Recreation Report
Central Zone
Recreation Report
-Photo by Tracy Scruggs-
July 24, 2025
Best bets for weekend fishing
- Crooked River flows have decreased and the Bowman Dam tailwater is fishing well. Recent ODFW sampling found good numbers of whitefish and fair numbers of trout in the 10-14 range but fewer larger fish.
- Following recent stockings anglers report good fishing on the Fall River.
- Anglers continue to report excellent kokanee and trout fishing at East and Paulina lakes.
- Anglers report good trout fishing at Hosmer and Little Lava Lakes.
- Positive reports continue to roll in for brook trout and recently stocked legal and trophy rainbow trout at Three Creeks Lake.
Trout stocking
Stocked July 14-18:
Hosmer Lake, Walton Lake, Shevlin Pond
Stocking to resume in September.
Check out the 2025 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
5 tips for fishing in hot water
With summer temperatures climbing, fish will start feeling the heat. Give them a break by following these warm weather fishing guidelines.
Fishing during blue-green algae (cyanobacterial) blooms
As temperatures heat up during 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. Note that only certain, mostly larger, waterbodies are monitored for harmful algae blooms, if a waterbody is not listed it does not indicate that a bloom is not present.
Know How to Identify Odell Lake Bull trout
It is critical that anglers at Odell Lake, Odell Creek, and Davis Lake know how to distinguish native Bull Trout from non-native Lake (Mackinaw) Trout. The Odell Lake Bull Trout population is at critically low levels and conservation on the part of anglers is needed. Please report when and where Bull Trout are caught to the Bend (541-388-6363) ODFW office. Bull Trout must be released immediately, unharmed, and anglers are encouraged to avoid taking fish out of the water.
The following tips can help anglers distinguish between the two species:
- The lake trout is not particularly colorful – usually gray with large pale spots – and can be further distinguished from other trout with its deeply-forked tail.
- The coloration of Bull Trout varies. They are generally gray infused with green. The body is covered with small white or pale-yellow spots, and there may some pink or red spots intermingled. The lower fins are often orange or reddish and the tail is less forked than Lake Trout.
- https://myodfw.com/articles/oregons-trout-species
- https://idfg.idaho.gov/fish/identification/resident
Parasitic Copepods in the Central Oregon lakes
Anglers have been reporting holdover rainbow trout with heavy parasite loads of the common parasitic copepod, Salmincola californiensis in North and South Twin lakes and Lava Lake. ODFW has reduced stocking densities to try to get the copepod levels down. There are no health concerns with consuming fish with these copepods. They are typically attached to the gills, fins, and skin of the fish and are usually not present in filets. This ODFW webpage shows common fish diseases and parasites including the copepod.
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
ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout
No recent fishing reports: however, based on 2024 ODFW sampling Antelope could provide an opportunity for nice holdover trout. Last updated 5/20/25.
BIKINI POND: Trout
The week of April 27th, Bikini Pond was stocked with 1,400 legal size fish and 200 trophy size trout. Last updated 6/3/25.
CENTURY GRAVEL POND: Rainbow trout
Last stocked in mid-June. The Century Gravel Pond is located ¼ mile west of the junction of USFS Rd 46 (Century Drive) and USFS Rd 4635. Last updated 6/26/25.
CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, brook trout, largemouth bass, kokanee
Anglers report fair and inconsistent trout fishing and improved bass fishing at Crane Prairie. The annual algae bloom is in full swing making water clarity poor in most areas but clearer and cooler water can be found in the Cultus and Quinn River channels and near the inlet tributaries. Catch-and-release anglers are encouraged to check surface water temperatures throughout the day and follow best practices for angling and fish handling in hot water (see above). Balanced leeches, damsels, chironomids, and callibaetis fly patterns are always a good bet for Crane Prairie in July. The reservoir is currently 88 percent full. Last updated 7/17/25.
CRESCENT LAKE: Rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee
Open to fishing all year.
Anglers report good kokanee fishing with fish ranging from 12-15-inches and fair Lake and Brown Trout fishing. Crescent Lake is currently 34 percent full and access to the main boat launch at Crescent Lake campground remains limited by low water levels. Boaters will need to seek alternative low water launch locations at the campground, Tranquil Cove, or Crescent Lake Resort. One lake trout per day, 24-inch minimum length. Anglers can now keep 5 kokanee in addition to daily trout limit. Last updated 7/17/25.
CROOKED RIVER: Trout, whitefish
Open to fishing all year below Bowman Dam. Anglers report good trout fishing and excellent catches of mountain whitefish now that flows have dropped below 300 cfs following several months of high flow releases for flood control. Water clarity has improved in recent weeks. ODFW staff conducted annual fish population monitoring on the Crooked River June 24-27th between Big Bend and Cobble Rock Campgrounds and found good numbers of whitefish and fair numbers of trout in the 10-14-inch range.
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 7/17/25.
DAVIS LAKE: Largemouth bass, rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year. Anglers report good bass fishing near the lava flow and good trout fishing near the Odell Creek channel. Recent sampling by ODFW found an abundance of largemouth bass in the 2-3 lb range, but few fish larger than 3.5 lbs.
