UPPER DESCHUTES REPORT - 7/3/26
The Upper Deschutes above Benham Falls continues to fish well, with cool water temperatures and stable flows providing consistent opportunities throughout the river corridor. Trout are holding along undercut banks, submerged timber, deeper pools, and current transitions with early mornings and evenings continue to offer the most active feeding periods.
Caddis remain the most consistent hatch, with PMDs providing steady afternoon dry fly action and terrestrials beginning to play a larger role as warmer weather settles in. Ants and beetles fished tight to grassy banks and overhanging vegetation are drawing aggressive takes, while evening caddis activity continues to produce the best surface opportunities.
Subsurface presentations continue to account for the majority of fish. Olive Perdigons, Jig Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears, caddis pupa, and Golden Stone nymphs have all been productive when fished through deeper buckets and structure. Anglers targeting larger trout should also spend time stripping smaller olive or black streamers around logjams and cut banks where browns are beginning to establish summer holding water.
Recommended Flies
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16)
- X-Caddis (#14-16)
- PMD Sparkle Dun (#16-18)
- Parachute Ant (#14-16)
- Foam Beetle (#12-16)
- Olive Perdigon (#16-18)
- Jig Pheasant Tail (#16-18)
- CDC Hare's Ear (#14-16)
- Golden Stone Nymph (#8-10)
- Olive Mini Sculpin (#8-10)
