below Bowman Dam
As of September 11, 2026, the Crooked River is fishing Great (8.8/10): flows are 142 cfs, PMD activity, reported by 5 shops.
Last updated
Reports indicate good conditions. flow at 142 cfs.
Conditions are holding steady since the previous update.
Tailwater below Bowman Dam. Consistent year-round nymphing.
A quick view of the latest report, gauge, hatch, and fly data available for this water. Missing observations are left unreported rather than estimated.
Current reports mention PMD, BWO, Caddis. Recommended flies include Zebra Midge, Pale Morning Dun, Pheasant Tail, San Juan Worm.
Recent reports mention below Bowman Dam, Dam down to mile post 12.
Access and seasonal rules can change. Check current regulations and closures with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife ↗
Crooked River location
44.3072, -121.1300
Current Flow
142cfs
| Insect | Stage | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| PMD | dun | — |
| BWO | dun | — |
| Caddis | adult | — |
| Midge | emerger | — |
| Terrestrial | adult | afternoon |
| mayfly | nymph | afternoon |
Great · Updated 1d ago
Great · Updated 1d ago
Great · Updated 1d ago
Great · Updated 1d ago
Fly And Field
Flows below Bowman Dam have dropped to around 175 CFS as irrigation season winds down, prompting anglers to adjust where they find fish. Subsurface fishing is the most consistent approach, with hatches shifting deeper into September.
Confluence Fly Shop
Dry fly fishing has remained quite good with PMDs in the morning and BWOs and caddis around midday. Nymphing continues to be productive with a wide variety of patterns including midges, scuds, baetis nymphs, eggs, and leeches.
Deschutes Camp
Flows are dropping from summer highs of 300 CFS toward winter levels, currently at 140 CFS and very fishable. Surface action can be excellent during canyon shadows or overcast conditions, and nymphing small patterns is also productive.
Fly Fishers Place
The Crooked River is dropping to around 177 cfs but nymph action is excellent. PMD hatches are improving and BWOs are expected to increase through September and October.
Confluence Fly Shop
Guides have been having incredible days on the Crooked River with great hatches of caddis and PMDs under overcast skies. Nymphing remains the most productive technique, but dry fly action has been strong during hatches, with mixed PMD and caddis activity from late morning through evening.
Fly And Field
The Crooked River is in good shape as flows drop lightly to around 225 CFS, beginning a seasonal transition into September. Subsurface fishing is the most consistent approach, with a variety of nymphs and pupa patterns in rotation.
Odfw Central Zone
Excellent fishing for trout and whitefish with healthy and robust fish populations confirmed by ODFW sampling. Flows expected to drop in September as irrigation season ends.
Fly Fishers Place
Crooked River is on the good list with flows dropping to 226 cfs and expected to continue falling. Fishing is productive from the dam down to mile post 12.
Fly And Field
The Crooked River is fishing well with summer flows around 245 CFS, with fish spread throughout riffles, runs, and transition water. Subsurface fishing is the most consistent approach, though dry fly opportunities exist when fish are looking up during PMD hatches.
Fly Fishers Place
The Crooked River is flowing at surprisingly normal summer levels with a solid afternoon PMD hatch starting around midday. Fish are not strongly keyed on dry PMDs but nymphing picks up well once the hatch begins.
Score.Fish