Deschutes River Report – July 25, 2026 | Ten Mile Fire Closure Alert
Elk Hair Caddis, Copper John, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Stimulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Woolly Bugger
⚠️ FIRE CLOSURE IN EFFECT — Read Before You Go
As of July 24, 2026, the Lower Deschutes River corridor from Warm Springs to the Locked Gate just south of Maupin is CLOSED to all visitors due to the Ten Mile Fire burning near Trout Creek. This closure is expected to remain in effect through at least July 26 — check back daily for updates. Anglers fishing the Maupin town water and the canyon above the Locked Gate may still access the river; exercise caution and watch for smoke and emergency vehicle activity.
Current Conditions
Where accessible, the Lower Deschutes is in its classic mid-summer form: low and crystal clear. USGS gauge 14103000 (Deschutes at Moody, near Biggs) recorded 3,920 cfs this morning — a healthy, fishable summer flow. Water temperature at Moody was 66°F (18.9°C) as of 5:45 AM PDT. Temps in the Maupin canyon will be slightly cooler in the morning hours; plan to fish early and be off the water by early afternoon as temps climb. Clarity is excellent — gin-clear and low, meaning fish are spooky and presentation matters. Long leaders (12–14 ft), fine tippet (4X–5X), and drag-free drifts are non-negotiable.
Hatches & Fly Recommendations
July on the Deschutes is all about caddis, with the evening hatch being the signature event. Expect it to fire up around 3–5 PM and continue into legal fishing hours. PMDs are tapering but still present in the mornings, and golden stonefly nymphs remain active sub-surface throughout the day.
- Mornings (nymphing): Fish a heavily-weighted stonefly dropper to a smaller caddis or PMD nymph. Our Copper John (#14–16) anchors the rig, followed by a Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16–18) to match the PMD nymphs in the drift.
- Afternoons: Swing a Woolly Bugger (olive or black, #8–10) through deeper runs and seams to tempt larger fish on the move before the hatch.
- Evenings (main event): The Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16, tan or olive) is the go-to surface pattern — floats well and naturally matches the emerging adult. Downsize to #16–18 when fish get selective. The Stimulator (#14–16) excels through riffles and pocket water. Use the Chubby Chernobyl (#10–12) as a high-vis indicator with a PMD or caddis nymph dropper.
Best Access Points (Open Areas)
With the Ten Mile Fire closure active south of Maupin, focus on the Maupin city access (off Hwy 197 at the public park), Heritage Landing, and BLM access points north of (above) the Locked Gate. Do NOT attempt to access the river between Warm Springs and the Locked Gate — the corridor is under active emergency closure.
Hazards & Closures
🔴 TEN MILE FIRE CLOSURE (ACTIVE): Warm Springs to Locked Gate — CLOSED through at least July 26, 2026. Confirm current status at ODFW and BLM before heading out.
⚠️ Mid-summer water temps — fish early, handle with wet hands, release quickly.
⚠️ Rattlesnake season — watch your step on rocky canyon banks.