Recreation Report
Central Zone
Recreation Report
Central Fishing
June 4, 2026
Best bets for weekend fishing
- Hood River spring Chinook season is here, peak of the season will be late May – early June.
- The salmon fly hatch on the lower Deschutes is still underway! Great fishing and lots of anglers
- Anglers report excellent early season fishing at Lava and Little Lava Lakes for large holdover trout.
- Shevlin Park youth and disabled fishing pond, Prineville youth pond, Metolius youth and disabled fishing pond and Pine Nursery Pond were recently stocked to provide excellent angling opportunities.
- Anglers report smaller than average (12-16-in) but abundant rainbow trout and good fishing at Crane Prairie Reservoir.
- Anglers report good trout fishing and excellent kokanee fishing at Paulina Lake. Kokanee at Paulina Lake are amongst the largest in Central Oregon this year averaging 13-14 inches.
- Positive reports are coming from East Lake with large numbers of rainbow trout in the 16-18-inch range and kokanee 13-15-inches.
- Recent ODFW sampling indicates good numbers of 17-22" holdover rainbow trout at Antelope Flat Reservoir
- The Crooked and Metolius Rivers continue to provide excellent early spring angling opportunities for redband trout and mountain whitefish.
- Fall River was recently stocked, and anglers report excellent nymphing opportunities near the hatchery and the headwaters.
Trout stocking
Stocked the weeks of
April 20- May 15:
Shevlin Pond, Prineville Fishing Pond, Rock Creek Res, Pine Hollow Res, Middle Fork Pond- Hood River, Ochoco Res, Antelope Flat Res, Cottonwood Pit, Twin Lake N and S, Metolius Pond, Sprague Pit Pond, Laurance Lake, Walton Lake, Clear Lake, Century Gravel Pond, Roulet Pond, Wallowa Wildlife Pond (Weavers Pond), Hunter Pond (Starkey Forest Ponds), Victor Pond, Umapine Pond, Honeymoon Pond, Marr Pond, Teepee Pond, Luger Pond.
Scheduled to be stocked May 18- June 12:
Aldrich Ponds, Anson Wright Pond, Bull Prairie Res, Cutsforth Pond, Hog Creek Pond, Holliday Park Pond, Honeymoon Pond, Kinney Lake, Marr Pond, McNary Channel Ponds, Morgan Lake, Seventh St. Pond, Teepee Pond, Twin Ponds, Umatilla Forest Pond N and S, Victor Pond, Walla Walla Forest Pond N and S, Wallowa Lake, Wallowa Wildlife Pond (Weavers Pond), Wildcat Pond,
Check out the Trout stocking schedule.
Trout stocking maps
Check out the ODFW fishing and trout stocking maps to find nearby fishing locations, driving directions and descriptions of amenities.
Announcements
Free Fishing Weekend
This weekend, June 6 - 7 (Saturday & Sunday) is a free fishing weekend! On Free Fishing Days only, you do not need:
- License to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon.
- Combined angling tag
- Columbia Basin Endorsement
- Ocean endorsement
- Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation
- Two-Rod Validation
*Requirements: Area closures, bag limits and all other regulations still apply. Be sure to check both the permanent sportfishing regulations and for any in-season regulation updates, especially if you are fishing for salmon or steelhead as many regulations are set in-season.
New Kokanee Regulations for 2026
Beginning January 1, 2026, kokanee will no longer be included in the trout daily bag limit. Anglers will be able keep up to 10 kokanee per day, no size limits, and up to five trout per day in lakes. The kokanee bag limit at Elk, Odell, and Suttle lakes will remain at 25 per day. See the 2026 regulation book for details and waterbodies with exceptions: https://myodfw.com/sites/default/files/2025-11/26_Fish_regs.pdf
New Permanent Docks at Crane Prairie, Paulina, and Cultus Lakes
New permanent docks have been installed at Crane Prairie, Paulina, and Cultus Lakes following a recreation improvement grant funded through the Bend Sustainability Fund. The project, led by the Deschutes Trails Coalition in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, replaced aging seasonal docks with permanent structures intended to improve lake access, extend recreational use during shoulder seasons and improve access for people with disabilities.
Safe Fish Handling for Catch and Release
As surface waters warm safe fish handling practices become more critical for increasing the chances of survival for catch and release angling. Here are some tips for safe fish handling for catch and release:
- Use barbless hooks.
