Lower Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report – July 28, 2026
Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Woolly Bugger
Lower Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report
July 28, 2026 | Maupin Area / Above & Below Sherars Falls
🔥 FIRE CLOSURE ALERT: As of July 24, the Lower Deschutes from Warm Springs to the Locked Gate just south of Maupin is closed to visitors due to the Ten Mile Fire near Trout Creek. This closure was announced through at least July 26 and may still be in effect. Areas downstream of Maupin — including Sherars Falls, Macks Canyon, and Heritage Landing — should remain accessible, but always verify current closure status with BLM/USFS before your trip.
Current Conditions
The Lower Deschutes is in full summer mode — gin-clear water, well-conditioned Redbands, and an outstanding evening caddis window. USGS Gauge 14103000 (Deschutes at Moody, near Biggs) recorded 3,860 cfs as of 5:45 AM PDT this morning, running on the higher end for late July. Water temperature is measuring 65°F (18.6°C) — right at the voluntary conservation threshold.
At these temps, we strongly encourage anglers to follow best practices: use barbless hooks, minimize fight time, keep fish in the water for photos, and consider a voluntary break from fishing between roughly 1–5 PM during the hottest part of the day. Morning and evening sessions are not only more productive — they are safer for the fish. Water clarity is excellent, typical of the summer Deschutes: crystal-clear, requiring precise, drag-free presentations and fine tippet (5X–6X).
Hatches & Fly Recommendations
The evening caddis hatch is the main event on the Lower Deschutes right now. Activity typically builds starting around 3 PM and really ignites after 5 PM through last light. Don't be discouraged if you're not seeing many risers mid-day — trust the hatch and have your dry fly ready. A well-drifted Elk Hair Caddis in tan or olive (#14–16) is your go-to evening pattern. For added visibility in fading light, swap to a Stimulator in orange or yellow — it floats high and is easy to track at dusk.
PMDs are also present and worth having in the box. A Parachute Adams in #16–18 serves double duty as both a PMD and caddis imitation — a reliable crossover dry that has been taking fish throughout the day in slower runs and eddies.
Subsurface fishing dominates the daytime hours. The classic Lower Deschutes tandem rig — a heavily-weighted stonefly nymph on top with a smaller dropper — continues to produce. Load up a Copper John or Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–16) below your stonefly and methodically work the deeper runs and pocket water. For bigger fish and slower slots, swinging a Woolly Bugger in olive or black during the early morning is a high-percentage play that often rewards patient anglers.
Best Access Points
- Maupin Day Use Area: Primary wade access hub for the Maupin stretch; parking and facilities available
- Sherars Falls (below): The falls concentrate fish in holding water — access via South Junction Road and Deschutes River Road
- Macks Canyon: Less pressure, good evening caddis action, downstream float terminus
- Heritage Landing: Primary boat launch for Day Stretch floaters (Trout Creek to Harpham Flats)
Hazards & Closures
- 🔥 Ten Mile Fire closure — Warm Springs to Locked Gate south of Maupin. Verify current status before heading out: inciweb.wildfire.gov or call BLM Prineville at (541) 416-6700
- 🌡️ Warm water advisory — 65°F water is at the stress threshold for trout. Please practice ethical catch-and-release and avoid midday fishing
- 🚤 Boater permits required — Recreation.gov boater pass + ODFW Waterway Access Permit required for floaters
- 🐍 Rattlesnakes active — multiple sightings in the canyon this season; watch your step on trails and rocky banks
Flow source: USGS Gauge 14103000 — Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR — 3,860 cfs at 5:45 AM PDT, 7/28/2026. Water temp: 65°F (18.6°C). Provisional data subject to revision. Report prepared by BugsNJugs.com.