Deschutes River Fishing Report — August 5, 2026: Caddis, Hoppers & Summer Canyon Conditions
Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Woolly Bugger
Deschutes River Daily Fishing Report — August 5, 2026
Lower Deschutes | Maupin Area | Above & Below Sherars Falls
Flow: 3,800 CFS (USGS Gauge 14103000, Moody near Biggs, OR — as of 5:45 AM PDT)
Water Temperature: 61°F (16.3°C)
Clarity: Clear
Overall Conditions: Good
Current Conditions
The lower Deschutes is flowing at 3,800 CFS through the Maupin canyon — a solid, fishable summer level putting trout in feeding lanes throughout the classic runs above and below Sherars Falls. Water temperatures are holding at a comfortable 61°F, well within the ideal range for active wild redband rainbow trout. Clarity is excellent with the characteristic blue-green tint that makes the lower Deschutes one of the most beautiful — and technical — fisheries in the Pacific Northwest.
⚠️ Fire & Access Update: Wildfire activity impacted access in late July. The BLM lifted the Segment 1 closure on July 28, restoring boat launch access at Trout Creek; however, Warm Springs and Mecca Flat boat ramps were still closed as of that date. Always verify current access with the BLM Prineville District at 541-416-6700 and TripCheck.com before heading out. The Maupin town area and immediate river access points remained open throughout the fire activity.
Hatch Activity
August on the lower Deschutes is all about caddis and terrestrials. Evening caddis flights have been dense and consistent, with wild redbands sipping spent adults well into dusk in the slower tail-outs below riffles. Daytime grasshopper action is ramping up as summer populations peak in the canyon grasslands — expect explosive takes along the basalt walls. Sporadic PMD activity continues in the mornings in flatter glides above Sherars Falls. Midges remain a reliable early-morning backup before the day warms.
Top Fly Recommendations
For dry fly fishing, the Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16) is your primary evening pattern — dead-drift it through rising fish or skitter it across the surface to imitate egg-laying adults. The Chubby Chernobyl (#8–10) in golden or tan is the go-to hopper imitation; fish it along undercut banks and canyon walls for explosive strikes. The Stimulator (#8–12) in yellow or orange excels during midday when hoppers are falling and doubles as a strike indicator for a nymph dropper. The Parachute Adams (#14–18) is your best all-around searching pattern in pocket water around Sherars Falls.
Below the surface, the Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–18) swung or dead-drifted has been producing as caddis pupae migrate to the surface. The Copper John (#14–16) in red or gold reaches the bottom in deeper runs and slots where big fish hold. When nothing else is working in low light, swing a Woolly Bugger (#6–8) in olive or black through the big tail-outs — the lower Deschutes holds some genuinely large fish that love a moving target.
Best Access Points
- Maupin City Park / Harpham Flat — Prime wade fishing with easy parking; ideal for morning PMDs and evening caddis rises
- Above Sherars Falls — Excellent pocket water for dry flies; fish the seams and runs throughout the upper canyon
- Sherar's Bridge (Below Sherars Falls) — Wade the west bank runs for evening caddis risers; be mindful of tribal fishing activity at the falls
- Trout Creek Boat Ramp — Float access restored July 28; confirm current BLM status before launching
Angler Tips
Time your day smartly: hit the water by 7:00 AM with Pheasant Tails and Copper Johns, transition to PMD dries by mid-morning, take a midday break from the canyon heat, then return for the prime afternoon hopper session and stay through dusk for the caddis explosion. Fish inside seams and slack-water edges where spent caddis collect in the film. Check air quality before your trip — smoke can still linger in the canyon on calm days. Stock up on Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyls, Stimulators, and Pheasant Tail Nymphs at bugsnjugs.com before hitting the water.