Deschutes River Fishing Report – August 18, 2026 | Evening Caddis in Full Swing
Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Zebra Midge
Deschutes River Fishing Report — August 18, 2026
Lower Deschutes | Maupin Area | Above & Below Sherars Falls
Current Conditions Overview
The Lower Deschutes is delivering some of the best dry-fly action of the summer right now. Flow is running at 3,920 CFS at the USGS gauge at Moody (gauge 14103000), a healthy and very fishable summer level. Water temperature recorded at the gauge this morning was 63.7°F at the lower river; expect temperatures in the Maupin canyon to run a few degrees warmer, pushing toward 67–68°F by afternoon. Air quality remains a concern as patchy wildfire smoke continues to drift through the canyon corridor — check airnow.gov before heading out, and stay aware of any road/access closures related to fire activity in the surrounding Ochoco and Warm Springs areas.
Water Clarity & Flow
Clarity is clear to very clear throughout the fishable canyon. At 3,920 CFS, the river is moving with authority but remains well within the wading zone for experienced anglers using studded boots and a wading staff. Expect strong seams, pushy mid-channel runs, and productive tailouts from Heritage Flats down through Mack’s Canyon. Below Sherars Falls, the river broadens and offers exceptional wade access to classic Deschutes pocket water.
Hatch Activity
August on the Deschutes means one thing above all else: caddis. The Spotted Sedge (#14–16) hatch is firing heavy each evening from roughly 6 PM until dark, and fish are throwing caution to the wind in the tailouts and riffles when it gets going. This is the dry-fly show that made the Deschutes famous. Earlier in the day, look for:
- Midges (#20–24): Active from first light through mid-morning; fish the slower inside bends and flats with small emergers.
- Blue-Winged Olives (#18–22): Moderate activity 9 AM–noon, especially in overcast or smoky light — those hazy skies can actually extend the BWO window.
- Pale Morning Duns (#16–20): Spotty midday, but worth having PMD nymphs in your dropper rotation.
- Golden Stoneflies: Still a few large adults fluttering around early morning — a big attractor pattern in #6–8 can surprise you on the swing.
Top Fly Recommendations
Dry Flies: Our Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16, tan or olive) is the evening workhorse right now — dead-drift it through the tailouts and skate it in the riffle edges. The Chubby Chernobyl (#10–12) pulls double duty as an indicator and attractor during the day, while the Parachute Adams (#16–18) covers BWO and PMD activity with a single fly. For those explosive evening caddis rises, the Stimulator (#14–16, orange) is deadly on the swing through the seams.
Nymphs: Start mornings with a Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16–18) under an indicator, set deep (1.5× water depth) with enough split shot to tick the bottom. Add a Zebra Midge (#20) as a dropper for a deadly two-fly nymph rig in the soft inside seams.
Best Access Points
- Maupin City Park & Heritage Flats: Easy walk-in access, excellent wade fishing on both banks. Park at the city park off US-197.
- Above Sherars Falls: Take Hwy 216 west; the BLM gravel road provides walk-in access to productive canyon water. Shuttle fishing is popular here.
- Below Sherars Falls: Access via the Deschutes River State Recreation Area; float fishing from rafts and driftboats is excellent in this section.
- Mack’s Canyon: 25 miles downstream from Maupin via Bakeoven Road; walk-in BLM access, outstanding trophy water, less pressure.
Hazards & Notes
Water temps approaching 68°F through the midday hours put thermal stress on trout. Practice catch-and-release best practices: barbless hooks, wet hands, keep fish in the water, and release quickly. Consider taking a midday break from 1–5 PM and fishing mornings and evenings when temps are cooler. Smoke hazard: Monitor air quality and be prepared to exit the canyon if conditions deteriorate. No current closures reported, but check ODFW and BLM notices before heading out.