Deschutes River › Fishing Report

Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Stimulator, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John

Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report

August 16, 2026 | Lower Deschutes — Maupin Area, Above & Below Sherars Falls

⚠️ Fire & Smoke Advisory

Before heading out, be aware that active wildfires are burning near Maupin with heavy smoke reported across the canyon. A fire closure is in effect from Warm Springs to Trout Creek — verify current restrictions at BLM.gov and check road conditions at TripCheck.com. The river below Maupin through Mack's Canyon and the Sherars Falls corridor is currently open, but carry your closure map and check for updates before you launch.

📊 Current Conditions (USGS Gauge 14103000 — Deschutes at Moody)

• Flow: 3,920 CFS (as of 5:45 AM PDT, Aug 16)
• Water Temp: 65°F (18.6°C) — provisional USGS reading
• Clarity: Clear
• Overall Rating: Fair — great water clarity and fishable flows, but fire closures limit access and smoke may affect visibility and enjoyment on the water

🐟 What's Happening on the Water

Mid-August on the lower Deschutes is a game of timing and shade. With water temperatures creeping up to 65°F by afternoon, the most productive windows are early morning (6–9 AM) and the evening caddis circus (7–9 PM). During the heat of the day, trout tuck into deeper runs, undercut banks, and shaded canyon walls — don't waste your time hammering flat, exposed tailouts in the afternoon sun.

Hatches this week:

• Tricos (size 18–22): Morning spinner falls are active from first light until roughly 9 AM. Look for fish quietly sipping in flat glassy tailouts. A fine tippet (6X) and a small Parachute Adams will fool the selectivest risers.
• Caddis (Tan/Brown, size 14–16): The evening is all about caddis. Explosive activity from dusk until dark — adults skating across the surface bring aggressive takes. An Elk Hair Caddis or a Stimulator skated lightly across a seam will produce heart-stopping strikes.
• Yellow Sallies (size 14–16): Still showing in the canyon reaches. An orange or yellow Stimulator doubles nicely here.
• Terrestrials: August means ants, beetles, and hoppers tumbling into the river from the rimrock and sagebrush. A Chubby Chernobyl drifted along grassy cut banks is a high-confidence daytime producer.

🪰 Top Fly Recommendations

• Elk Hair Caddis (tan/brown, #14–16) — prime time evening producer
• Chubby Chernobyl (#10–12) — terrestrial/attractor through midday
• Parachute Adams (#18–20) — morning trico spinner falls
• Stimulator (orange/yellow, #14–16) — yellow sallies and evening caddis
• Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–16) — dead-drifted sub-surface all day
• Copper John (#14–16) — deep nymphing in pocket water and runs

📍 Best Access Points

With the Warm Springs–Trout Creek section currently closed due to fire, focus your efforts on these open reaches:

• Maupin City Park / Heritage Landing: Easy walk-in access to classic Maupin runs — hit the evening caddis hatch right from town.
• Above Sherars Falls (Hwy 216 Bridge): Wade the pocket water and riffles below the bridge; excellent Elk Hair Caddis water in the evenings.
• Below Sherars Falls (Harpham Flat): Rocky canyon wade fishing — top dry-fly water when fish are working the surface. Watch footing on slippery basalt.
• Mack's Canyon (BLM Road 4610): 25 miles below Maupin; solitude and big fish. High-clearance vehicle recommended.

🚨 Safety & Hazard Notes

• At 3,920 CFS the river is moving hard — wading staff and cleated wading boots are non-negotiable.
• Smoke conditions can change rapidly. Check air quality at AirNow.gov and turn around if visibility or air quality becomes dangerous.
• Verify fire closure boundaries at your access point — they can shift daily with fire behavior. BLM Prineville District: (541) 416-6700.
• Mid-afternoon water temps are approaching the thermal stress threshold for trout. Use barbless hooks, keep fights short, and consider calling it if surface temps exceed 68°F.

Flow data: USGS Gauge 14103000 — Deschutes River at Moody, Near Biggs, OR. Provisional data subject to revision. Report compiled by Bugs N Jugs Fly Shop.

← All Fishing Reports    Deschutes River Reports →