Deschutes River › Fishing Report

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

Deschutes River Conditions — October 31, 2026

Flow: 4,380 CFS (USGS Gauge 14103000 – Deschutes at Moody) • Water Temp: 52°F • Clarity: Clear

Happy Halloween from the lower Deschutes! The river is flowing at a healthy 4,380 CFS at the Moody gauge with gin-clear water at 52°F — prime conditions for late-October fly fishing in the Maupin corridor. Flows are elevated from summer levels but well within the normal fall range, and the regulated releases from the Pelton/Round Butte dam complex are keeping clarity excellent despite the storm system that moved through mid-week. This is one of the best times of year to be on the lower Deschutes: trout are feeding aggressively as they build pre-winter reserves, the canyon crowds have thinned, and the hatches are reliable.

🪰 What's Hatching

The Blue-Winged Olive (BWO / Baetis) hatch is the main event right now and is running heavy. Expect peak activity from 11 AM to 3 PM in slower tailouts, glassy flats, and inside seams. Redband rainbows are visibly sipping emergers just under the surface film — fish a Parachute Adams or BWO dry in size 20–22 on 6X tippet. The 52°F water demands a long, fine leader (10–12 ft) and delicate presentations in clear water.

October Caddis continue to produce in the afternoon (1–5 PM) along rocky banks and tailouts. Swing an Elk Hair Caddis (size 14–16) across likely seams or dead-drift a caddis pupa through the heads of pools. During the morning window (8–11 AM), midges are active in tailout zones — a size 22–24 Zebra Midge under a small indicator is consistently deadly before the BWO hatch kicks in. Early-morning anglers should also consider stripping a Woolly Bugger along basalt ledges for big browns and any late-season steelhead holding in the deep cuts.

🎣 Top Fly Recommendations

• Parachute Adams (Size 20–22) — Premier BWO dry, prime 11 AM–3 PM window
• Elk Hair Caddis (Size 14–16) — October Caddis adult for afternoon bank-hugging action
• Zebra Midge (Size 22–24, tungsten bead) — Early-morning tailout nymph under a small indicator
• Pheasant Tail Nymph (Size 16–18) — Versatile BWO emerger, fish in the top half of the water column
• Copper John (Size 14–16) — Heavy anchor fly for nymph rigs through riffle-to-pool transitions
• Woolly Bugger (Size 6–8, olive or black) — Strip along basalt ledges for big browns and holding steelhead
• Stimulator (Size 14–16, orange) — Double as a dry-dropper indicator for nymphing rigs

📍 Best Access Points

Above Sherars Falls (Maupin Area): The Maupin City Park boat ramp is the primary drift-boat launch for the upper canyon section. Sandy Beach Campground and Oak Springs access provide excellent wade-fishing options at current flows for anglers who know the river — stick to known shallows and avoid the main current at 4,380 CFS. The long flat runs above Sandy Beach hold stacked-up redsides actively rising to BWOs during the midday window.

Below Sherars Falls: Harpham Flat and Dant Road access are productive entry points, with the deep pools immediately below the falls concentrating fish seeking shelter from the elevated flows. Sherars Falls is a mandatory portage for all watercraft — no exceptions.

⚠️ Hazards & Notes

At 4,380 CFS, wading demands respect. Limit yourself to known shallow crossings, always wear a wading belt, and never wade alone. An additional rain system is forecast this weekend that could push flows higher and reduce clarity by Sunday. Take advantage of today's clear conditions. No emergency closures or special regulations currently in effect on the lower Deschutes fly fishing corridor. All standard regulations apply: catch-and-release for redsides, no bait.

Flow data: USGS Gauge 14103000 (Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR) as of 5:45 AM PDT, October 31, 2026. Temperature and flow data are provisional and subject to revision.

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