LOWER DESCHUTES REPORT - 7/3/26

The Lower Deschutes has settled into a dependable summer pattern, with healthy fish feeding consistently throughout the day. Fish are holding in riffles, boulder gardens, deeper runs, and shaded banks, with the most productive fishing occurring during the cooler morning and evening hours. Water conditions remain stable, making for excellent float and wade opportunities. 

Caddis are now the dominant hatch, with the strongest dry fly action developing during the evening. PMDs continue to provide afternoon opportunities, while Golden Stones and Yellow Sallies can still bring opportunistic surface eats along grassy banks and overhanging structure. Anglers willing to stay through the last hour of daylight are finding the most consistent fish looking up.

Subsurface fishing remains the most consistent producer. Stonefly nymphs paired with caddis pupa or smaller PMD nymphs continue to account for the majority of fish, while jig-style mayfly patterns and perdigons are producing well in faster pocket water. Fish deeper seams, drop-offs, and walking-speed water with natural drifts, and don't overlook shaded structure where larger redsides often hold during the heat of the day.

Recommended Flies

• X-Caddis (#14-16)
• Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16)
• PMD Sparkle Dun (#16-18)
• CDC Comparadun PMD (#16-18)
• Tan Caddis Pupa (#14-16)
• Golden Stone Nymph (#8-10)
• Jig Split Case PMD (#16-18)
• Hogan's Lil' Amigo (#16-18)
• Olive Perdigon (#16-18)
• Pat's Rubber Legs (#6-8)