- Land the fish quickly to minimize stress and the buildup of lactic acid.
- Wet your hands before handling a fish and keep them in the water and wet to the extent possible.
- Use needle-nosed pliers or hemostats to remove the hook. If the hook is deeply imbedded, cut the leader near the hook, which will rust away after a few days.
- Revive the fish in the current before letting it go.
- Never lay fish on rocks, bank or boat or keep out of water for an extended period to photograph.
2026 Waterway Access Permit
A waterway access permit is required for all non-motorized boats (inc. Drift, raft, SUPs, inflatables, etc.). Access permits are available where hunting/fishing licenses are sold and online via ODFWs e-Licensing System and the Oregon State Marine Board websites.
On Board Fish Cleaning
With the rise in popularity of on-board fish cleaning tables, anglers are reminded that they must retain enough of the carcass to identify the size, species and any fin clip. Law enforcement personnel must be able to determine that fish were harvested lawfully. This is especially important in waterbodies with size or fin clip restrictions including Lake Billy Chinook, Crescent Lake, Odell Lake, and Crane Prairie Reservoir.
Fishing during blue-green algae (cyanobacterial) blooms
As temperatures heat up during spring and summer, be on the watch for harmful algae blooms when recreating in Oregon lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Before you go fishing, check water quality conditions at the Oregon Health Authority website.
Fish Consumption Advisories
The Oregon Health Authority has issued consumption guidelines for parts of the Columbia River and East Lake due to high levels of mercury and/or PCBs. Fish with these chemicals look, act, smell and taste like any other fish, so caution is important.
- Bonneville Dam fish advisory
- Oregon Health Authority Fish Advisories and Consumption Guidelines
- Safe fish choices for pregnancy and young children
Sign up for the latest information on boater access
Marine Board's Opportunities and Access Report incorporates information from federal and state agencies, local facility operators and fellow boaters to provide up-to-date information so boaters can decide where to recreate and what to expect this season. Subscribe to receive email updates.
Updates by waterbody
CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, brook trout, largemouth bass, kokanee
Crane Prairie is currently 91% full. Anglers report excellent early season trout and kokanee fishing with abundant trout in the 12-16" range and kokanee averaging 13-14". Trout are spread out throughout the lake with moderate water temperatures. Last updated 6/4/26.
CRESCENT LAKE: Rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee
Crescent Lake is currently 29% full. Boat anglers should opt for the low water ramp at the Crescent Lake Campground or launching off the beach at Tranquil Cove. Open to fishing all year. Anglers report excellent early season fishing for large brown and lake trout and kokanee averaging 13".
One lake trout per day, 24-inch minimum length. Last updated 5/28/26.
CROOKED RIVER: Trout, whitefish
Open to fishing all year below Bowman Dam. Anglers report excellent spring fishing for trout and whitefish. Anglers should expect to see high irrigation flows in May-June below Bowman Dam. At the time of writing, outflows were 234cfs. Nymphing with small midge, scud, and mayfly imitations have been the most effective patterns, but fly-anglers should keep an eye out for fish rising in afternoon.
Crooked River anglers may encounter bull trout now that there is volitional passage at Opal Springs. Anglers who catch a bull trout should release it unharmed and report their catch to the US Fish and Wildlife Service at crookedbulltrout@fws.gov. Last updated 6/4/2026.
DAVIS LAKE: Largemouth bass, rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year. Low snowpack is allowing early access that is typically inaccessible in spring. A mild winter has resulted in warmer than normal surface water temperatures anglers report active bass and a hot start to the season.
Fly-fishing only, barbless hooks required. Catch-and-release for trout. No limit on size or number of warmwater fish. Davis Lake anglers may encounter bull trout which must be immediately released unharmed and report their catch to the US Fish and Wildlife Service at crookedbulltrout@fws.gov. Last updated 5/21/26.
DESCHUTES RIVER, mouth to Pelton Dam: Redband trout, steelhead, whitefish
It's salmon fly season on the Deschutes. Some cooler weather mid-week may slow down some hatches, but things will likely pick back up by the weekend. Expect salmon fly and stonefly hatches, along with some caddis mixed in . In addition to dry fly fishing, nymph fishing can still be very good this time of year.
Last updated 5/26/26.
