UPPER D REPORT - 6/5/26

The Upper Deschutes continues to fish really well and warmer weather over the last week has noticeably increased bug activity throughout the system.  Access remains excellent as the low snowpack continues to make getting around easier than recent seasons.

COME WALK & WADE WITH FLY & FIELD!

Give us a call for trips on the Upper D and other local rivers!

PMDs and caddis are becoming more consistent in the afternoons, while mornings favor smaller mayfly and midge patterns. Callibaetis activity around Little Lava and the upper meadows is becoming more noticeable, and fish are spending more time looking up during calmer weather windows.

Dry-dropper setups are a productive ways to cover water while traditional nymph rigs continue to produce. Fish are holding along undercut banks, timber, seams, and softer structure throughout the upper river. As water temperatures slowly rise, we'll see more fish slide into feeding lanes during the afternoon hours.

Streamers continue to be a good option for anglers targeting larger browns around wood, deeper cutbanks, and shaded structure. Smaller sculpin patterns and leeches have been moving fish.  Fish are feeding more aggressively, and conditions should continue improving through the first half of June.

Recommended Dries:
Purple Haze #14-18, PMD Sparkle Dun #16-18, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Micro Chubby #12-14, Ant Patterns #12-16

Recommended Nymphs:
Perdigons #14-18, Zebra Midges #18-20, Jigged Pheasant Tails #14-16, Soft Hackle Olives #16-18, Hare’s Ears #14-16, Small Stonefly Nymphs #10-12