Lower Deschutes River Report – July 31, 2026: Caddis Evenings Fire Up as Maupin Stretch Reopens
Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Woolly Bugger
Lower Deschutes River Fishing Report — July 31, 2026
Flow: 3,800 CFS (USGS Gauge 14103000, Deschutes at Moody — as of 5:45 AM PDT) • Water Temp: 62.6°F • Clarity: Crystal clear
⚠️ Important Fire Closure Update
As of July 28, the Lower Deschutes has partially reopened following the Ten Mile Fire near Trout Creek. The stretch from Trout Creek south to Maupin (Camp Stretch and Maupin town water) is now open to anglers. The Day Stretch — from Warm Springs south to Trout Creek — remains closed as of this report. Check Confluence Fly Shop and ODFW for the latest closure updates before heading out.
Current Conditions
The Lower Deschutes is running at 3,800 CFS at the Moody gauge and is firmly in its mid-summer groove. Water is gin clear — expect selective, well-educated fish, especially in the flats and tailouts. July heat has the river ticking along at 62.6°F, which is on the warm end for a full day of fishing; plan your sessions for early morning or evening to protect fish and find the best dry-fly action.
Above Sherars Falls, the canyon is stunning and access is good via the Heritage Landing and Maupin City Park boat ramps. Below Sherars Falls, Macks Canyon remains accessible and is well worth the drive for anglers looking to escape pressure. Remember: you need both an ODFW Waterway Access Permit and a Recreation.gov boater pass if you’re floating.
Hatches & Surface Action
Caddis are the star of the show right now. The hatch kicks off around 3–5 PM and runs right into legal fishing hours — this is the prime window for dry-fly action. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t see fish rising; the Deschutes Redband will eat a well-presented dry fly with confidence even when they’re not showing. A size #14–16 Elk Hair Caddis in tan or olive is money — a classic Lower Deschutes summer pattern that works day in and day out. Match the size to what you see flying around.
PMD nymphs are still active through midday, and golden stoneflies are present in the system, making stonefly nymphs a reliable all-day searching pattern. There is also a mix of small perdigon-style attractor nymphs producing fish sub-surface throughout the day.
Top Fly Recommendations
All available at bugsnjugs.com
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16, tan/olive) — The go-to dry fly for the evening caddis hatch. Fish it with confidence in the riffles and along seams.
- Chubby Chernobyl (#8–12) — A high-riding foam attractor perfect for dry-dropper rigs throughout the day. Doubles as a great stonefly imitation.
- Stimulator (#10–14, orange/yellow) — Excellent golden stone and caddis imitation. Works great swung across the current or dead-drifted in faster water.
- Parachute Adams (#14–18) — The all-purpose attractor that every Deschutes box should have. Effective when fish are rising to mixed hatches.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–18) — A can’t-miss sub-surface option. Drop it below a Chubby or run it in a tandem rig under an indicator for consistent mid-day nymphing action.
- Copper John (#14–16, red/green) — Heavy enough to get down in the swift Lower Deschutes current. Tied as a dropper below a stonefly nymph, this combination has been producing all summer.
- Woolly Bugger (#6–10, black/olive) — For swinging the tailouts and deeper runs at dusk, a Woolly Bugger can turn a slow evening into a memorable one. Strip it, swing it — either works.
Best Access Points (Open Sections)
- Maupin City Park — Easy walk-and-wade access; good wading water in both directions
- Heritage Landing — Popular boat launch above Sherars Falls; excellent float access to upper Camp Stretch
- Sherars Falls — Productive wade fishing both above and below the falls; watch the footing on slippery basalt
- Trout Creek Campground — Southern end of the reopened stretch; boat ramp for Camp Stretch floats
- Macks Canyon — Well below Sherars Falls; lower pressure and excellent late-season dry-fly water
Hazards & Reminders
- ⚠️ Day Stretch (Warm Springs to Trout Creek) remains closed — verify current status before your trip
- Rattlesnakes are active in the canyon — watch your step on rocky banks
- July heat can push afternoon air temps above 100°F in the canyon — bring more water than you think you need
- Water temp at 62.6°F is approaching the upper threshold for C&R; minimize fight times and avoid fishing the warmest part of the afternoon (1–4 PM)
Flow data: USGS provisional (subject to revision). Report written July 31, 2026. Fish responsibly — keep ’em wet!