Deschutes River Report – August 13, 2026: Evening Caddis & Hoppers on Tap
Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Stimulator, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John
Deschutes River Fishing Report — August 13, 2026
Lower Deschutes | Maupin Area | Above & Below Sherars Falls
Current conditions on the lower Deschutes are good for the experienced angler willing to work with August rhythms. Flows are running at 3,800 CFS at the USGS Moody gauge (14103000) — on the robust side for mid-August but well within fishable range. Water temps hit 64.4°F this morning and will climb into the upper 60s by afternoon. Fish are active and feeding, but they are staging in shaded lies, deeper slots, and seams adjacent to fast water as the day heats up.
Water clarity is excellent — crystal clear with good visibility to the bottom in most runs. The river has not seen significant storm input recently, and the gradient-fed canyon stretches above and below Sherars Falls are fishing true to form.
Hatches & What's Working
August is caddis month on the Deschutes, and the evening flights are living up to their reputation. Tan and olive Elk Hair Caddis in sizes #14–16 are producing explosive surface takes from 6 PM through last light — get to the river by mid-afternoon to stake out your run. During the day, fish are keying on hoppers along undercut banks and grassy margins; a Chubby Chernobyl (#8–10) bounced close to the bank with a trailing Pheasant Tail Nymph dropper (#16–18) has been the go-to setup. Pale Morning Duns are emerging in modest numbers between 9–11 AM — a Parachute Adams or Stimulator in #14–16 will match the hatch nicely during that window. Nymph anglers working the deeper buckets with a Copper John (#14) or Pheasant Tail under an indicator will find fish stacked in predictable lies throughout the day.
Access & Best Spots
The Maupin day-use area provides easy river access and is a solid staging point. Heritage Landing and Harpham Flat are fishing well above Sherars. Below the falls, the Macks Canyon campground area offers excellent pocket water and long glides that are worth the drive. Wade carefully — flows at 3,800 CFS make footing tricky in faster runs; cleated wading boots and a wading staff are strongly recommended.
Hazards & Reminders
Water temps approaching 68°F in the afternoon signal time to rest the fish. Plan to target early morning (6–10 AM) and evening (5 PM–dark) for the best trout welfare and action. Watch for recreational rafting traffic peaking on summer weekends. No current closures reported as of today. Check ODFW regulations for the most current wild fish retention rules — the lower Deschutes is catch-and-release for trout above Sherars Falls.