Deschutes River Fishing Report – November 1, 2026 | Steelhead Push, 4,380 CFS
Woolly Bugger, Copper John, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Zebra Midge, Parachute Adams
Deschutes River – Lower Canyon | November 1, 2026
Flow: 4,380 CFS (USGS Gauge #14103000 – Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR) | Water Temp: 51°F (10.5°C) | Clarity: Slightly Off-Color
Current Conditions
The lower Deschutes is running at a solid 4,380 CFS this morning — elevated from summer lows but right in the zone for late-season steelhead action. Water temperatures have dipped into the low 50s, which is exactly what gets fresh fish moving upriver, and the canyon is draped in November's quiet. Clarity is slightly off-color at these flows, but don't let that keep you off the water. Steelhead don't mind a little color — if anything, the extra turbidity works in your favor when swinging through the classic runs, letting fish commit without a long look.
Hatches & What's Working
November on the lower Deschutes is first and foremost a steelhead game, but resident trout anglers still have options. On overcast, mild afternoons you can expect brief Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches — size 16-18 duns drifting through the slower glides. Midges are present throughout the day, especially in the slack-water pockets and backeddies.
For steelhead, swinging a Woolly Bugger in olive, black, or purple through tailouts and seams is the classic November move and it's producing. Work the inside seams of the bigger runs on the swing — don't rush it. Fish are spread out from below Maupin all the way up toward Warm Springs as winter fish push in.
Nymphers are finding success with a tight-line rig or indicator setup using a Copper John (red or gold, size 12-14) as the point fly and a Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 14-16) as the dropper. Get down into the deeper, slower runs where steelhead park in higher flows. For resident trout in the pools, a Zebra Midge (size 18-20) in the film is deadly, and a Parachute Adams in size 16-18 will cover you during any BWO window that opens up midday.
Best Access Points
Above Sherars Falls: Maupin City Park boat ramp and the riverside access along Hwy 197 provide solid wade fishing entry points. The White River confluence area and Beavertail campground reach fish well at current flows. Below Sherars Falls: Heritage Landing Road and the lower canyon accesses are worth the extra drive — this section holds strong steelhead numbers throughout November. Drift boat trips from Maupin to Lower Colorado Bridge cover miles of holding water efficiently and are highly recommended when flows push wading to the margins.
Hazards & Closures
With 4,380 CFS pushing through the canyon, wade anglers need to respect the current. Many classic wading positions are thigh-to-waist deep and the rock bottom is slick. Cleated wading boots and a wading belt are non-negotiable. Always consult current ODFW regulations for wild steelhead retention rules — most wild fish must be released. No river closures are reported as of today. Daylight is short in November; plan your float or wade accordingly.
Flow and temperature data sourced from USGS Gauge #14103000 (Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR). Readings as of 4:45 AM PST, November 1, 2026. Provisional data subject to revision.