Deschutes River Fishing Report – July 29, 2026 | Summer Caddis in Full Swing

Deschutes River – Lower Canyon | July 29, 2026

Current Conditions

The lower Deschutes is in classic late-July form — clear, low-angle light on the water by evening, and caddis in the air from Maupin to Mack's Canyon. Flows are running at 3,800 CFS at the Moody gauge near Biggs, a healthy summer level that keeps the river fishable at all primary access points above and below Sherars Falls. Water temperatures measured 63.5°F this morning — still comfortable for wild redband trout, but anglers should plan to fish early mornings and evenings as afternoon highs push temps up. Midday, drop a nymph deep or seek shaded canyon water.

Clarity is excellent — gin clear, as expected for the Deschutes in summer. Selective fish demand precise presentation and tippet down to 5X or 6X when fish are rising to surface offerings.

Hatches & Surface Activity

Caddis is the headline hatch right now and will remain so through August. Evening flights are thick from about 6:30 PM onward, particularly in the canyon stretches between Maupin and Sherars Falls. Look for fish rising in the slower seams and along foam lines as the light drops. PMDs (Pale Morning Duns) are active in the early mornings, with spinner falls happening around mid-morning. A smattering of Golden Stoneflies continue to appear, particularly in broken pocket water above Sherars. Trico activity is beginning to emerge near Warm Springs — this will intensify through August and can produce fantastic dry fly fishing in the flat-water sections.

Top Fly Recommendations

• Elk Hair Caddis (size 14–16) – the premier evening dry fly; swing or dead-drift along foam lines as caddis take flight
• Chubby Chernobyl (size 10–12) – excellent attractor for broken water; doubles as a hopper pattern near grassy banks
• Stimulator (size 12–14, orange or yellow) – imitates Golden Stones still hatching in riffles above and below Sherars Falls
• Parachute Adams (size 16–18) – covers PMDs and general mayfly activity; reliable during morning rises in slower water
• Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 16–18) – essential for nymphing the deeper slots mid-day when fish drop below the surface film
• Copper John (size 14–16, red or green) – outstanding mid-column nymph when rigged under an indicator in 3–5 foot runs
• Zebra Midge (size 20–22) – effective as a dropper in slow flats where fish are sipping small in the evening

Best Access Points

• Above Sherars Falls: Sandy Beach, Harpham Flat, and Maupin City Park are all accessible with excellent wade fishing. Heritage Landing day-use area off US-197 is a top put-in for float anglers fishing the upper canyon.
• Below Sherars Falls: Beavertail, Mack's Canyon, and South Junction offer superb float-fishing water with fewer crowds. Wade access requires hiking into the canyon; BLM roads are open and in good condition.

Hazards & Notes

• Sherars Falls is a mandatory portage — do not attempt to run. Portage trail is on river-right; be aware of tribal fishing platforms nearby.
• Afternoon heat advisory: water temps can approach 68°F by mid-afternoon. Limit fish handling, use barbless hooks, and practice quick releases.
• No active closures or special restrictions on the lower Deschutes canyon. Trout are catch-and-release only for wild fish in the lower river.
• Summer weekend crowds at Maupin are high — consider weekday trips or floating past day-use areas for solitude in the lower canyon.

Flow data: USGS gauge 14103000 (Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR) — 3,800 CFS as of 5:45 AM PDT July 29, 2026. Temperature: 17.5°C (63.5°F). Data provisional and subject to revision.