Deschutes River Fishing Report – August 10, 2026
Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John
Deschutes River Fishing Report – August 10, 2026
Flow: 3,800 cfs (USGS Gauge #14103000, Moody near Biggs) | Water Temp: 63°F | Clarity: Clear | Conditions: Good
Current Conditions
The lower Deschutes is fishing well as we move into the heart of August. Following its July 31st seasonal reopening, the river is in excellent shape — flows are running at 3,800 cfs at the Moody gauge (USGS #14103000, near Biggs), right in line with typical summer levels. Water temperatures checked in at 63°F this morning, comfortably below the stress threshold for the river's prized redside rainbows. Clarity is excellent with the Deschutes running crystal clear through the Maupin corridor. Warm, sunny weather is forecast through the week — plan to fish early mornings and evenings when temps and surface activity peak.
Fire Note: Wildfire smoke has been reported in the Central Oregon region this season. Check local air quality and road conditions before heading to the canyon, and be aware of any BLM fire closures affecting canyon access roads.
Hatch Activity
August on the lower Deschutes means one thing: caddis. The evening caddis hatch is at or near its seasonal peak, with tan and olive caddis (sizes #14–16) blanketing the surface from late afternoon through dusk. Expect explosive surface action during this window — redside rainbows stack up in riffles and tailouts, sipping caddis in unmistakable rhythmic rises. Early mornings bring Trico spinner falls in flatter sections, while Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) trickle off mid-morning. Yellow Sallies remain active throughout the day. Golden stoneflies are winding down but adult patterns are still worth throwing along bankside structure and willows.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Elk Hair Caddis #14–16 — the essential dry for the evening caddis blitz; fish tan or olive, dead-drift through rising fish or skitter across riffles to trigger strikes
- Stimulator #12–14 — outstanding searching pattern and Yellow Sally imitation; cover broken water and riffles all day
- Chubby Chernobyl #10–12 — big attractor that doubles as a stonefly/hopper combo and an ideal high-vis strike indicator above a nymph dropper
- Parachute Adams #14–16 — reliable PMD and general emerger pattern; go-to for mid-morning rises in slower runs and flat water
- Pheasant Tail Nymph #14–18 — bread-and-butter subsurface choice; dead-drift below a caddis dry when surface activity is slow
- Copper John #14–16 — heavy nymph to get down in fast runs; excellent as a dropper off a Chubby Chernobyl through the riffles
Best Access Points
In the Maupin area, Heritage Landing, Maupin City Park, and Sandy Beach offer good wading with roadside parking. The Heritage Flats area above Sherars Falls fishes well with lighter pressure. Downstream, Nena Acres, Beavertail, Macks Canyon, and Trout Creek are popular walk-in wading spots with solid public access along the canyon road. Below Sherars Falls the canyon grows more remote — a float trip by raft or drift boat is the best way to access prime mid-river holding water.
Hazards & Closures
The lower Deschutes (mouth to the northern Warm Springs Reservation boundary) reopened July 31st — native fish only, check current ODFW regulations for this section. Rattlesnakes are active on warm sunny days; watch your footing on rocky banks and brush. On hot afternoons, water temps can push the upper comfort limit for trout — shift your effort to early morning (before 10 AM) and late evening (after 5 PM) for best fishing and fish welfare.