Deschutes River Fishing Report – November 4, 2026 | Maupin Area
Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Parachute Adams, Woolly Bugger, Elk Hair Caddis
Deschutes River Fishing Report
November 4, 2026 | Maupin Area (Above & Below Sherars Falls)
November has arrived on the lower Deschutes, bringing with it the classic conditions Central Oregon fly fishers know well: cooler mornings, rising flows, and some of the best midge and Blue Wing Olive (BWO) fishing of the year. The river is running at 4,380 cfs as measured at the USGS gauge at Moody (gauge #14103000, as of this morning), with water temperatures at a comfortable 50.7°F. Flows are elevated compared to summer levels — wading anglers should use caution, particularly in the canyon sections, and opt for studded soles and a wading staff.
Current Conditions
At 4,380 cfs the Deschutes is running on the higher side for wade fishing, pushing some color into the water and moving fish into softer seams, tailouts, and protected water behind boulders. The shallower riffles and pocket water closer to the banks are where you want to be. Despite the flows, fish are actively feeding — redband trout are in prime condition heading into winter, and a few late-season steelhead may still be encountered below Sherars Falls. Water clarity is slightly off-color but fish can still be targeted effectively with weighted subsurface rigs.
Hatch Activity
Early November brings reliable Blue Wing Olive (Baetis) hatches that fire up between 11 AM and 2 PM when ambient temperatures lift. These size 18–22 duns get fish looking up in slower runs and pool tails. Midges are consistent morning and evening performers across the full reach — expect size 20–24 midge clusters near the surface during flat-light conditions. No significant caddis activity at current water temps, though the occasional October Caddis straggler may appear near dusk.
Top Fly Recommendations
- Zebra Midge (sz 20–22) — the workhorse; fish it as a dropper 18–24 inches below an indicator in the seams
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (sz 16–18) — excellent BWO nymph imitation in the tailouts and riffles
- Parachute Adams (sz 18–20) — your go-to during the midday BWO window; watch for sipping fish in flat water
- Woolly Bugger (black or olive, sz 8–10) — swing through the deeper runs for late-season steelhead and large redbands
- Elk Hair Caddis (sz 16) — worth having on a dropper rig even in November; occasional takes in warmer afternoon windows
Access Points
The Maupin City Park and Heritage Landing are reliable access points for wade anglers and drift boats. Locked Gate and South Junction provide good canyon access for floaters. Important: The tribal-side access from Warm Springs to Trout Creek is closed for the season as of November 1 — fish the Oregon (east bank) side only. Macks Canyon remains open and is worth the drive for solitude and big redband water in the lower canyon.
Hazards & Closures
- Tribal water (Warm Springs side, Warm Springs to Trout Creek) closed November 1 — fish the east bank only
- Elevated flows: exercise caution wading; wading staff and studded boots strongly recommended at 4,380 cfs
- Water slightly off-color — use weighted rigs, shorter presentations, and target sheltered seams
- Be aware that flows can fluctuate quickly with fall storm systems
All recommended flies are in stock at bugsnjugs.com — gear up before you head to Maupin!