Deschutes River Fishing Report – August 24, 2026 | Maupin Area
Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph
Deschutes River Fishing Report — August 24, 2026
Current Conditions
The lower Deschutes is fishing well this Monday morning in late August. USGS gauge data recorded at 5:45 AM PDT puts flows at 3,860 CFS at Moody — a healthy, fishable summer level that has dropped slightly from last week’s 3,940 CFS. Water clarity is clear, and the river is in good shape from Heritage Landing down through Maupin and on to Macks Canyon. A note of caution: water temperature is sitting right at 64°F, approaching the upper threshold for trout welfare. Plan your sessions around cooler windows — early mornings (6–9 AM) and evening hours (6–8 PM) will be your best bets. Consider releasing fish quickly and minimizing fight times during the afternoon heat.
Hatch Activity
August on the lower Deschutes is caddis season, full stop. Evening caddis hatches (primarily Dicosmoecus and smaller October caddis precursors) are the main event right now, with fish slashing at the surface from late afternoon into dusk. Earlier in the day, look for a mixed bag of PMDs and Pale Evening Duns in the slower riffled sections, especially above Sherars Falls near the Maupin town reach. Scattered Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) remain active in the mornings in size 16–18. Yellow Sallies continue to provide subsurface and surface action mid-morning. With seasonal smoke possible from area wildfires, light diffused days can actually turn on fish earlier and extend surface feeding windows.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Elk Hair Caddis (sizes 14–16, tan/olive) — the go-to surface fly for evening rises; fish it dead-drift with an occasional twitch in tailouts
- Chubby Chernobyl (sizes 10–12, tan/orange) — excellent attractor and indicator fly; use it to search broken water above and below Sherars Falls
- Stimulator (sizes 10–14, yellow/orange) — prime for the riffled runs between Oak Springs and Macks Canyon drift; doubles as a Yellow Sally imitation
- Parachute Adams (sizes 14–18) — versatile mid-morning option when PMDs are on; visible in low-light conditions near the canyon walls
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (sizes 14–18, beadhead) — fish it in a two-nymph rig below a Chubby through the deeper slots and seams; consistent producer all day
Access Points & Logistics
Above Sherars Falls (Maupin reach): Access from Maupin City Park and Heritage Landing off Hwy 197. Wade fishing is excellent in this section; the gradient is mild and wading at current flows is manageable for experienced anglers. Below Sherars Falls: Drift boat access from Sherars Falls boat launch to Macks Canyon (Class III rapids at current flows — scout before running). Walk-in access at Macks Canyon campground for bank and wade anglers. South Junction and Trout Creek also provide good pullout access along the lower canyon road.
Hazards & Notes
Rattlesnakes are active in the canyon during August — watch your step on rocky banks. With temperatures reaching the mid-to-upper 80s this week, bring plenty of water. No current closures reported for the lower Deschutes public section. Tribal water above the Warm Springs Reservation boundary requires a tribal fishing permit — confirm boundaries before fishing north of the river’s upper public access points. Data is provisional per USGS.