The Crooked River is fishing well right now, especially in the tailwater stretch below Bowman Dam. Cooler weather and stable conditions are keeping trout active throughout the day. Nymphing remains the dominant tactic—Euro rigs and indicator setups are generating steady action with Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tails, 2 Bit Hookers, and Perdigons working best in seams, tailouts, and deeper pockets.
Dry-dropper rigs continue to be effective, with a small Chubby on top and a nymph like an Olive Caddis pupa, Perdigon, or 2 Bit below producing within riffles and pocket water. Caddis and PMD hatches are steady, offering reliable dry fly windows in the afternoon and evening. When bugs are active, a size 16 Purple Haze, Parachute Adams, or small Chubby dries will draw attention.
ODFW is conducting electrofishing surveys between Big Bend and Cobble Rock from June 24–27; anglers should step aside where necessary but these activities only impact small sections of the river. Bull trout are present now that passage at Opal Springs is open—please release them immediately if caught.
Anglers are seeing good numbers of smaller trout, with an occasional 12–16″ fish mixed in, along with whitefish. Streamer opportunities persist—small leech-style patterns fished through undercut banks or logjams can turn up bigger fish. Overall, this remains one of Central Oregon’s most productive tailwater fisheries with excellent access and consistent results through the weekend.