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. See the announcement above regarding how to identify Bull Trout. Last updated 7/17/25.
DESCHUTES RIVER, mouth to Pelton Dam: Steelhead, redband trout, whitefish
Reports of good dry fly action in the evenings lately on the lower Deschutes between Maupin and Warm Springs. Nymphing has been consistent as well throughout the lower river. Reports of good trout fishing between Pine Tree and Macks Canyon over the weekend
The Deschutes River from lower end of Moody Rapids downstream to the I-84 west bound bridge is all angling starting July 15 – September 15. This closure is a part of the Deschutes River thermal sanctuary that extends out into the Columbia River.
The Deschutes Steelhead Framework establishes metrics use to manage the summer steelhead fishery on the lower Deschutes River based on run strength and conservation needs. As of July 1, fishery managers are monitoring returns of wild summer steelhead over Bonneville Dam. Per the framework, 9,900 wild steelhead need to be counted at Bonneville dam between July 1 – July 31 for the lower Deschutes fishery to remain open. Dam counts can be found here. The first threshold (9,900 wild steelhead over Bonneville) has almost been met as of 7/16.
The Deschutes River from lower end of Moody Rapids downstream to the I-84 west bound bridge is all angling starting July 15 – September 15. This closure is a part of the Deschutes River thermal sanctuary that extends out into the Columbia River.
Last updated 7/16/25.
DESCHUTES RIVER, Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls: Rainbow trout, brown trout, whitefish
Open to fishing all year. Anglers report fair fishing for brown trout upstream of the Old Mill area in Bend, around Tumalo State Park, and around Steelhead Falls. Nymphing continues to be the most effective method but pale morning dun and caddis hatches may present dry fly opportunities. Catch-and-release anglers are encouraged to check surface water temperatures throughout the day and follow best practices for angling and fish handling in hot water (see above). Last updated 7/17/25.
DESCHUTES RIVER, Benham Falls to Little Lava Lake: Rainbow trout, brown trout
This section includes the popular brown trout fishery below Wickiup Reservoir and brook trout fishery between Crane Prairie and Little Lava Lake. Anglers report excellent fishing for mountain whitefish, brook trout and redband trout from Crane Prairie to the headwaters. Pale Morning Dun and Caddis are primary hatches in July with dry fly opportunities most afternoons. Anglers should also stock up with ant and micro-hopper patterns. Fishing between Wickiup Dam and Pringle Falls has been productive for large brown trout. Following the wet winter and spring, mosquitos are out in full force on the Upper Deschutes, especially near the headwaters, and anglers should come prepared. Last update 7/17/25.
EAST LAKE: Rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee
Anglers continue to report excellent brown and rainbow trout fishing at East Lake with the summer callibaetis hatch in full swing. Chironomids s, callibaetis, ants, and beetles are important prey item in the trout diet at East Lake. Some reports are coming of larger size kokanee this year compared to the last 3-4 years, with fish in 12-13-inch range. Anglers will notice nets with orange buoys to catch and remove Tui Chub to improve the trout fishery. Please don't tamper with nets or snag them with flies/lures. Catch-and-release anglers are encouraged to check surface water temperatures throughout the day and follow best practices for angling and fish handling in hot water (see above).
Open to fishing all year. Anglers can now keep 5 kokanee in addition to daily trout limit. Last updated 7/17/25.
FALL RIVER: Rainbow trout, brown trout
Fly-anglers continue to report good and consistent fishing in the Fall River. Continued monthly stockings have replenished the Fall River providing excellent angling opportunities. Nymphing and stripping small streamers with light fluorocarbon tippet have been the most effective methods. With warmer temperatures, anglers should keep an eye out for Green Drake and Pale Morning Dun hatches and dry fly opportunities.
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 7/2/25.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, kokanee, black crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, brown bullhead
Anglers report good fishing for rainbow trout in the 16 to 17-inch range.
Last updated 5/29/25.
HOOD RIVER: Steelhead, rainbow and cutthroat trout
The spring Chinook sport fishery is closed for the year on the Hood. Steelhead fishing is open by permanent rule. Not many summer steelhead are generally in the Hood River, but there might be a few temporary strays near the mouth. Last updated 7/16/25.
HOSMER LAKE: Brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout
Hosmer Lake is open to fishing all year. The district office continues to receive positive reports on fly angling for Brook and Rainbow Trout. The warmer lower lake is experiencing an algae bloom and fish are congregating in the upper lake and the channel. Callibaetis and damsels are an integral part of the diet at Hosmer, and we recommend anglers stock their fly boxes accordingly. Restricted to fly-fishing only with barbless hooks. Catch-and-release for all species. Anglers are encouraged to check surface water temperatures throughout the day and follow best practices for angling and fish handling in hot water (see above). Last updated 7/17/25.
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Bull, brown and rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass
Anglers continue to report productive kokanee and bull trout fishing. Anglers are reporting larger kokanee than in the past few seasons with fish averaging 13 inches. The Metolius Arm continues to be the most productive area.
