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Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Woolly Bugger

Lower Deschutes River — November 2, 2026

The lower Deschutes is running at 4,350 cfs this morning at the USGS Moody gauge (site #14103000), with water temperatures a cool 51°F. Flows are on the moderate-high side for early November — typical for the lower canyon as autumn runoff begins to build — and clarity is slightly off-color with 3–4 feet of visibility. Fish are holding in their winter lies: deeper seams, the edges of current tongues, and slack-water pockets behind boulder structure.

What's Hatching

November is Blue-Winged Olive (BWO/Baetis) season on the lower Deschutes. These small, dark olive mayflies (size 18–22) emerge best on overcast, drizzly days — exactly the kind of November weather this canyon delivers. Look for risers from around 10 AM into the early afternoon on cloudy days. Midges are active morning and evening throughout the cold months and provide reliable subsurface action before the BWOs come on. The legendary evening caddis hatch has wound down for the season, but occasional stragglers may still appear on warmer afternoons along the canyon walls.

Top Fly Recommendations

• Parachute Adams (size 18–20) — the go-to BWO imitation when fish begin rising in the afternoon. High-floating and visible in choppy canyon riffles.
• Elk Hair Caddis (size 16–18) — still produces on afternoons when late-season caddis make brief appearances; fish it in the calmer canyon eddies.
• Zebra Midge (size 20–22) — fish under a small indicator in the slower tailouts and pools from first light through mid-morning.
• Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 16–18) — dead-drift near the bottom in the canyon's classic seams and riffles; a staple Deschutes subsurface producer.
• Copper John (size 14–16) — excellent attractor nymph in faster pocket water; adds weight to help reach the bottom at these elevated flows.
• Woolly Bugger (olive or black, size 6–10) — swing through deeper runs and boulder fields on a tight line for the largest fish in the system.

Best Access Points

• Sandy Beach Campground (above Sherars Falls): Classic Maupin-area access with wade fishing to a variety of run types. One of the most reliable winter access points.
• Maupin City Park & Heritage Landing: Easy vehicle access, good for anglers wanting to fish the upper canyon section near town.
• Beavertail Campground: Mid-canyon access with productive runs both upstream and downstream; less crowded than the Maupin-area spots in November.
• Below Sherars Falls (Lower Canyon): BLM access points toward the mouth offer lightly fished canyon water. Boat or hike-in recommended at current flows — 4,350 cfs makes wading the lower canyon challenging.

Hazards & Closures

At 4,350 cfs, the Deschutes moves fast and footing is treacherous on smooth volcanic cobbles — a wading staff is strongly recommended. Daylight is short; plan to be off the water by 5 PM. No fire or access closures currently reported. Steelhead anglers: the Deschutes steelhead fishery was subject to closures in 2026 due to run size — verify current ODFW regulations before targeting steelhead. Rattlesnakes are dormant for the season.

Flow data: USGS Deschutes River at Moody gauge #14103000, as of 4:45 AM PST, November 2, 2026. Data provisional and subject to revision. Reported by Bugs-N-Jugs Fly Shop — Central Oregon's daily fishing report source.

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