Recreation Report
Central Zone
Recreation Report
-Photo by John Boytz-
April 17, 2025
Best bets for weekend fishing
- Kokanee fishing continues to be excellent on Lake Billy Chinook with fish averaging 13 inches; however, with spring run-off occurring water clarity is reduced in the Crooked and Deschutes River Arms making for challenging conditions
- With most year-round stream fisheries affected by spring runoff and poor water clarity, the spring-fed Fall and Metolius Rivers are good bets for consistent fishing opportunities. The Fall River will receive its first trout stocking of the year the week of April 7th.
- Several Central Oregon lakes open to angling on April 22 including Wickiup Reservoir. Based on spawner numbers and the volume of water stored the last two winters at Wickiup, District Biologists anticipate a good kokanee fishery this year.
- At Haystack Reservoir anglers report good fishing for both trophy-size excess brood hatchery trout and holdover trout in the 16 to 17-inch range.
- The Prineville Youth Fishing Pond and Pine Nursery Pond in Bend were recently stocked and offer easily accessible opportunities for trout.
Trout stocking
Stocked the week of April 7-11:
Fall River.
Scheduled to be stocked week of April 14-18:
Twin Lake N and S, Smock Prairie Res, Middle Fork Pond (Hood R), Rock Creek Res, Baker Pond, Pine Hollow Res, Smock Prairie Res, Taylor Lake, Kingsley Res- upper.
Trout stocking maps
Check out the ODFW fishing and trout stocking maps to find nearby fishing locations, driving directions and descriptions of amenities.
Announcements
Central Oregon Lakes Opener
Several popular lake fisheries in Central Oregon, including Odell, Crane Prairie, and Wickiup open on Aprill 22. Given above average snowpack anglers should be prepared for some access points including boat ramps at Princess Creek, Sunset Cove, Quinn River, and Rock Creek to have lingering snow and seek alternative launch locations. Anglers should review and be familiar with the regulations, including how to identify Bull Trout at Odell Lake, see below.
Know How to Identify Odell Lake Bull trout
It is critical that anglers at Odell 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 can be variable, 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
Crooked River adult steelhead releases
Excess adult steelhead are being released in the Crooked River below Bowman Dam. Remember, all rainbow trout over 20 inches long must be released unharmed. The steelhead will be marked with two green plastic tags by the dorsal fin. Also, some fish will be radio tagged, look for a long, clear antenna that looks like monofilament protruding from the fish's mouth.
If caught, please keep the fish in the water as much as possible and avoid laying the fish on the bank. The fish should be handled as little as possible and the tags left intact. Please report when and where the fish were caught to either the Bend (541-388-6363) or Prineville ODFW offices (541-447-5111).
Crooked River and Ochoco Creek flows remains high
Based on the current reservoir contents, and inflows, the Bureau of Reclamation is continuing with flood control operations at Prineville and Ochoco reservoirs. Anglers should expect high flow in the Crooked River from Bowman Dam and Ochoco Creek from Ochoco Dam for the foreseeable future. High flows decreased water clarity may affect fishing.
Parasitic Copepods in the Twin 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. 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 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.
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.
Kids Fishing Events this Spring in The Gorge
ODFW will host three kids fishing events around The Gorge in May. Events are free to attend, no registration is necessary, and there will be loaner gear available for kids who do not have their own rod. Kids 12 and older need a fishing license. Event date, time, and locations are:
Saturday, May 3 at Mayer State Park in Rowena, OR. 9am-1pm
Saturday, May 10 at Camp Baldwin Boy Scout Camp outside of Dufur, OR. 9am-1pm
Saturday, May 17 at Middle Fork Settling Pond outside of Parkdale, OR. 9am-1pm.
Updates by waterbody
ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Snow may limit access to the reservoir. Contact the Ochoco National Forest for road updates (541) 416-6500. Last updated 11/20/24.
BIKINI POND: trout
Bikini Pond has been stocked a few times already this spring. Most recently, Bikini Pond was stocked the week of March 30th with 325 legal and 15 brood fish. There will be a free kids fishing event hosted at Bikini Pond on Saturday, May 3. Last updated 4/14/25.
CENTURY GRAVEL POND: Rainbow trout
Winter access is limited by road closures. The pond is located ¼ mile west of the junction of USFS Rd 46 (Century Drive) and USFS Rd 4635. Last updated 12/11/24.
CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, brook trout, largemouth bass, kokanee
Crane Prairie reopens to angling April 22, 2025. The reservoir is currently 88 percent full. Last updated 4/17/25.
