Deschutes River Fishing Report — July 24, 2026 | Maupin Area
Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Woolly Bugger
Deschutes River Fishing Report — July 24, 2026
Lower Deschutes | Maupin Area | Above & Below Sherars Falls
Current Flow: 3,860 CFS (USGS Gauge 14103000, Moody near Biggs — as of 5:45 AM PDT) | Water Temp: 65°F (18.4°C) | Clarity: Clear
Current Conditions Overview
The lower Deschutes is fishing well this week with flows holding steady at 3,860 CFS at the Moody gauge — a normal, fishable level for late July. The Maupin section will run somewhat lower than Moody readings as this gauge captures the entire drainage near the Columbia confluence. Water clarity remains excellent through the canyon, with no significant turbidity events reported.
A note on water temperature: At 65°F, the Deschutes is approaching the warm end of the comfort zone for trout. We strongly encourage anglers to fish early mornings (6–10 AM) and evenings (5–9 PM) when temperatures are coolest and fish are most active. Midday fishing pressure on warm July days can stress fish — please practice quick, careful releases and keep fish in the water.
Hatch Report
The legendary Deschutes caddis hatch is in full swing and this is the main event through late July. Evening hatches are peaking between 6:00–8:30 PM, with fish rising aggressively in riffles, runs, and tailouts along the canyon walls. Dead-drift or lightly skated caddis dries are producing explosive strikes.
- Caddis (Brachycentrus/Hydropsyche): Peak evening emergence — sizes 14–16
- PMDs (Pale Morning Duns): Spotty morning hatches in slower pools and flats, sizes 16–18
- BWOs (Blue-Winged Olives): Watch for sporadic afternoon emergences on overcast stretches
- Stonefly nymphs: Salmonflies have moved upriver and off the Maupin stretch, but large golden stonefly nymphs remain effective subsurface
Top Fly Recommendations
Dry Flies (Prime Time: Evening):
- Elk Hair Caddis (sizes 14–16, tan/brown) — The go-to for the evening hatch; fish it in the film or twitch it slightly at the end of the drift
- Chubby Chernobyl (size 10–12, tan/orange) — Excellent attractor pattern for broken riffles and pocket water throughout the day; works as a dry-dropper indicator
- Stimulator (size 12–14, orange/yellow) — Outstanding in fast pocket water above Sherars Falls; mimics caddis and stonefly adults effectively
- Parachute Adams (size 16–18) — A reliable all-day searching pattern for pods of rising fish in flats
Nymphs & Streamers:
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (sizes 14–16) — Dead-drift under an indicator through riffles and runs; deadly during PMD windows
- Copper John (sizes 14–16, red/green) — High-density attractor nymph for deep runs and faster pocket water
- Woolly Bugger (size 6–8, black/olive) — Strip through deep canyon pools and along boulder edges for aggressive redband trout and the occasional bull trout
Best Access Points — Maupin Area
- Maupin City Park — Easy public access, ideal for wade fishing the town run; park at city park
- Harpham Flat BLM Campground — Excellent wade access to long riffles and runs below Maupin; roughly 5 miles downstream
- Long Bend BLM — Remote canyon access with less pressure; stunning cliff-lined runs
- Buckhollow (Hwy 216 bridge area) — Good access to the river near the confluence stretch; wade carefully on the slick basalt
- Above Sherars Falls: Access via Hwy 216 corridor offers prime dry fly runs for the evening hatch; below the falls, expect larger redband trout in deeper canyon pools
Hazards & Closures
- The lower Deschutes from the mouth to Heritage Landing is open to fishing year-round. No current emergency closures reported.
- Sherars Falls is a sacred site — please respect tribal fishing operations and posted closures on the falls itself.
- Rattlesnakes are active in the canyon — watch your step on rocky banks and near basalt outcrops.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in the canyon in late July — be aware of flash flood potential in side canyons and check the forecast before camping.
Flow data: USGS Gauge 14103000 (Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR) — provisional data subject to revision. Report date: July 24, 2026. Fish responsibly — we will see you on the water!