LOWER D REPORT - 10/23/26

The Lower Deschutes continues to offer good fall trout fishing. Recent reports have been particularly encouraging, with productive fishing through riffles, broken current, and softer edges. Flows have shown some variability recently, making it worth checking conditions before heading out. Nymphing remains a consistent approach, while swinging smaller streamers and trout spey patterns has been especially productive.

The fall hatch mix continues to offer opportunities, with BWOs and Mahogany Duns worth watching for during cooler and overcast periods.  October Caddis continue to be increasingly relevant, with larger adults and pupa worth having available. Dry-fly fishing has been more localized, particularly around eddies and softer edges where fish are feeding near the surface.

Subsurface fishing remains productive with Perdigons, Spanish Bullets, caddis pupa, stonefly nymphs, and egg patterns all worth having in the rotation. Leeches, sculpins, and smaller streamers have been particularly effective, with swinging flies providing some good opportunities throughout the day. Chinook spawning activity makes egg patterns increasingly relevant, so continue to watch 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

• BWO Film Critic (#18–20)

• Mahogany Dun (#16)

• Purple Haze (#16–18)

• Tan X-Caddis (#16–18)

• October Caddis (#6–8)

• October Caddis Pupa (#8–10)

• Spanish Bullet (#16–18)

• Brown Perdigon (#16–18)

• Black Pat's Rubber Legs (#8–10)

• Glo Bug (#10–14)