Deschutes River Fishing Report – July 27, 2026: Evening Caddis Action & Ten Mile Fire Closure Update
Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Copper John, Pheasant Tail Nymph
Deschutes River Fishing Report – July 27, 2026
FIRE CLOSURE ALERT: As of July 24, 2026, the Lower Deschutes River corridor from Warm Springs downstream to the Locked Gate just south of Maupin has been closed to all visitors due to the Ten Mile Fire near Trout Creek. The closure was initially set through July 26 but may remain in effect. Check current BLM and ODFW closures before heading out. Access to Maupin City Park, Heritage Flats, and the reach north of Maupin toward Macks Canyon remains open at this time.
Current Conditions
- Flow (USGS Gauge 14103000 – Moody): 3,920 CFS (as of 5:45 AM PDT, July 27)
- Water Temperature: 64°F (17.7°C) — on the warmer end for trout; fish early and evening
- Clarity: Clear — classic summer low-and-clear conditions
The Lower Deschutes is firmly in its summer mode: gin-clear water, selective fish, and a spectacular evening caddis hatch that makes the wait worthwhile. Flows at 3,920 CFS are solid and fishable throughout the open sections. Water at 64°F is manageable but warmer than ideal — plan your fishing for early morning and the evening window to reduce stress on fish during summer heat.
What's Hatching
The hatch menu right now is classic mid-summer Deschutes: caddis dominate the evening, with PMDs (Pale Morning Duns) and stonefly activity filling in the midday hours. The caddis hatch has been kicking off around 3–5 PM and running until dark. Expect to see fish rising confidently along the far bank seams and in the riffles once the hatch gets going. Early morning sees scattered risers, with most fish holding subsurface and best taken on weighted stonefly and caddis nymph rigs.
Top Fly Recommendations
Tie into the action with these proven patterns — all available at bugsnjugs.com:
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16) — The go-to evening dry. Trust it, drift it clean, and the fish will eat it without hesitation.
- Stimulator (#8–12) — Deadly attractor for pocket water and riffles; doubles as a stonefly imitation in faster runs.
- Chubby Chernobyl (#10–14) — Excellent as a high-vis dry or hopper/dropper indicator with a caddis or midge nymph trailing behind.
- Parachute Adams (#14–18) — Versatile match for PMD and caddis emerger activity during midday rises.
- Copper John (#14–16) — Heavy enough to get down in the faster runs; fish it as the anchor fly with a caddis nymph dropper.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–18) — Dynamite subsurface during PMD and caddis activity; great in the 10 AM–2 PM window.
Best Access Points (Open Sections)
- Maupin City Park / Beavertail — Walk-in access from Maupin; wade the pocket water below town. Good caddis fishing in the evening.
- Heritage Flats — Accessible by drift boat or raft; excellent riffle and run habitat north of the closure.
- Macks Canyon Campground — North of the closure, accessible via the lower river road. Boat camping and great wade fishing.
Hazards & Closures
Ten Mile Fire Closure: Warm Springs to the Locked Gate (just south of Maupin) — verify current status with BLM Prineville District before heading out. Smoke may impact air quality in the canyon. Bring extra water, sun protection, and check fire conditions before launching any overnight trips.
Flow data courtesy of USGS National Water Information System. Hatch and conditions intel sourced from Confluence Fly Shop and Fly Fish Food. Always verify current closures with ODFW and BLM before your trip.