Deschutes River › Fishing Report

Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph

Current Conditions Overview

The lower Deschutes is fishing well this first weekend of August, with classic mid-summer conditions taking hold in the Maupin corridor. USGS gauge data at Moody (gauge #14103000) shows the river running at 3,780 CFS with a water temperature of 63°F (17.3°C) — right in the sweet spot for active redband trout, though warming afternoons are pushing fish into early morning and evening windows.

⚠️ Fire & Smoke Advisory: Wildfires continue to burn in the hills surrounding Maupin, and smoke conditions remain a factor in the canyon. Check ODFW and local BLM advisories before heading out. No river closures are currently in effect, but conditions can change rapidly — stay updated via the Deschutes Angler or BLM fire maps before your trip.

Hatch Report

August on the Deschutes is all about caddis — and they’re showing up in force. Expect heavy Little Sister Sedge hatches in the evening hours, with fish going berserk on the surface from about 6 PM until last light. Earlier in the day, Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are the other main event, hatching from mid-morning into early afternoon in sizes 16–18. Scattered Trico activity has also been reported in calm backwater areas — expect spinners on the water by 8–9 AM on sunny mornings.

Top Fly Recommendations

• Elk Hair Caddis (sizes 14–16, tan/olive) — The go-to for evening surface action. Dead drift it, then give it a little skate as the hatch peaks.
• Chubby Chernobyl (sizes 8–10) — Excellent attractor and high-visibility indicator fly for rough pocket water above Sherars Falls.
• Stimulator (sizes 10–14, orange/yellow) — Deadly in fast, broken water. Trout can’t resist the silhouette.
• Parachute Adams (sizes 14–18) — Versatile mid-day option when PMDs are coming off or fish are sipping spent spinners.
• Pheasant Tail Nymph (sizes 14–18) — Fish as a dropper under your dry or on a tight-line nymphing setup; PMD nymphs are moving all day.

Best Access Points

Above Sherars Falls (Maupin area): Harpham Flat, Oak Springs Fish Hatchery pull-offs, and Maupin City Park boat ramp are excellent starting points for wade anglers. The pocket water and riffles immediately above Sherars Falls hold great numbers of fish and are accessible from the east bank. Sandy Beach BLM day-use area provides shaded access with easy bank fishing.

Below Sherars Falls: This stretch runs through a deep, rugged canyon best accessed by drift boat or raft. Put in at Sherars Bridge and float to Mack’s Canyon (approximately 22 miles) for the full experience. Beavertail Campground and South Junction offer wade access and overnight camping. Wading is possible but use caution — basalt is notoriously slippery.

Hazards & Notes

At 3,780 CFS, wading is manageable in most areas but requires attention — avoid deep crossings above Sherars Falls. Water temperatures will climb into the afternoon; fish mornings (6–10 AM) and evenings (6–9 PM) for the best action. A two-rod rig — one dry, one nymph dropper — maximizes your options throughout the day. Deschutes regulations: artificial flies and lures only below Pelton Dam. Catch and release is strongly encouraged for all wild redbands.

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