Deschutes River Fishing Report – August 29, 2026 | Evening Caddis Heating Up Below Sherars Falls
Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John
Deschutes River Daily Report — August 29, 2026
Current Conditions
The lower Deschutes is fishing well heading into the final weekend of August. Flows at the Moody gauge are holding at 3,860 CFS — a moderate, fishable level for the season that keeps wade anglers in business at Maupin and gives driftboat crews plenty of water to work. Water clarity is excellent, running gin-clear through the basalt canyon. Water temperatures measured 62.6°F this morning, which is right on the edge — trout are active but mid-day heat will push the best action to early morning and evening windows. A note of caution: smoke haze has been reported periodically across the canyon from surrounding wildfire activity. Check conditions before you head out and be prepared to adjust if air quality deteriorates. No current closures on the lower river.
Hatch Activity
It's the classic late-August Deschutes story: caddis own the evening. Net-spinning caddis (Hydropsychidae) are the main event, and the evening push from roughly 6–9 PM is exactly when you want to be positioned in the tailouts and riffles below Sherars Falls. Fish are sliding out of their lies and slashing surface caddis as canyon light fades — some of the most visual, addictive dry-fly fishing of the season. During the day, look for scattered Pale Morning Dun activity in the mornings and opportunistic midday nymphing along the edges and mid-river seams. Above Sherars Falls in the Maupin town section, caddis dries can produce fish throughout the afternoon if you find shade-cooled water.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16) — the go-to evening surface fly; fish it dead-drift then skate it through the swing
- Stimulator (#10–14, orange/tan) — doubles as an attractor and caddis imitation; deadly when fish are aggressively surface-feeding
- Chubby Chernobyl (#8–10) — massive foam attractor for big fish willing to move; also a great hopper/cricket imitation as late summer terrestrials become a factor
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–18) — fished under an indicator through the riffles mid-day when surface action is slow; pick up PMD nymphs holding in the faster seams
- Copper John (#14–16, red or natural) — weight it up and dead-drift deep through the plunge pools below Sherars Falls for the resident bulls holding on the bottom
Best Access Points
Above Sherars Falls: Maupin City Park boat launch and wade access along the town stretch; Heritage Flats (excellent wading, classic riffle/run water). Below Sherars Falls: Locked Gate day-use area, South Junction, Mack's Canyon (campground and ramp), and Trout Creek (BLM). All provide walk-in wade access and drift boat launch/takeout options. The canyon road is open; call Maupin City Hall or check the BLM Prineville District for any late-season road conditions before the drive in.
Bottom Line
Get to the water by late afternoon, pick your tailout, and be ready when the caddis clock ticks over at dusk. This is the Deschutes at its most dramatic — don't miss it.