LAKE REPORT - 8/14/26
The Cascade Lakes continue to offer solid August fishing, with warmer surface water pushing more fish toward deeper, cooler water during the middle of the day. At Crane Prairie, rainbows and kokanee are concentrating around channels, weed edges, and drop-offs, while East and Paulina continue to produce quality rainbows, browns, and kokanee.
Chironomids remain a major food source across all three lakes, with Callibaetis, damsels, and terrestrials adding variety throughout the day. Callibaetis opportunities are more weather dependent now, while ants and beetles remain worthwhile around East and Paulina.
Balanced leeches, chironomids, Callibaetis nymphs, and damsel patterns continue to be the most consistent subsurface options. Slow-stripped leeches remain a strong option for larger trout, especially early and late in the day. Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road remain open while Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in place across the Deschutes National Forest.
Recommended Flies
Balanced Leech – Black/Olive (#10-12)
Black Chironomid (#16-20)
Chromie (#16-20)
Callibaetis Nymph (#14-16)
Callibaetis Cripple (#14-16)
Balanced Damsel (#10-12)
Pine Squirrel Leech (#8-10)
Foam Beetle (#12-16)
Flying Ant (#12-14)
