Deschutes River › Fishing Report

Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, Copper John, Woolly Bugger

Current Conditions — May 13, 2026

The Lower Deschutes is putting on a show right now. The Salmonfly hatch has hit full stride from below Trout Creek through Maupin, and conditions are pushing the hatch upriver toward the Warm Springs boat ramp as warm temperatures continue. If you have been waiting for the moment to make your Lower Deschutes pilgrimage this spring, that moment is right now.

Flow & Water Conditions

The USGS gauge at Moody (station 14103000) recorded 3,830 CFS this morning with a water temperature of 61°F. Flows are elevated from spring snowmelt but well within the fishable range — expect slightly off-color water in the main channel, with cleaner water hugging the banks and in the side channels. Wading anglers should use caution and stick to known access areas; the river is moving with purpose at these levels.

Hatch Activity

The big event is the Salmonfly (Pteronarcys californica) hatch, now in full swing from Trout Creek downstream through the Maupin corridor. With warm temperatures forecast to continue into the week, the hatch front is marching steadily upriver and should reach the Warm Springs boat ramp within days. Alongside the Salmonflies, Golden Stoneflies and Yellow Sallies are also on the water, giving fish multiple targets and extending the productive window throughout the day. Fish tight to the banks, under overhanging alder and willow branches, and in the eddy foam lines — that is where the big redside rainbows are waiting.

Top Fly Recommendations

This is big-bug time — go large and go with confidence:

• Chubby Chernobyl (orange/black, #6–#8) — the go-to Salmonfly adult imitation. Dead-drift it tight to the banks and through eddy lines. This is the fly.
• Stimulator (orange, #6–#8) — equally deadly when fish are keyed on Salmonfly or Golden Stone adults in the riffle water. Great low-riding option in faster current.
• Elk Hair Caddis (#14–#16) — outstanding mid-day searching pattern and superb as a dropper off a big stonefly dry when the fish want something smaller.
• Parachute Adams (#14–#16) — excellent in slower water and eddy foam where fish are sipping more selectively between stonefly emergences.
• Copper John (#10–#14) — run as a dropper beneath a Chubby or Stimulator to cover subsurface feeders in the deeper tailouts.
• Woolly Bugger (black/olive, #6–#8) — swing it through the deep runs at first light and last light. Big fish use the heavy water at these flows.

Best Access Points

Drift boat anglers favor the classic floats: Trout Creek to Harpham Flat and Harpham Flat to South Junction. Walk-in anglers should hit the Maupin City Park section and the BLM access reaches below Sherars Falls on the south bank. Above Sherars Falls, fish the pocket water and bank runs from Heritage Landing and Beavertail — less pressure up here, and the hatch will push through in the coming days. The White River stretch north of Maupin is also worth exploring.

Hazards & Closures

Flows at 3,830 CFS make wading treacherous — use a wading staff, stay on the bank edges, and do not attempt main-channel crossings. Expect heavy boat traffic during peak Salmonfly season — plan your float accordingly and launch early. No closures are in effect for the lower Deschutes. Respect any visible spawning redds. A valid Oregon fishing license with a Combined Angling Tag is required for the Lower Deschutes. Tight lines — the hatch window is open.

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