LOWER D REPORT - 6/5/26
The Lower Deschutes River continues to fish exceptionally and the salmonfly hatch is now transitioning into a mix of salmonflies, golden stones, PMDs, and caddis. While the peak salmonfly push has moved through portions of the river, fish are still very willing to eat large dry flies and there are still big bugs around.
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Fish are continuing to look up throughout the day, especially along grassy banks, rock walls, ledges, and softer shoreline structure. Golden stone activity has become a bigger piece of the equation this week.
Subsurface fishing remains an excellent option, particularly during mornings and slower hatch periods. Stonefly nymphs, caddis pupa, mayfly patterns, and attractor nymphs continue to produce fish in softer seams, transition water, and walking-speed buckets.
The river feels like it's moving into a broader summer dry fly cycle. Bugs are everywhere, fish are feeding aggressively, and the next few weeks should offer some of the best overall fishing of the season as PMDs, caddis, and golden stones continue to build.
Recommended Dries:
March Brown #12-14, Chubby Chernobyl #8-12, Clark’s Stone #8-10, Hackle Stacker PMD #14-18, Parachute PMD #14-18, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16.
Recommended Nymphs:
Jimmy Legs #8 (Black or Brown), Jigged Hare’s Ear #14-16, Jigged Pheasant Tail #14-16, Psycho Prince #14-16, Duracell Jig #14-18, Copper John #14-18, Sparkle Pupa #16-18, Stonefly Nymphs #6-10.
