UPPER DESCHUTES REPORT - 8/21/26
The Upper Deschutes remains a solid late-summer option. Brook trout remain active in the higher reaches, while rainbows and browns are showing around deeper bends, undercut banks, logjams, and other structure. With August recreational traffic still around, getting on the water early or moving away from the obvious access points continues to pay off.
PMDs and caddis remain part of the daily hatch mix, with PEDs and Tricos adding some variety as we move later into August. Terrestrials continue to be important, and ants, beetles, and smaller hoppers are all good options along grassy banks and overhanging vegetation.
Subsurface fishing remains steady with Perdigons, stonefly nymphs, smaller mayfly patterns, and caddis pupa producing around deeper runs and structure. Streamer fishing is also worth more attention right now, with smaller baitfish patterns worked tight to wood and cut banks producing larger fish.
Recommended Flies.
PMD Sparkle Dun (#16-18)
Rusty Spinner (#16-18)
X-Caddis (#16-18)
Flying Ant (#14-16)
Foam Beetle (#12-16)
Olive Perdigon (#16-18)
Jig Pheasant Tail (#16-18)
Tan Caddis Pupa (#16-18)
Small Stonefly Nymph (#12-14)
Sparkle Minnow (#6-10)
