CROOKED RIVER REPORT - 7/31/26

The Crooked continues to be one of Central Oregon's most reliable fisheries. Consistent releases below Bowman Dam have kept water temperatures favorable despite the summer heat, and trout are feeding actively throughout the day. Fish are well distributed from shallow riffles to deeper buckets, with the most consistent success coming from anglers who slow down, make repeated quality drifts, and thoroughly work each piece of holding water.

Summer bug activity remains steady. Small caddis continue to dominate the evening hatch, while PMDs are still bringing fish to the surface through the afternoon. Midges remain an important food source throughout the day, and trout have been rising whenever cloud cover or shade extends the feeding window. 

Nymphing continues to account for the majority of hookups. Small caddis pupa, Zebra Midges, scuds, PMD nymphs, Olive Perdigons, and Two Bit Hookers are all producing fish when drifted naturally through transition water and deeper seams. As always on the Crooked, subtle adjustments to weight and depth continue to make a bigger difference than constantly changing flies when working through holding water on the Classic Oregon tailwater

Recommended Flies

• X-Caddis (#16–18)
• PMD Sparkle Dun (#16–18)
• Zebra Midge (#18–22)
• Tan Scud (#16–18)
• Olive Perdigon (#16–20)
• Two Bit Hooker (#16–18)
• PMD Jig Nymph (#16–18)
• Tan Caddis Pupa (#16–18)
• Ray Charles Scud (#16–18)
• Balanced Leech – Black (#10–12)