Disclaimer: The following report is compiled using artificial intelligence from current available data. Accuracy is not guarenteed. Always check local laws and regulations before fishing.

River Description

• The Deschutes River near Maupin flows through dramatic basalt canyons with consistent riffles and deep pools, ideal for winter steelhead runs and resident trout.
• Current conditions show stable, slightly above-average flows around 450 cfs at Sherars Bridge, with water temps holding steady at 44.8°F, supporting subtle hatches but favoring subsurface tactics.
• Mild winter weather with highs near 52°F and light SW winds keeps the river fishable, though the waning crescent moon (40% illumination) means low-light periods could concentrate fish activity in deeper runs.
• This is a technical nymphing river with moderate flows ideal for drifting beads or small patterns to winter steelhead.

3-Day Forecast

• Day 1 (Jan 11): Partly cloudy with highs of 52°F and light SW winds at 2-5 mph; stable pressure around 30.43 supports consistent bug activity and easier wading.
• Day 2 (Jan 12): Cooling to highs of 48°F under increasing clouds, winds shifting NE at 5-10 mph; potential for light flurries could murk waters slightly but boost steelhead aggression in low light.
• Day 3 (Jan 13): Clearing skies with highs rebounding to 50°F and calmer winds under 5 mph; rising barometer will sharpen fish senses, improving dry-dropper setups as temps stabilize.

Fishing Outlook

• Fair to Good overall for fly fishing, as mild temps and stable flows create windows for steelhead to hold in tailouts without spooking easily.
• Slightly elevated tributary inputs (e.g., White River at 450 cfs) add nutrients, potentially triggering feeding on nymphs during the day.
• Waning moon limits overnight activity but enhances dawn/dusk bites; yesterday's dry conditions prevent major runoff, keeping visibility clear for sight nymphing.

Recommendations

• Flies & Techniques:
  • Drift small black stonefly nymphs (size 12-14) or bead-head princes under an indicator for steelhead in riffles—effective in these cool, clear flows.
  • Switch to egg patterns like glo-bugs (pink or orange, size 8-10) for fresh run fish, swung on a sink-tip line in deeper pools.
  • If subtle blue-winged olive hatches emerge, try parachute BWOs (size 16-18) with a dropper nymph for opportunistic trout.
• Best Times & Tips:
  • Fish dawn (around moonset at 14:30 yesterday pattern) to mid-morning for best visibility; avoid midday lulls and target evenings as light fades.
  • Wading is safe with gage heights under 6 ft, but watch for slick rocks—wear felt soles and check for rising water from tributaries.
  • Pack layers for variable winds; no major weather risks, but rising humidity could fog glasses during casts.
• Gear Notes:
  • Use a 7-weight rod with floating or sink-tip lines for control in moderate currents; 9-10 ft leaders with 2X-3X tippet handle winter steelhead fights.