Deschutes River › Fishing Report

Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Zebra Midge

Lower Deschutes River — Maupin Corridor & Sherars Falls | August 23, 2026

Summary: The lower Deschutes is in good shape heading into the final weekend of August. Flows are running at a healthy 3,860 CFS (USGS gauge 14103000 at Moody, as of this morning), and water temps are measuring 63.9°F at the gauge — expect slightly warmer readings of 66–68°F through the Maupin and Sherars Falls corridor as the afternoon sun warms the shallower canyon reaches. That puts fish right at the sweet spot: active enough to feed, but savvy enough to be selective. One notable caveat this week: wildfire smoke is present in the canyon — air quality has been variable with reduced visibility reported in and around Maupin. Plan early-morning or evening sessions when smoke tends to lift and temperatures are most favorable.

💧 Flow & Water Conditions

• Flow: 3,860 CFS (USGS #14103000, Moody near Biggs — provisional, as of 5:45 AM PDT)
• Water Temp: 63.9°F at gauge; 66–68°F estimated in the Maupin corridor
• Clarity: Clear — visibility to 4–6 ft in most sections

At these flows the river is wading-accessible at most traditional access points, though wade with care and use a wading staff — particularly above Sherars Falls where the canyon narrows and currents intensify. Bank anglers should target slower seam water and tailouts where trout are staging to feed on drifting insects.

Hatch Activity

August on the Deschutes means caddis, caddis, and more caddis. Evening caddis flights have been heavy from Maupin down through Locked Gate — swarms of size 14–16 tan and olive caddis coming off from late afternoon into dark. The fishing during the hatch is fast and furious, with redside rainbows willing to charge a well-presented or skated dry fly. Mornings are producing Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) and scattered Tricos in the slower flats above town. Midday brings a productive nymphing window before the evening hatch fires up again. Keep an eye out for occasional Pale Evening Duns (PEDs) in the last two hours of light.

Top Fly Recommendations

• Elk Hair Caddis (size 14–16, tan/olive) — THE pattern right now for evening dry fly action on the Deschutes
• Stimulator (size 14, orange/yellow) — great attractor during mid-afternoon and for searching pocket water above and below Sherars
• Chubby Chernobyl (size 10–12) — fish it as a hopper imitation or as a caddis dropper indicator in broken water
• Parachute Adams (size 16–18) — covers PMD dun and spinner activity during morning hours in flat water
• Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 16, beadhead) — midday nymphing staple; dead-drift through deeper runs and pockets
• Copper John (size 16, red or green) — excellent dropper off a dry fly, especially through faster pocket water sections
• Zebra Midge (size 20–22) — carry a few for slow, clear flat sections where fish are keying on micro-midges

All of the above are available at bugsnjugs.com — stock up before you head to the canyon.

Best Access Points

• Maupin City Park / Harpham Flat — easy walk-in access with good parking; excellent evening caddis water
• Heritage Landing — strong mid-river seam water, park and wade; a local favorite
• Beavertail Campground — wade access to excellent riffle and run structure; camp and fish
• Sandy Beach (above Sherars) — productive flat-water reach; wade into the main channel seams at dusk
• Sherars Bridge — watch for Native American dipnet fishers active on the falls — give them wide berth and respect their access
• Mack's Canyon — boat-in access below Locked Gate; pristine canyon water and fewer crowds on weekdays

Hazards & Notices

• Wildfire Smoke: Reduced visibility and poor air quality reported in the Maupin area — check AQI before heading out
• Water Temps: If afternoon temps push above 68°F, please minimize fight times and consider voluntary catch-and-release to protect fish health
• Whitewater: Sherars Falls is a Class IV/V rapid — portage required; do not attempt in a drift boat without significant experience
• Tribal Fishery: Warm Springs tribal dipnet fishing is active at Sherars Falls — stay clear of designated tribal fishing areas

Flow data sourced from USGS gauge 14103000 (Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR). Water temperature 17.7°C (63.9°F). Provisional data subject to revision. Report compiled by Bugs N Jugs, your Central Oregon fly fishing headquarters.

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