Crooked River Fishing Report – November 4, 2026 | Below Bowman Dam
Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Copper John
Crooked River Fishing Report
November 4, 2026 | Below Bowman Dam to Terrebonne / Crooked River Ranch
The Crooked River is in solid early-November form, offering some of the best tailwater trout fishing in Central Oregon. The USGS gauge below Opal Springs (gauge #14087400, near Culver) is reading 1,240 cfs and 53.4°F as of this morning. This downstream gauge captures significant spring inflow from Opal Springs — flows in the prime fishing corridor between Bowman Dam and the lower canyon (above Terrebonne and Crooked River Ranch) are regulated by the dam and running considerably lower, providing good wading conditions through the canyon reach.
Current Conditions
The Crooked River fishes as a true tailwater — Bowman Dam holds back Prineville Reservoir and regulates flows year-round through the canyon. After a dry October where canyon flows dipped into the 35–40 cfs range, November precipitation has helped bring conditions closer to seasonal norms. Water temperatures at 53.4°F are ideal for active trout feeding, and fish are in excellent condition. The canyon section between Bowman Dam and Smith Rock area offers clear, fishable water with good visibility — expect to sight-fish to rising trout during hatch windows. The lower canyon accessible via Chimney Rock and Terrebonne gives good bank access.
Hatch Activity
November on the Crooked is classic midge and BWO territory. Midges (Chironomids, sz 20–24) are the bread and butter — fish midge larva and pupa patterns subsurface all day, with cluster emergers near the surface during low-light. Blue Wing Olives (Baetis, sz 18–22) hatch reliably midday when temperatures warm, bringing fish to the surface in the pool tails and slower glides. This is the ideal time to present a small dry to visibly rising fish. Small caddis nymphs may still be productive through mid-November. No significant PMD or larger dry-fly activity until spring.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Zebra Midge (sz 20–22) — the definitive Crooked River fly; run it under an indicator or as a dry-dropper below a Chubby
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (sz 16–20) — BWO nymph imitation; gold-bead version works well in faster water
- Chubby Chernobyl (sz 14) — excellent indicator fly for a dry-dropper rig; keeps midges and nymphs suspended perfectly
- Parachute Adams (sz 18–20) — present during the midday BWO hatch to rising fish in the slick runs
- Copper John (sz 16–18) — attractor nymph that picks up fish throughout the day in riffles and runs
Access Points
The Lower Crooked River Recreation Area (BLM-managed canyon) provides the primary access below Bowman Dam. The canyon trail on river left offers walk-in access to quality pocket water and pools. The Chimney Rock area and Terrebonne bridge are popular starting points. Crooked River Ranch residents have access via the ranch road corridor. Smith Rock State Park provides scenic access to the lower end of this reach with good bank fishing on both sides.
Hazards & Closures
- The Crooked River below Bowman Dam is open year-round for catch-and-release with artificial flies and lures
- Watch for slippery basalt ledges — wading the canyon requires care especially after any rainfall
- Flow levels from Bowman Dam can be adjusted without warning — always check current USGS data before wading deep
- November days are short — plan to be off the water well before dark
Stock up on Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tails, and Chubby Chernobyls at bugsnjugs.com — the Crooked River will eat through your midge box fast!