Free Resource · Updated 2026
The complete fly hatch chart for Oregon's legendary trout rivers. From the iconic Deschutes Salmonfly hatch and spring-fed Metolius to the wild North Umpqua, Williamson, Rogue, and McKenzie — select your river below for peak hatch timing, fly pattern recommendations, and current month highlights for 2026.
Oregon Hatch Calendar — Quick Reference
Oregon Rivers
Deschutes River · Crooked River
Cold dam releases keep water temps stable through summer, supporting prolific Salmonfly and caddis hatches. The Deschutes canyon is the western Mecca for big-bug dry fly fishing — Salmonfly and Golden Stone hatches in May and June draw anglers from across the country. The Crooked offers year-round tailwater trout fishing with consistent midges and PMDs. Expect large rainbows and the most predictable hatch windows of any Oregon river type.
Metolius River · McKenzie River
The Metolius erupts fully formed from underground springs at a constant 48–50°F — the most stable river in Oregon and technically demanding due to ultra-wary fish. The McKenzie is a classic Cascade freestone river with excellent PMD and caddis hatches through summer. Both rivers fish well for PMDs in June through August. Longer leaders, finer tippet, and precise presentations are rewarded on these clear, spring-influenced waters.
North Umpqua · Rogue River · Williamson River
The North Umpqua and Rogue are dual-purpose rivers — excellent summer steelhead and resident trout fishing with Salmonfly, Golden Stone, and caddis hatches through summer. The Williamson is Oregon's Hexagenia river — a rare nocturnal hatch in June and July that triggers trophy-sized wild rainbows. The Rogue's lower canyon sees October Caddis well into fall. These rivers reward anglers who time their trips to match the hatch calendar precisely.
The Why Behind the Chart
Pteronarcys californica
The Deschutes Salmonfly hatch is the signature event of Oregon fly fishing — one of the most spectacular dry fly hatches anywhere in the West. Massive stoneflies the size of small birds blanket canyon walls and riverbanks from late May into June, progressing upstream over 2–3 weeks. Water temps in the 50–54°F range trigger the emergence. Big Deschutes rainbows and brown trout abandon all caution during peak activity. The North Umpqua and Rogue River also see strong Salmonfly emergences during the same window.
Recommended: #4–6 Stimulator, Sofa Pillow, Chubby Chernobyl
Hesperoperla pacifica
The Golden Stonefly follows the Salmonfly by 1–2 weeks and extends the big-bug dry fly action through June and into early July. Slightly smaller and more golden-yellow than the Salmonfly, the Golden Stone is often more fishable because the hatch is less concentrated and trout are still keyed to the surface. The Deschutes, North Umpqua, and McKenzie all produce excellent Golden Stone fishing. Fish along cut banks and foam lines where stoneflies congregate after landing on the water.
Recommended: #6–8 Elk Hair Stone, Yellow Stimulator, Kaufmann's Golden Stone
Ephemerella inermis
Oregon's most reliable summer mayfly hatch and a staple on every river in this chart. PMDs emerge in the morning and early afternoon on most rivers, transitioning to spinner falls by late afternoon. The Metolius, Crooked River, and Deschutes all produce excellent PMD action from June through August. Fish are often selective during heavy spinner falls — a well-presented Sparkle Dun or CDC Dun can mean the difference between a great day and a frustrating one. 5X tippet and drag-free drifts are the formula.
Recommended: #16–18 Sparkle Dun, Comparadun, CDC PMD Dun
Dicosmoecus sp.
Oregon's fall classic and one of the largest caddisflies in North America — size 6–8, bright orange, unmistakable. The October Caddis fires on the Deschutes and Metolius from mid-September through October, with afternoon and evening emergences triggering some of the best dry fly fishing of the year. Trout have been feeding on smaller flies all summer and react aggressively to these big orange bugs. This hatch overlaps with BWOs for excellent multi-hatch afternoons in late September and early October.
Recommended: #6–8 Orange Stimulator, Buckskin Caddis, October Caddis Soft Hackle
Skwala americana
The Skwala stonefly is Oregon's early-season opener — signaling that dry fly fishing has returned after winter. Skwalas hatch on the Deschutes and Metolius in March and April when water temps climb into the high 40s°F, typically in afternoon warmth. They are smaller than Salmonflies but large enough to draw aggressive takes from trout that have seen little surface food all winter. The Deschutes canyon section near Maupin is the go-to destination for early-season Skwala fishing in the Pacific Northwest.
