Lower Deschutes River Report – October 28, 2026: October Caddis in Full Swing at 4,380 CFS
Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Woolly Bugger
Lower Deschutes River Report — October 28, 2026
Fall is peaking on the Lower Deschutes and the river is worth every mile of the drive. Flows are holding at 4,380 CFS at the USGS Moody gauge (site #14103000), recorded this morning at 5:45 AM PDT. Water temperature reads a fish-friendly 54°F (12.3°C) with excellent clarity throughout the Maupin corridor and down through Sherars Falls — prime conditions for the season's best dry fly window.
Current Conditions
At 4,380 CFS the river is running slightly above the seasonal median but well within fishable range. The Deschutes handles volume gracefully: expect strong main-channel current with plenty of productive edge water, tailouts, and mid-river slicks in the canyon bends. Focus presentations along foam lines and the soft inside seams of large boulders where trout can hold without fighting the full current. Water clarity is excellent — good visibility through the full column.
Wading should be approached carefully at these flows. A wading staff is strongly recommended, and anglers should stick to established crossing lines. Drift boats have the edge today for maximum water coverage.
Hatches
The October Caddis (Dicosmoecus, sizes 8–12) are the headliner right now. These chunky, orange-bodied insects start flying mid-afternoon and draw aggressive surface strikes from rainbows stacking in the 12–18" range. Peak activity runs approximately 2:00–5:00 PM — plan your day to be on the water before the hatch kicks off. Blue-Winged Olives (Baetis, sizes 18–20) are also emerging during overcast midday windows, offering a classic late-October double-header opportunity. Midge clusters are active at first light and last light in slow pools and eddies. Note: steelhead season closes October 31 — if you've been waiting all fall, this is your weekend.
Top Flies from Bugs-N-Jugs
- Stimulator (Orange, #10) — The top October Caddis adult imitation; triggers explosive takes in riffles and runs
- Elk Hair Caddis (Tan/Orange, #12–14) — Reliable afternoon-hatch producer in broken water
- Chubby Chernobyl (#10–12) — Outstanding dry-dropper indicator in higher flows; pairs perfectly with a nymph trailer
- Parachute Adams (#18–20) — Your BWO match when fish are sipping delicately in the flats
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–16) — Dead-drift deep in seams or swing it below your dry fly
- Copper John (#14–16) — Gets down fast in 4,380 CFS current; tungsten bead preferred
- Woolly Bugger (Black/Olive, #6–8) — Swing the big pools before October 31 for the final steelhead push of the season
Best Access Points
In Maupin: Sandy Beach and Harpham Flat provide excellent wading access with good parking. The Maupin City Park boat ramp is your drift-boat launch for the classic corridor to Macks Canyon. Above Sherars Falls: Wapinitia Road (BLM) opens up a large chunk of canyon water. Below the falls: South Junction and Macks Canyon campgrounds serve experienced waders chasing the lower canyon.
Hazards & Notices
Wading staff highly recommended at 4,380 CFS. Steelhead season closes October 31 — hatchery retention may be permitted; confirm current ODFW rules before fishing for steelhead. All wild trout are catch-and-release. No closures on the trout fly fishing sections as of today's report.
Flow data: USGS gauge #14103000, Deschutes River at Moody, OR — 4,380 CFS at 5:45 AM PDT, 10/28/2026. Provisional data subject to revision.