Drake Park / Old Mill
As of July 28, 2026, the Middle Deschutes River is fishing Fair (7.4/10): flows are 521 cfs, Caddis activity, reported by 3 shops.
Last updated
Reports indicate good conditions. flow at 515 cfs.
Between Bend and Lake Billy Chinook. Less pressured canyon water.
Current Flow
521cfs
| Insect | Stage | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Caddis | adult | evening |
| Stonefly | adult | — |
| Salmon Fly | adult | — |
| PMD | dun | morning |
| Pale Evening Dun | dun | evening |
| BWO | dun | afternoon |
| Rusty Spinner | spinner | evening |
| Yellow Sally | adult | afternoon |
Confluence Fly Shop
The Middle Deschutes has been fishing well in the mornings and evenings, with caddis action right before dark. Nymphing a stonefly to a caddis nymph or perdigon is recommended earlier in the day.
Odfw Central Zone
Anglers report productive fishing with stonefly, salmon fly, and caddis hatches near Steelhead Falls and Crooked River Ranch. Good fishing for brown and redband trout in the Steelhead Falls area.
View original report ↗Fly Fishers Place
Currently a morning-only destination due to heat concerns; water temps should be checked and monitored in the afternoon. PMDs, PED, caddis, perdigons, soft hackles, and smaller streamers including a brown mini gulp crayfish imitation are recommended.
Fly Fishers Place
The Middle Deschutes requires close monitoring of water temperatures this week, as some areas may be too warm for ethical catch-and-release fishing. Areas with spring rejuvenation should remain fishable.
Confluence Fly Shop
Caddis, BWOs, and PMDs are the primary hatches, all popping off in the afternoon and evening. Nymphing with stoneflies, eggs, caddis pupa, PMD nymphs, baetis, and perdigons is productive earlier in the day.
Fly Fishers Place
Middle Deschutes evenings offer fun dry fly fishing close to Sisters, Bend, and Redmond. Tenkara in the pocket water near Bend is also recommended.
Confluence Fly Shop
The Middle Deschutes has been a dry fly haven with caddis emergers and duns getting most of the action. The last two hours of daylight are the most productive, with BWOs also showing up especially from the Old Mill downstream.
Fly Fishers Place
A good option for a morning euro nymph session or evening dry fly fishing. PMD, pale evening dun, and tan caddis are the main hatches, with BWO activity near spring discharges.
Confluence Fly Shop
Solid fish have been coming out of the Middle D, especially around the Old Mill. Nymphing is the most effective strategy as fish are pushed into deeper, colder water during the heat, with flashy perdigons and stonefly-to-caddis rigs leading the way. The streamer bite has also been good with olive patterns.
Fly Fishers Place
Fishing well from Bend down to Lake Billy Chinook with pockets of good caddis hatches and mayfly activity. Both nymphing and dry fly fishing are productive depending on location.
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