Recommended: #8 Skwala Adult, Olive Stimulator, Clark's Stonefly
Baetis sp.
Oregon's most versatile hatch — present on every river in this chart, spring and fall, and reliably triggered by overcast, drizzly weather when other hatches shut down. BWOs emerge in two seasonal windows: late March through May and again September through November. The Deschutes, Metolius, and Crooked River produce excellent BWO fishing throughout both windows. When Oregon's famously changeable weather turns gray and rainy, think BWO — the hatch intensifies in low light and can produce superb dry fly action from mid-morning into early afternoon.
Recommended: #18–22 CDC Dun, Sparkle Dun, RS2 Emerger
Oregon's hatch season begins in late February and March with Blue-Winged Olives and March Browns on the Deschutes — one of the earliest reliable dry fly hatches in the Pacific Northwest. The Skwala stonefly emergence on the Deschutes and Metolius in March and April signals the true start of the season, drawing anglers from across the region for the big, juicy dry fly action.
The Deschutes Salmonfly hatch in late May and early June is one of the most anticipated events in western fly fishing — massive Pteronarcys stoneflies blanket the canyon walls and drive trout into a surface feeding frenzy. Golden Stoneflies follow immediately after, extending the big-bug action through June. PMDs provide excellent summer dry fly fishing through August on the Deschutes, Metolius, McKenzie, and Crooked River.
Fall brings one of Oregon's most distinctive hatches: the October Caddis (Dicosmoecus sp.) on the Deschutes and Metolius — large orange caddisflies that trigger aggressive surface takes well into October. Pair this hatch chart with FlyFishFinder's live USGS gauge data to know when flows on your target river are optimal.
See Live Oregon River Conditions →Common Questions
The Salmonfly hatch on the Deschutes typically runs from late May through mid-June, progressing upstream as water temps warm. The hatch usually starts below Maupin and moves up through the canyon over 2–3 weeks. Peak timing can shift by a week depending on spring temperatures — watch water temps in the 50–54°F range as the trigger. The canyon sections between Maupin and Warm Springs are the most celebrated for this hatch.
July is prime time for PMDs on the Deschutes and Metolius — carry #16–18 Sparkle Duns and Comparaduns. Golden Stoneflies are still active early in the month. Hoppers start producing on the Deschutes by mid-July, especially along grassy banks. Caddis remain active through July evenings. A size 14–16 Elk Hair Caddis or X-Caddis is a reliable all-day producer on most Oregon rivers.
The Metolius is a spring creek — constant 48–50°F water year-round from underground springs means hatches are more stable and predictable but the fish are extremely wary. It fishes more like a technical limestone creek. The Deschutes is a large freestone tailwater with bolder, more aggressive fish and bigger hatches. Metolius requires finer tippet (5X–6X), longer leaders, and more precise presentations. The Deschutes rewards a more classic stonefly and caddis approach.
October Caddis (Dicosmoecus sp.) typically runs from mid-September through October on most Oregon rivers. The Deschutes and Metolius are the premier destinations for this hatch. Large orange caddisflies emerge in the afternoons and evenings, triggering aggressive surface takes. An Orange Stimulator or Buckskin Caddis in size 6–8 is the go-to pattern. The hatch overlaps with BWOs for excellent multi-hatch days in late September.
The Williamson is one of the few Oregon rivers with a significant Hexagenia limbata hatch — a large, slow-water mayfly that triggers nocturnal feeding from trophy brown and rainbow trout in June and July. The river also hosts excellent Callibaetis hatches on its slower, lake-like sections. Access is partly through the Klamath Tribes reservation — check current regulations before fishing. The Williamson produces some of the largest wild rainbows in Oregon.
May through June is Oregon's premier window — the Salmonfly and Golden Stone hatches on the Deschutes are bucket-list events, and most rivers are fishing well. The Skwala hatch in March–April is an excellent early-season option on the Deschutes and Metolius. Fall (September–October) brings the October Caddis and excellent BWO fishing with fewer crowds. The Metolius and Crooked River fish well year-round thanks to their stable spring and tailwater flows.
FlyFishFinder combines hatch knowledge with live gauge alerts, Prime condition indicators, and real angler intel — so you show up on the right day, not the wrong one.
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