Wasco County, OR · Inland River
Deschutes River (Maupin)
The legendary high-desert river of central Oregon — wild "redside" rainbow trout and a famous summer-steelhead run through the canyon below Maupin, with the salmonfly hatch a May–June event. Wade-and-walk only from boats (no fishing from a floating device). Live USGS flow and temperature near Madras.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Rainbow Trout — Drop everything — ideal day for Rainbow Trout.
Best conditions of 3 species tracked at Deschutes River (Maupin).
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Deschutes River (Maupin)
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Drop everything — ideal day for Rainbow Trout. In season 96/100
What's helping
- 55°F water — right in rainbow trout's ideal range
- In the current report — rainbow trout is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Min size
- 10"
- Daily creel
- 2
Oregon: trout limits are zone- and reach-specific — the Deschutes redband fishery is 2/day within a 10–13" window and much of it is wild-release. Confirm the zone.
Source: Oregon regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#2 Steelhead Great day to fish for Steelhead. In season 84/100
What's helping
- 55°F water — inside steelhead's active range
- In the current report — steelhead is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — Lake- or sea-run rainbow trout — chrome-bright fighters that ascend tributaries from fall through spring. The Great Lakes tributary steelhead run (Lake Erie’s “steelhead alley,” Lake Ontario, Michigan rivers) is a destination fishery; bite keys on flow and water clarity.
Prefers. Water 40–55°F (ideal 48°F) · either tide · depth 2–60 ft.
- Min size
- 24"
- Daily creel
- 2
Oregon: Hatchery fish only (adipose fin clipped); wild (intact-fin) steelhead must be released. 2 hatchery steelhead/day on most rivers; the Rogue allows limited wild harvest in some reaches. Combined salmon/steelhead annual tag required.
Source: Oregon regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#2 Chinook Salmon Great day to fish for Chinook Salmon. In season 84/100
What's helping
- 55°F water — inside chinook salmon's active range
- In the current report — chinook salmon is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Oncorhynchus tshawytscha — The “king” — the largest Pacific salmon and the marquee stocked predator of the Great Lakes. Trolled over open water through summer, then staged off river mouths and run up tributaries on the fall spawning push. Flow and water temperature drive the river bite.
Prefers. Water 42–58°F (ideal 50°F) · either tide · depth 15–150 ft.
- Min size
- 24"
- Daily creel
- 2
Oregon: salmon seasons are set by zone and run, with frequent in-season changes — commonly 1–2 adipose-clipped chinook/day where open. Confirm the current zone rule.
Source: Oregon regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Coordinates
Notes
Oregon zone rules: redside trout 2/day in a 10–13" window on much of the river; hatchery steelhead 2/day (wild released). Confirm the reach and current seasons.
Local reports & rules for Deschutes River (Maupin): Oregon ODFW fishing report → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Deschutes River (Maupin)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Deschutes River (Maupin) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Deschutes River (Maupin)?
Deschutes River (Maupin) is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Chinook Salmon. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Deschutes River (Maupin)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Deschutes River (Maupin) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Deschutes River (Maupin) have?
Deschutes River (Maupin) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Oregon zone rules: redside trout 2/day in a 10–13" window on much of the river; hatchery steelhead 2/day (wild released). Confirm the reach and current seasons.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Deschutes River (Maupin)?
state agency regulations apply at Deschutes River (Maupin). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Deschutes River (Maupin) tidal water?
No. Deschutes River (Maupin) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.