Deschutes River Fishing Report — August 19, 2026
Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Stimulator, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Woolly Bugger
Deschutes River Fishing Report — August 19, 2026
Current Conditions at a Glance
- Flow: 3,890 CFS (USGS Gauge 14103000 — Deschutes at Moody, near Biggs, OR)
- Water Temperature: 63°F (17.4°C) — measured this morning
- Clarity: Clear
- Overall Rating: Good — excellent evening windows, warm mid-day
Conditions Report
The Lower Deschutes is in solid summer form this Wednesday, August 19th. Flows at the Moody gauge are running 3,890 CFS — a healthy, fishable level typical of a warm August on the lower river. The river is pushing clean and clear through the canyon, giving anglers good visibility to holding fish. Water temperatures clocked in at 63°F this morning, comfortable enough for trout activity but trending toward the warm end by mid-afternoon.
The big story right now is the evening caddis hatch. Reports from local fly shops confirm the caddis hatch has been exceptional in recent weeks, with massive spinner falls lighting up the surface from late afternoon through dark. If you are not on the water by 5:00 PM, you are missing the best dry fly action of the day. Fish are stacked in the riffles and tailouts, freely rising to caddis imitations fished on a drag-free drift.
Morning fishing is excellent as well. Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) and Tricos are hatching between 7:00–10:00 AM, bringing selective trout to the surface in the slower flat sections. Nymphing is productive all day — the fish don't stop eating just because the hatch slows. Run a Pheasant Tail Nymph or Copper John under a strike indicator through the deeper pocket water and seams for consistent action between hatches.
Exciting news: the first summer steelhead are beginning to show in the lower river. These chrome fish entered the Deschutes in late July and runs will build through September and October. Swing a Woolly Bugger or classic wet fly through the deeper runs and seams — particularly in the Maupin Canyon and below Sherars Falls — for a shot at one of Oregon's iconic game fish.
Active Hatches (August)
- Caddis (Grannom / Little Sister Sedge): Heavy evening hatch — #14–16 tan and olive. The star of August on the Deschutes.
- Pale Morning Dun (PMD): Morning hatch, 7–10 AM — #16–18
- Trico: Early morning spinner falls in flat water — #20–22
- Yellow Sally (small stonefly): Daytime activity in riffles — #14–16
- Terrestrials: Hoppers, ants, and beetles are productive throughout the day, especially near grassy banks
Top Fly Recommendations
Dry Flies:
- Elk Hair Caddis — #14–16 (tan, olive, brown) | Evening caddis hatch — do not leave the truck without a box of these
- Chubby Chernobyl — #8–10 | Excellent attractor and hopper pattern, doubles as a dry-dropper rig anchor
- Parachute Adams — #14–18 | Versatile all-day producer, matches PMDs and caddis in a pinch
- Stimulator — #12–14 (yellow/orange) | Yellow Sally and late stonefly imitation, high visibility in riffled water
Nymphs:
- Pheasant Tail Nymph — #16–18 | The go-to sub-surface pattern on the Deschutes, year-round producer
- Copper John — #14–16 (red, copper) | Heavy enough to get down in faster currents, triggers aggressive strikes
- Woolly Bugger — #6–8 (olive, black) | Swing for summer steelhead in deep runs and tailouts, or strip for aggressive resident trout
Best Access Points
- Maupin City Park (Maupin): Easy public access, great for wade fishing the town reach. Restrooms and parking available.
- Beavertail Campground: Excellent access to productive canyon water above Sherars Falls. Popular with float and wade anglers.
- Harpham Flat: Classic lower Deschutes access just south of Maupin. Wide gravel bars, good wading, excellent caddis water.
- Sherars Falls: Below the falls provides access to the remote lower canyon — pack-in or raft access. Prime summer steelhead water.
- Trout Creek (BLM): Lower canyon access point with camping, good for float trips beginning/ending here.
- Macks Canyon: End-of-road access to the lower canyon. Walk-in wade fishing or drift boat launch.
Hazards & Notices
- Canyon Heat: August temperatures in the Deschutes canyon can hit 85–95°F by early afternoon. Start early, bring plenty of water, and seek shade during mid-day heat.
- Wildfire Smoke: Central Oregon fire season is active. Check current air quality (airnow.gov) and Oregon Dept. of Forestry fire closure notices before your trip. Smoke conditions can change rapidly.
- Rattlesnakes: Watch your footing in rocky canyon terrain, especially when scrambling to access the river.
- Wading Safety: The Deschutes runs fast and rocky. Felt soles or wading boots with studs recommended. A wading staff is a wise choice at 3,890 CFS.
- Camping Permits: Overnight camping in the lower canyon requires a self-issue camping permit. Leave No Trace principles apply.