Crooked River Fishing Report – November 1, 2026 | Flows Restored, Midges Are On
Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Parachute Adams, Copper John
Crooked River – Tailwater Below Bowman Dam | November 1, 2026
Flow: 1,190 CFS (USGS Gauge #14087400 – Crooked River below Opal Springs, near Culver, OR) | Water Temp: 54°F (12.0°C) | Clarity: Clear
Current Conditions
Big news for Crooked River devotees: today is November 1st, and flows are back. Bowman Dam reduced releases to critically low levels (around 10 CFS) beginning September 15th to accommodate late-season irrigation demands — a tough stretch for the fishery and anyone who loves it. That period ends today. The dam is restoring seasonal flows, and the tailwater is coming back online. The USGS gauge below Opal Springs (where major spring inflows join downstream) reads 1,190 CFS and 54°F, while the prime fly fishing section between Bowman Dam and Lone Pine Bridge runs at the regulated tailwater release, which will normalize over the next day or two as the river flushes and stabilizes. Water clarity is excellent — this spring-fed tailwater runs crystal clear virtually year-round.
Expect the fish to be hungry and a bit less pressured than normal after six weeks of low-flow conditions. November is historically one of the Crooked's finest months — cool temps, consistent midge activity, and aggressive redbands.
Hatches & What's Working
November on the Crooked is a midge and Blue-Winged Olive show, and the fish know it. Midge hatches run throughout the day with peak activity in the late morning and early afternoon. Start with a Zebra Midge in size 20-22 (black/silver or red/silver) fished as a dropper under a small, low-profile indicator. Get it slow and deep through the deeper pockets and runs below the dam — these fish are sitting in the seams and feeding actively subsurface.
BWO hatches typically pop on overcast November afternoons. When heads start breaking the surface, switch to a Parachute Adams in size 16-18 and work the risers delicately. These redbands are smart fish — they've seen a lot of flies — so a longer, thinner presentation on 6X tippet is the minimum; 7X isn't overkill on the calmer sections.
Subsurface, a two-nymph rig with a Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 16-18) above a Copper John (size 16, red or bead-head copper) covers the water column beautifully. Fish the runs with a natural drift and mend early to avoid drag. Strip-set gently — these aren't big-river steelhead.
Best Access Points
The prime stretch runs from the Bowman Dam day-use area downstream approximately 8 miles toward Mile Marker 12 on Hwy 27. The first 3 miles below the dam are consistently the most productive — fish density is highest here. The Chimney Rock Recreation Area (BLM) offers good parking and bank access mid-section. Crooked River Ranch access roads provide additional entry points for the lower reaches. Respect private property — there are inholdings along this corridor.
Hazards & Closures
As flows transition from the low-water period back to seasonal levels, expect fluctuating currents and slightly disturbed bottom sediment for the first day or two. Watch your footing — rocks will have algae growth from the low-flow period. Check current ODFW regulations: this section is catch-and-release for wild redband trout. No closures reported as of today. The canyon can get chilly in November — dress in layers and bring rain gear.
Flow and temperature data sourced from USGS Gauge #14087400 (Crooked River below Opal Springs, near Culver, OR). Readings as of 4:00 AM PST, November 1, 2026. Provisional data subject to revision.