CRESCENT LAKE: Rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee
Open to fishing all year. Winter access is limited by road closures.
Crescent Lake is currently 24 percent full and access to the lake may be limited by low water levels. One lake trout per day, 24-inch minimum length. Anglers can now keep 5 kokanee in addition to daily trout limit.Last updated 11/27/24.
CROOKED RIVER: Trout, whitefish
Open to fishing all year below Bowman Dam. Based on the current reservoir contents, and inflows, the Bureau of Reclamation is continuing with flood control operations at Prineville Reservoirs. Anglers should expect high discharge in the Crooked River from Bowman Dam for the foreseeable future. High flows may affect water clarity and fishing.
Anglers are reminded that steelhead may be present in the Crooked River and that rainbow trout over 20 inches are considered steelhead and must be immediately released, unharmed.
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 2/19/25.
DAVIS LAKE: largemouth bass, rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year, but snow and ice may limit access.
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. Last updated 11/20/24.
DESCHUTES RIVER, mouth to Pelton Dam: steelhead, redband trout, whitefish
Warm weather this week will probably bring a few hatches on the lower Deschutes. Stonefly nymphs are also a great option this time of year.
There will be no spring Chinook sport fishery on the Deschutes this year.
As of Jan. 1, all fishing from the northern boundary of the Warm Springs Reservation upstream to the Pelton Re-reg dam is closed. This section reopens on April 22. The river below this section is still open under permanent rule.
If you catch a steelhead with an orange external tag that reads "ODFW THE DALLES" please record the tag number and call our office 541-296-4628. If you release the fish, please leave the orange tag in place. Last updated 3/26/25.
DESCHUTES RIVER, Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls: Rainbow trout, brown trout, whitefish
Open to fishing all year. Anglers report good fishing for brown trout upstream of the Old Mill area in Bend and around Tumalo State Park. Anglers should expect water clarity and streamflow conditions to change and affect fishing during April as irrigation season begins. Nymphing has been the most effective method. Last updated 3/26/25.
DESCHUTES RIVER, Benham Falls to Little Lava Lake: Rainbow trout, brown trout
The Deschutes River upstream of Benham Falls closed for the year on Sept. 30, 2024. Last update 10/2/24.
EAST LAKE: Rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee
Paulina Lake Road has been closed for the season. Forest Service facilities including docks and bathrooms have been winterized for the year.
Open to fishing all year. Anglers can now keep 5 kokanee in addition to daily trout limit. Last updated 11/20/24.
FALL RIVER: Rainbow trout, brown trout
Fly-anglers continue to report good and consistent fishing in the Fall River. Nymphing and stripping small streamers with light fluorocarbon tippet have been the most effective methods. With cool winter water temperatures look for fish congregating in the deeper runs.
A reminder to anglers that new regulations are in effect for Fall River and the river is now closed to fishing below Fall River Falls Oct. 1 through May 21. Fall River above Fall River Falls remains open year-round. 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 3/26/25.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, kokanee, black crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, brown bullhead
Anglers report good fishing for both trophy-size excess brood hatchery trout and holdover trout in the 16 to 17-inch range. A second stocking of excess brood rainbow trout were released into Haystack Reservoir the last week of February. This is a rare opportunity for anglers to catch trophy-size broodstock rainbow trout in Haystack Reservoir this winter.
The boat ramps at the campgrounds on the east and west side of the reservoir have been closed for the season. The parking lot near the handicap fishing pier remains open year-round. Last updated 3/12/25.
HOOD RIVER: Steelhead, rainbow and cutthroat trout
There are a few winter steelhead in the Hood but fishing has been slow overall. Spring Chinook season opens April 15th, but the peak of spring Chinook fishing will likely be late May.
For this steelhead run overall, there are very few hatchery winter steelhead that will be in the Hood River. The last year of hatchery winter steelhead releases was 2021. Wild steelhead must be released, so the Hood River is primarily a catch-and-release steelhead fishery at this point. But you can still get out on enjoy some winter steelheading on the Hood. The peak of the run will be late March/early April. Check flows before you go! Last updated 3/26/25.
HOSMER LAKE: Brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout
Hosmer Lake is open to fishing all year. Winter access is limited by road closures. Restricted to fly-fishing only with barbless hooks. Catch-and-release for all species. Last updated 11/27/24.
