reach. Water temps are ideal for both insect activity and active trout feeding.
Hatch Activity
May is one of the most exciting months on the Crooked, and the bugs are cooperating. Current and upcoming hatches include:
- Mother's Day Caddis (Brachycentrus) — The signature hatch of the Crooked River spring season. Dense emergences have been occurring, with egg-laying females particularly active in the afternoons. Caddis patterns with bright green egg sacs are key right now.
- Midges — Still present in the mornings and during cooler overcast conditions. Consistent activity throughout most of the day.
- Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) — Beginning to taper off but still worth having a few tied on for overcast days with rising fish.
- Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) — Starting to show up in the afternoons; expect this to intensify through mid-May.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Elk Hair Caddis, #14–16 (olive/tan) — The classic surface caddis imitation. Peacock body versions have been especially productive on this river.
- Zebra Midge, #18–22 — Reliable all-day producer in the morning hours and during slower afternoon periods between hatches.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph, #16–18 — A universal nymph that covers BWO and PMD emerger activity. Dead-drift through the riffles and seams.
- Copper John, #16–18 — Gets down fast in the pocketwater above Terrebonne. Excellent attractor nymph when fish are stacked in the faster chutes.
- Parachute Adams, #16–18 — When fish are selectively sipping in slower flats, a generic parachute will often outfish more specific imitations.
- Woolly Bugger (olive), #8–10 — Swinging a leech through the deeper pools early morning can bring up some of the bigger rainbows before the crowds arrive.
Access & Logistics
Concentrate your efforts on the first 10 miles below Bowman Dam — this stretch holds the highest density of fish in the entire system. The Crooked River Ranch area and Ogden Wayside State Park are popular access points and may be crowded on weekends. Felt-soled or studded wading boots are strongly recommended as the algae-covered basalt is extremely slick. All fishing is catch-and-release for trout in this designated Wild Trout section. Tight lines!