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LOWER D REPORT - 10/16/26

LOWER D REPORT - 10/16/26

The Lower Deschutes continues to offer good fall trout fishing, with flows holding relatively steady around 3,600 CFS. Riffles, broken current, and softer edges remain productive areas to focus, while cooler October weather is creating good opportunities throughout the day.

Caddis remain an important part of the mix, with smaller tan and gray varieties providing dry-fly opportunities during warmer periods. BWOs are increasingly worth watching for on cooler and overcast days, while October Caddis continue to play a larger role as we move further into fall. Smaller mayflies and occasional spinner activity remain worth having available when fish are feeding near the surface.

Subsurface fishing remains productive with stonefly nymphs, Perdigons, caddis pupa, October Caddis nymphs, and egg patterns all worth having in the rotation. Soft hackles and hot-bead patterns have been particularly effective, while swinging smaller sculpins, leeches, and streamers continues to offer good opportunities. Chinook spawning activity is making egg patterns increasingly relevant, so watch carefully for redds and avoid disturbing spawning fish. The Warm Springs to Maupin section remains open for trout fishing, while steelhead angling remains closed through December 31.

Recommended Flies

  • Tan X-Caddis (#16–18)

  • BWO Film Critic (#18–20)

  • Purple Haze (#16–18)

  • October Caddis (#6–8)

  • October Caddis Pupa (#8–10)

  • Silvey's Beadhead Caddis Pupa (#14–16)

  • Black Pat's Rubber Legs (#8–10)

  • Hot Collar Pheasant Tail (#14–16)

  • Brown Perdigon (#16–18)

  • Glo Bug (#10–14)

  • Olive Sculpzilla (#6–10)

jim sanco

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