Above Benham Falls closes October 1; meadow sections noted for terrestrial fishing
As of September 11, 2026, the Upper Deschutes River is fishing Great (8.1/10): PMD activity, reported by 4 shops.
Last updated
Reports indicate good conditions.
The score improved 0.2 points since the previous update.
Urban stretch through Bend. Accessible wade fishing.
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, Caddis, BWO. Recommended flies include Pale Morning Dun, Blue Wing Olive, Egg Pattern, Sculpzilla.
Recent reports mention Above Benham Falls closes October 1; meadow sections noted for terrestrial fishing, Above Crane Prairie (Cow Meadow area) and below Wickiup; section between Gull Point and Sheep's Bridge closed as of 9/4/2026, Float section; walk-and-wade above Crane Prairie (closes Sept 30); Sheeps Bridge to Browns Crossing and Crane Prairie dam already closed.
Access and seasonal rules can change. Check current regulations and closures with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife ↗
Upper Deschutes River location
43.9945, -121.3856
No gauge data available.
No flow data available.
| Insect | Stage | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| PMD | dun | — |
| Caddis | adult | — |
| BWO | dun | — |
| Trico | spinner | — |
| Mahogany Dun | dun | — |
| Ants | adult | afternoon |
| Beetles | adult | — |
| Hoppers | adult | afternoon |
| Stonefly | nymph | afternoon |
| PED | — | — |
Great · Updated 1d ago
Great · Updated 1d ago
Great · Updated 1d ago
Great · Updated 1d ago
Fly And Field
The Upper Deschutes is transitioning into fall with dropping flows as irrigation season winds down. Fish are spread throughout the system with good dry fly and subsurface opportunities; streamer fishing expected to improve as fall progresses.
Confluence Fly Shop
The stretch above Crane Prairie near Cow Meadow has been fishing well with kokanee moving in and lake fish present; nymphing egg patterns and streamers for brook trout in undercut banks is productive. Below Wickiup is also fishing well on streamers and nymphs with smaller stoneflies, PMD nymphs, caddis nymphs, and perdigons.
Fly Fishers Place
The Upper Deschutes float section is fishing quite well with streamer fishing, hoppers, and good hatches including Tricos, PMDs, BWOs, Mahogany Duns, and caddis. The walk-and-wade area above Crane Prairie is also fishing well on nymphs and small streamers, but closes September 30th.
Confluence Fly Shop
The Upper Deschutes has been fishing well overall, with the section below Wickiup Dam particularly productive for both dry flies and streamers. Hatches of BWOs, PMDs, and caddis are active, and lake-run fish are moving into the river as nearby lakes warm; the headwater stretch sees the most angling pressure.
Fly And Field
Trout remain active as cooler weather and falling flows transition the river. Deeper bends, undercut banks, and woody structure are worth targeting alongside productive headwaters.
Odfw Central Zone
Excellent fishing in the headwaters reach for redband trout, brook trout, and mountain whitefish; good brown trout fishing in the Wickiup Tailwater reach. River closes above Benham Falls on October 1; flows dropping as irrigation season ends.
Fly And Field
Fish are active throughout the upper river in late summer, with brook trout and redbands providing good action in the headwaters and browns holding in deeper bends and woody structure downstream. Both dry fly and subsurface fishing are productive, with a variety of hatches and terrestrials in play.
Fly Fishers Place
The upper Deschutes headwaters and the floatable section below Wickiup from Tenino to Bull Bend are fishing well, with good PMD and BWO hatches and terrestrial action. Streamers including large articulated patterns are attracting bigger brown trout, and an anticipated push of fall weather should improve conditions further.
Fly And Field
The Upper Deschutes is fishing well as a late-summer option with brook trout active in upper reaches and rainbows and browns holding around structure. Early morning starts and avoiding crowded access points are recommended due to recreational pressure.
Confluence Fly Shop
PMD hatches have been going throughout the day across all sections, with good caddis hatches on the Headwater stretch between Crane and Little Lava. The stretch below Wickiup has been fishing extremely well on sub-surface bugs and streamers, with a solid evening caddis hatch and morning PMDs.
Score.Fish