Deschutes River › Fishing Report

Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis, Woolly Bugger, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John

Lower Deschutes River — May 11, 2026

Gauge: USGS 14103000, Deschutes at Moody — 3,920 CFS | Water Temp: 59.0°F | Clarity: Off-Color

Attention Lower Deschutes regulars: the moment you have been waiting for all year is here. The salmonfly and giant stonefly hatch is officially underway on the lower river, and guides are already reporting egg-layers in the air. The fishing is en fuego, even as high spring flows push the river to 3,920 CFS at the Moody gauge — elevated but workable if you know where to look.

Current Conditions

The lower Deschutes is running high and off-color due to snowmelt and recent warmer temperatures. Water clarity is reduced in the main channel, but fishable seams and softer water along the banks are still very productive. At 59°F, the water temperature is running warmer than typical for mid-May, which is accelerating the hatch timeline — don't wait too long to make your trip. A cold front could slow things down, so keep an eye on the 10-day forecast before heading out.

Hatches

• Salmonfly / Giant Stonefly (Pteronarcys californica): The hatch is underway — egg layers are being spotted by guides. Expect it to build over the coming week as warm weather persists. A stonefly imitation fished all day will produce; peak action when afternoon temps climb.
• Caddis: Thick! Multiple caddis species are active, and a tandem dry setup (stonefly + caddis dropper) is a deadly combination right now.
• PMDs and PEDs: Present but not drawing consistent attention from fish yet. Worth having nymph forms in your box.
• Drake Nymphs: A sleeper pick — drake nymphs have been saving slow spring days on the Deschutes.

Top Fly Recommendations

With elevated flows and a ground-level bug migration underway, go big and bold on the surface, then back it up with heavy nymphs below:

• Chubby Chernobyl — Best dry fly pick in high flows; floats well and imitates stonefly adults and egg layers convincingly. Fish tight to banks where stoneflies are crawling.
• Stimulator — The classic salmonfly hatch attractor. Fish sizes #6–#8 along pocket water edges and in shallower riffles.
• Elk Hair Caddis — Pair behind a Chubby or Stimulator on a tandem rig for a deadly one-two punch as caddis numbers build.
• Woolly Bugger — When high water pushes fish into slower edges, swing a Woolly Bugger through deeper runs and seams for aggressive takes.
• Pheasant Tail Nymph — The stonefly migration is happening below the surface too. A large PTN under an indicator is easy pickings for a trout fattening up for the season.
• Copper John — Heavy enough to get down in swift water. Excellent as a point fly on a tandem nymph rig when dredging deeper runs.

Best Access Points

• Maupin (Above Sherars Falls): Launch from Maupin City Park or Sandy Beach. Fish soft edges, back channels, and willow-lined banks where stoneflies are crawling out. Wade carefully — flows are elevated.
• Sherars Falls: The canyon section concentrates fish above and below the falls. Hike in from Sherars Bridge area (Hwy 216). Prime water for the salmonfly hatch.
• Oak Springs / Lower Canyon: Good bank access from road on river right. Fish early morning and evening when fish move into calmer surface water.
• Harpham Flat: BLM campsite with direct river access; solid starting point for wade fishing the upper Maupin reach.

Hazards and Notes

• ⚠️ High Water Advisory: The Lower Deschutes from Maupin to the Mouth has been running near flood stage. At 3,920 CFS, wading requires extreme caution — studded felt soles or a wading staff strongly recommended. Stick to known shallow riffles and never wade alone.
• ⚠️ Boat traffic increases dramatically during the salmonfly hatch. Coordinate launches early and be courteous to wade anglers in the canyon.
• Oregon regulations apply — check ODFW for current hatchery retention rules on the lower river before your trip.
• Water at 59°F is still within safe trout-handling range, but please handle fish quickly, keep them wet, and release with care.

Flow data: USGS Gauge 14103000 (Deschutes River at Moody, near Biggs, OR), as of 5:45 AM PDT May 11, 2026. Provisional data subject to revision. Report compiled by Bugs N Jugs Fly Shop.

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