DESCHUTES RIVER, Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls: Rainbow trout, brown trout, whitefish
Open to fishing all year. Anglers report productive fishing and stonefly, salmon fly, and caddis hatches in the Middle Deschutes near Steelhead Falls and Crooked River Ranch. No harvest of rainbow trout over 20 inches. Anglers report good fishing for brown and redband trout in the Steelhead Falls area and early stonefly activity this year. Last updated 5/21/26.
DESCHUTES RIVER, Benham Falls to Little Lava Lake: Rainbow trout, brown trout
The Upper Deschutes River above Benham Falls reopened May 22. Last update 5/21/26. Anglers report excellent fishing the headwaters reach for redband trout, brook trout, and mountain whitefish. ODFW anticipates excellent brown trout fishing in the Wickup Tailwater reach of the Deschutes River. Last updated 6/4/26.
EAST LAKE: Rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee
Anglers report excellent brown and rainbow trout fishing at East Lake; however, low water levels continue to make launching larger boats a challenge. . Anglers should note that Tui Chub trapping has begun at East Lake. Please do not snag hooks on chub nets and give staff room to acess and empty the nets. Open to fishing all year. Catch and release for tiger trout. Last updated 6/4/26.
FALL RIVER: Rainbow trout, brown trout
Fall River below Fall River Falls reopened May 22, 2026. Fall River above the falls is open year-round. Fall River received several stockings in April/May. Fly-anglers continue to report good and consistent fishing in the Fall River. Nymphing with midges and stoneflies and stripping small streamers with light fluorocarbon tippet are also effective methods. Anglers should keep an eye out for afternoon blue olive wing and midge hatches. Restricted to fly-fishing with barbless hooks only. ODFW staff have noticed an increase in lures being used in Fall River and remind anglers that the use of lures and bait is prohibited. Last updated 5/28/26.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, kokanee, black crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, brown bullhead
Haystack Reservoir will receive stockings of rainbow trout in April and May. Approximately 500 brood rainbow trout were released in December –February providing a unique opportunity to catch 4+ pound fish. As a reminder, to allow everyone a chance at catching one of these fish, only one fish over 20 inches long can be harvested each day.
Anglers report good fishing for rainbow trout in the 16 to 17-inch range. Fall sampling also indicated good numbers of largemouth bass averaging 10-12 inches and smallmouth bass averaging 9-11 inches. Keep an eye on the recreation report for winter announcements for rainbow trout broodstock opportunities at Pine Nursery Pond and Haystack Reservoir. Last updated 4/30/26.
HOOD RIVER: Spring Chinook, Steelhead, rainbow and cutthroat trout
Spring Chinook season on the Hood River is here and spring Chinook are throughout the Hood. Last updated 5/26/26.
HOSMER LAKE: Brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout
Anglers report excellent brook and rainbow trout fishing in the lower and upper lakes and improved fishing in the channel. With warming water temperatures damsel nymph activity will be picking up. Restricted to fly-fishing only with barbless hooks. Open to fishing all year. Catch-and-release for all species. Last updated 6/4/26.
KINGSLEY RESERVIOR: Rainbow trout
Great reports on trout fishing over the past week at Kingsley. Last updated 5/19/2026
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Bull, brown and rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass
Anglers are reporting excellent kokanee fishing with nice size fish being landed on the Crooked, Deschutes, and Metolius Arms.
Tips for catching more kokanee
Harvest is limited to 1 bull trout over 24 inches under the daily trout limit. No bag or size limits on brown trout and bass. Last updated 5/21/26.
LAURANCE LAKE: Rainbow trout
Angler have had mixed success lately at Laurance Lake. The lake was last stocked on 5/6/2026 with about 3,400 rainbows. All bull trout must be released unharmed. If you don't know, let it go! Last updated 5/26/26.
LAVA LAKE, Big: Rainbow trout
Anglers report excellent spring fishing for 14-18" trout at Lava Lake with some trout over 20 inches being caught. Anglers should note that Tui Chub trapping has begun at Lava Lake. Please do not snag hooks on chub nets and give staff room to acess and empty the nets. Open to fishing all year. Last updated 6/4/26.
LAVA LAKE, Little: Rainbow trout, brook trout
Anglers report excellent fish at Little Lava and consistent afternoon callibaetis hatches. Open to fishing all year. Last updated 5/28/26.
Metolius River: Rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout.