Tips for catching more kokanee
Harvest is limited to 1 bull trout over 24 inches under the daily trout limit. Anglers can now keep 5 kokanee in addition to daily trout limit. No bag or size limits on brown trout and bass. Last updated 7/10/25.
LAURANCE LAKE: Rainbow trout
No recent reports of fishing at Laurance, but this will be a beautiful week to go up to the lake. All bull trout must be released unharmed. If you aren't positive about fish ID, "be safe and let it go." Last updated 7/16/25.
LAVA LAKE, Big: Rainbow trout
Anglers report fair trout fishing at Lava Lake. Recent ODFW sampling indicated good numbers of large rainbow trout in the 20-24-inch range. Open to fishing all year. Last updated 7/17/25.
LAVA LAKE, Little: Rainbow trout, brook trout
Anglers report excellent trout fishing at Little Lava Lake. Open to fishing all year. Last updated 7/17/25.
METOLIUS RIVER: Rainbow trout, bull trout
The Metolius River continues to be excellent for mountain whitefish, redband trout, and bull trout. Nymphing with golden stonefly, mayfly or caddisfly nymphs has been effective for trout and streamers are a good bet for bull trout. Anglers should keep an eye out for afternoon pale morning dun and caddis hatches.
Catch-and-release for trout including bull trout. Fishing is restricted to fly-fishing only upstream of Bridge 99 (Lower Bridge).
The Metolius River from Allingham Bridge upstream to the headwaters reopened for the season May 22, 2025.
Artificial flies and lures permitted below Bridge 99 (Lower Bridge). Last updated 7/17/25.
NORTH TWIN LAKE: Rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year. Anglers report good trout fishing; however, brown bullhead which have been illegally introduced to North Twin for a second time following the 2015 rotenone treatment have increased in abundance. This is a reminder that it is illegal to transport live fish in Oregon without a permit from ODFW. North and South Twin were last stocked in late June. Last updated 7/3/25.
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, black crappie, smallmouth bass
The reservoir is 80 percent full and water clarity is reduced from spring runoff. No recent fishing reports. Last updated 7/17/25.
ODELL LAKE: Lake trout, kokanee, rainbow trout
Following several weeks of slower fishing for kokanee anglers report good angling for nice-sized kokanee averaging 13 inches and Lake Trout. Kokanee appear to be staying deep this year with most success coming around the 100' depth. See the announcement above regarding how to distinguish Bull Trout from Lake (Mackinaw) Trout. Last updated 7/3/25.
PAULINA LAKE: Brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee
Anglers continue to report excellent kokanee fishing with fish averaging 13 inches and good trout fishing with some very nice Rainbow and Brown Trout being caught. Flyfishing with beetle and ant patterns can be productive on warm summer afternoons. Catch-and-release anglers are encouraged to check surface water temperatures throughout the day and follow best practices for angling and fish handling in hot water (see above).
Open to fishing all year. Anglers can now keep 5 kokanee in addition to daily trout limit. Last updated 7/17/25.
PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill
No recent reports. Last updated 7/7/25.
PINE NURSERY POND: Trout, largemouth bass
Open to fishing all year. Recent reports include good fishing for rainbow trout and recently stocked largemouth bass. Limit is 2 fish per day. Last updated 5/22/25.
PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie
Open to fishing all year. The reservoir is 83 percent full and remains very turbid. Anglers report fair fishing for trout, and good fishing for crappie and bass. Anglers are also reporting increased catches of Northern Pikeminnow, and several have reached out to district staff for help with fish identification. Last updated 7/17/25.
SOUTH TWIN LAKE: Rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year Anglers report fair trout fishing; however, brown bullhead which have been illegally introduced to South Twin for a second time following the 2011 rotenone treatment have increased in abundance. This is a reminder that is illegal to transport live fish in Oregon without a permit from ODFW. North and South Twin were last stocked in late June. Last updated 7/3/25.
SPRAGUE POND: Rainbow trout
Sprague Pond was last stocked in mid-June.
Turn at Cow Meadow sign off USFS Rd 40. Take first left at first dirt road and follow road to pond. Last updated 6/26/23.
TAYLOR LAKE (Wasco County): Rainbow trout
The northwest side of Taylor Lake burned in the Rowena fire. The bank area around the parking lot is still accessible and not impacted by fire. The lake is open for fishing. Visibility in the lake isn't great despite the aeration system but anglers have still been catching trout.. Last Updated 7/7/25.
THREE CREEK LAKE: Rainbow trout, brook trout
Anglers continue to report excellent fishing for large rainbow and brook trout and afternoon Callibaetis hatches. Open to fishing all year. Last updated 7/17/25.
WALTON LAKE: Rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year. Walton Lake was recently stocked. No recent reports. Last updated 6/5/25.
WICKIUP RESERVOIR: Kokanee, brown trout, rainbow trout, largemouth bass
Anglers continue to report fair fishing for large kokanee in the 14-16-inch range and the occasional brown and Rainbow Trout. The reservoir is currently at 56 percent capacity and the North Wickiup boat ramp is accessible.
Last updated 7/17/25.