Oregon ·
Deschutes River Fly Fishing Report - August 8/23/2025
DESCHUTES RIVER FLY FISHING REPORT
Oregon — From Bend to Maupin
Report Date: August 23, 2025 | Next Update: August 30, 2025
Current River Conditions
Late‑summer window: The Deschutes is fishing well—expect strong caddis and PMD activity, solid nymph fishing, and selective streamer action in the deeper runs. Midday water temps can climb; pick mornings, evenings, or shaded runs during warm spells.
Flows & Clarity
Flows: Moderate and stable for late summer (river varies by reach). Check local USGS/ODFW gauges before you go — river clarity is generally good to fair, clearer in upper and protected runs.
Flows: Moderate and stable for late summer (river varies by reach). Check local USGS/ODFW gauges before you go — river clarity is generally good to fair, clearer in upper and protected runs.
Water Temperature
Typical late‑Aug ranges: mid‑50s to low‑60s°F in many reaches (cooler in spring‑fed pockets and higher elevation tributaries). If temps rise above the low 60s, favor early morning or late evening fishing and quick net/handle procedures.
Typical late‑Aug ranges: mid‑50s to low‑60s°F in many reaches (cooler in spring‑fed pockets and higher elevation tributaries). If temps rise above the low 60s, favor early morning or late evening fishing and quick net/handle procedures.
Weather & Wind
Expect warm afternoons with light to moderate afternoon breeze. Watch for gusts through canyon sections—a low, controlled cast wins the day.
Expect warm afternoons with light to moderate afternoon breeze. Watch for gusts through canyon sections—a low, controlled cast wins the day.
Access & Logistics
Most popular put‑ins and boat ramps (Bend/LaPine, Trout Creek, Maupin corridor) are accessible. Parking can be tight on weekends—arrive early. Local fly shops in Bend and Maupin have on‑the‑water intel and recent hatches.
Most popular put‑ins and boat ramps (Bend/LaPine, Trout Creek, Maupin corridor) are accessible. Parking can be tight on weekends—arrive early. Local fly shops in Bend and Maupin have on‑the‑water intel and recent hatches.
Hatch Chart & Insect Activity (late Aug)
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmonflies | #4–8 | Low — mostly past peak in most Deschutes stretches | Late morning (sporadic); look for late‑edges on rock berms |
| Golden Stoneflies | #6–10 | Low–Moderate — adult stones tapering off | Afternoon along faster riffles |
| Green Drakes / Summer Mayflies | #10–12 | Moderate — good in stretches with cooler water | Midday to early afternoon |
| PMDs (Pale Morning Dun) | #14–18 | Moderate–Heavy — a top producer on many runs | Late morning through mid‑afternoon |
| Caddis | #14–18 | Heavy in evening / margin lines — consistent topwater action | Evening (golden hour) and low wind pockets |
| Terrestrials (hoppers, ants) | #8–14 (terrestrial sizes) | Moderate — afternoons and when banks warm | Afternoon to dusk near overhanging vegetation |
Recommended Flies (linked to available patterns)
Below are patterns that match current hatch activity and effective subsurface offerings. Click the pattern to view the fly.
Dry Flies & Emergers
- Corn‑fed Caddis (CDC) — Tan (sizes 14–18) — skitter or dead‑drift along foam lines.
- Stealth Link Mercer — PMD (sizes 14–18) — great for mid‑day PMD activity.
- Parachute — Blue Wing Olive (sizes 16–18) — universal mayfly when olives are present.
- Libby's Salmonfly (#4–8) — carry a couple for rock piles where early salmonfly stragglers appear.
Nymphs & Subsurface
- Tungsten Pat's Rubber Legs (sizes 6–10) — stonefly/nymph indicator when fish key on big bugs.
- Duracell Bomb — Hare's Ear — versatile nymph for deeper runs and indicator rigs.
- Tungsten Split Case — PMD (sizes 14–18) — fish tight to the bottom on faster seams.
- Pheasant Tail (Tungsten) — classic emergent/naïve trout favorite.
- Egan's Warrior Perdigon — Rainbow — fast‑sinking, high‑flash option for picky fish under a tight indicator.
Streamers & Baitfish Imitations
- Coffey's Articulated Sparkle Minnow — Sculpin #4 — fish deep runs and cutbanks on overcast or low‑light windows.
- Galloup's Dungeon — Olive — large profile for aggressive takes from structure.
- Sculpzilla — Natural — a lethal sculpin imitation in pocket water.
Terrestrials & Attractors
- Fancy Pants Hopper — Tan — afternoon hopper dropper rigs in slower water.
- Bionic Ant 2.0 — Black — pick these when banks are hot with ants and beetles.
Tactics & Techniques
Morning: Focus on indicator nymphing—deep seams, drop‑offs, and tails of pools. Use a tungsten nymph near the point with a slimmer trailing nymph.
Midday: Look for PMD and mayfly activity—tight, accurate presentations to foam lines and seams. Use a long leader (10–12') and subtle mends.
Afternoon / Evening: Caddis skittering and hopper windows produce—work the banks, pocket water, and soft seams. Switch to dries or dry/dropper rigs as hatches develop.
Streamer Work: Strip‑pause through slow seams and in front of structure with large sculpin/baitfish patterns. Big takes often happen on the pause.
Handling & Fish Care: If water temps are elevated, keep fish in the water, use rubber nets and quick unhooking; minimize air exposure.
Midday: Look for PMD and mayfly activity—tight, accurate presentations to foam lines and seams. Use a long leader (10–12') and subtle mends.
Afternoon / Evening: Caddis skittering and hopper windows produce—work the banks, pocket water, and soft seams. Switch to dries or dry/dropper rigs as hatches develop.
Streamer Work: Strip‑pause through slow seams and in front of structure with large sculpin/baitfish patterns. Big takes often happen on the pause.
Handling & Fish Care: If water temps are elevated, keep fish in the water, use rubber nets and quick unhooking; minimize air exposure.
Local Notes & Safety
- Check current closures, road access, and fishery regulations with ODFW before you go. Regulations can differ by reach (Upper, Middle, Lower Deschutes).
- Boat anglers: watch for wake regulations and be courteous in narrow or heavily used stretches near put‑ins.
- Hydrology changes quickly—always confirm real‑time flows via USGS gauges and avoid wading in fast, high flows or when the river is discolored from runoff.
- Support local fly shops for recent hatch reports and boat/guide availability—Maupin and Bend shops often have up‑to‑the‑day tips and flies.