The Metolius River continues to be excellent for mountain whitefish, redband trout, and bull trout. Nymphing with golden stonefly, midge and perdigon nymphs have been effective for trout and streamers are always a good bet for bull trout. Anglers should keep an eye out for afternoon blue wing olive, green drake, and pale morning dun hatches.
Catch-and-release for trout including bull trout. Fishing is restricted to fly-fishing only with barbless hooks upstream of Bridge 99 (Lower Bridge). The Metolius River above Allingham Campground Bridge (NF-1217) reopened May 22, 2026.
Artificial flies and lures permitted below Bridge 99 (Lower Bridge). Last updated 5/28/26.
NORTH TWIN LAKE: Rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year.
Anglers report good fishing for recently stocked trout and holdovers. North and South Twin Lakes were stocked with legal trout in late May. Brown bullhead, which have been illegally introduced to North Twin for a second time following the 2015 rotenone treatment, has increased in abundance. This is a reminder that it is illegal to transport live fish in Oregon without a permit from ODFW. Last updated 6/4/26.
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, black crappie, smallmouth bass
Open to fishing all year. Ochoco Reservoir was stocked with broodstock rainbow trout over the winter and with legal-sized trout in April. Anglers report good trout fishing on the flats near the upper end of the lake and where Ochoco Creek enters the reservoir. Fishing close to shore and near the dam with PowerBait is also a proven technique. Last updated 5/28/26.
ODELL LAKE: Lake trout, kokanee, rainbow trout
District staff anticipate warmer than normal surface water temperature and kokanee active near the surface. Anglers report smaller kokanee this year with most fish around 10 inches. Lake Trout fishing has been very good at Odell this year. Last updated 5/21/26.
PAULINA LAKE: Brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee
Anglers continue to report good trout fishing and excellent kokanee fishing at Paulina Lake. Kokanee at Paulina Lake are amongst the largest in Central Oregon this year averaging 13-14 inches. Open to fishing all year. Ang. Last updated 6/4/26.
PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill
Pine Hollow was last stocked on April 13th with 2,502 legal size trout and 50 brood fish. Last updated 4/20/26.
PINE NURSERY POND: Trout, largemouth bass
Open to fishing all year. No recent reports but the pond was stocked with trout in late April and with largemouth bass in May. Limit is 2 fish per day. Last updated 5/28/26.
PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie
Prineville Reservoir was stocked with over 100 trophy largemouth bass in May. Open to fishing all year. 5 bass per day, only 1 bass over 15 inches may be harvested. Prineville Reservoir has been drawn down to the 3210' elevation resulting in the closure of the Powder House Cove boat ramp for the season. Last updated 6/4/26.
SOUTH TWIN LAKE: Rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year. Anglers report good fishing for recently stocked trout and holdovers. North and South Twin Lakes were stocked with legal trout in late May. Brown bullhead were illegally introduced to South Twin for a second time following the 2011 rotenone treatment and have increased in abundance. This is a reminder that it is illegal to transport live fish in Oregon without a permit from ODFW. Last updated 6/4/26.
SPRAGUE POND: Rainbow trout
Turn at Cow Meadow sign off USFS Rd 40. Take first left on the first dirt road and follow road to pond. ODFW will not be stocking Sprague and Century Gravel Ponds in June as scheduled due to low water levels and high temperatures. Last updated 6/4/26.
TAYLOR LAKE (Wasco County): Rainbow trout
Taylor Lake was stocked on 4/14/2026 with 1,650 trophy size and 50 brood fish. Anglers have been catching some nice trout over the past month. Last Updated 5/26/26.
THREE CREEK LAKE: Rainbow trout, brook trout
The road to Three Creek Lake (NF-16) opened May 22 for the Memorial Day weekend. Anglers report good fishing for holdover stocked rainbow trout and wild brook trout in the 12-14 inch range. Fly anglers should pack some dry flies and keep an eye out for afternoon callibaetis hatches. Open to fishing all year. Last updated 6/4/26.
WALTON LAKE: Rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year. No recent reports. Last updated 5/21/26.
WICKIUP RESERVOIR: Kokanee, brown trout, rainbow trout, largemouth bass
Wickiup Reservoir is currently 64 percent and draining quickly. Currently all boat ramps are accessible but that is expected to change in June. Anglers report good kokanee fishing for 11–12-inch fish and excellent trophy brown trout fishing. Last updated 6/4/26.