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Bull, brown and rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass
Anglers report excellent spring kokanee fishing; however, with spring run-off occurring water clarity is reduced in the Crooked and Deschutes River Arms making for challenging conditions. Anglers report larger kokanee than in the past few seasons with fish averaging 13 inches. The Metolius Arm opened to fishing on March 1.
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 3/12/25.
LAURANCE LAKE: Rainbow trout
Laurance Lake is closed for the season and will reopen to fishing on April 22, 2025. Last updated 11/20/24.
LAVA LAKE, Big: Rainbow trout
Winter access is limited by road closures. Open to fishing all year. Last updated 11/27/24.
METOLIUS RIVER: Rainbow trout, bull trout
The Metolius River continues to be excellent for mountain whitefish, redband trout, and bull trout. Nymphing with stonefly, mayfly or caddisfly nymphs has been effective for trout and streamers are a good bet for bull trout.
Catch-and-release for trout including bull trout. Fishing is restricted to fly-fishing only upstream of Bridge 99 (Lower Bridge). Anglers are reminded that steelhead may be present in the Metolius River and must be immediately released, unharmed.
Steelhead will be marked with two green plastic tags by the dorsal fin. Also, some fish will be radio tagged, look for a long, clear antenna that looks like monofilament protruding from the fish's mouth. If caught, please keep the fish in the water as much as possible and avoid laying the fish on the bank. The fish should be handled as little as possible and the tags left intact. Please report when and where the fish were caught to either the Bend (541-388-6363) or Prineville ODFW offices (541-447-5111).
The Metolius River from Allingham Bridge upstream to the headwaters closed for the season Nov. 1 and will reopen May 22, 2025.
Artificial flies and lures permitted below Bridge 99 (Lower Bridge). Last updated 2/12/25.
NORTH TWIN LAKE: Rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year; however, winter access can be limited by snow. North and South Twin were last stocked in September. Last updated 11/27/24.
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, black crappie, smallmouth bass
The reservoir is 92 percent full and water clarity is reduced from spring runoff. Recent reports of fair rainbow trout fishing from the bank near Ochoco Dam. Last updated 4/17/25.
ODELL LAKE: Lake trout, kokanee, rainbow trout
Odell Lake reopens to angling April 22, 2025. See announcement above regarding how to distinguish Bull Trout from Lake (Mackinaw) Trout. Last updated 4/17/25.
PAULINA LAKE: Brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee
Open to fishing all year, but the road leading to the lake has been closed for the season. Forest Service facilities including docks and bathrooms have been winterized for the year.
Open to fishing all year. Anglers can now keep 5 kokanee in addition to daily trout limit. Last updated 11/20/24.
PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill
Pine Hollow Reservoir was stocked on March 17 with 2,500 legal-size trout, 200 trophy trout, and 40 brood trout. Pine Hollow is scheduled to be stocked again with 2,500 legals and 50 brood fish next week (week of March 31). Last updated 4/14/25.
PINE NURSERY POND: Trout, largemouth bass
Open to fishing all year. Recent report of good fishing rainbow trout stocked the week of March 30th . Limit is 2 fish per day. Last updated 4/10/25.
PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie
Open to fishing all year. The reservoir is 92 percent full and water clarity is reduced from spring runoff. Anglers report fair fishing for trout, crappie and bass. Last updated 4/10/25.
SOUTH TWIN LAKE: Rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year however, winter access can be limited by snow. North and South Twin were last stocked in September. Last updated 11/27/24.
SPRAGUE POND: Rainbow trout
Sprague Pond was stocked in mid-May. Winter access is limited by road closures.
Turn at Cow Meadow sign off USFS Rd 40. Take first left at first dirt road and follow road to pond. Last updated 5/24/23.
TAYLOR LAKE (Wasco County): Rainbow trout
Taylor Lake was stocked on March 17 with 2,500 legals, 200 trophy trout and 40 brood trout. Taylor lake is scheduled to be stocked again the week of April 14. Last Updated 4/3/25.
THREE CREEK LAKE: Rainbow trout, brook trout
Forest Service Road 16 which provides vehicle access to Three Creeks Lake is closed for the year. Open to fishing all year. Last updated 11/6/24.
WALTON LAKE: Rainbow trout
The U.S. Forest Service has reopened public access to Walton Lake; however, winter access will be walk-in only as the gate has been closed for the season. Walton Lake is a popular winter ice-fishing option when ice conditions are safe. Check out ice-fishing safety tips in the announcements section above. Open to fishing all year. Last updated 1/15/25.
WICKIUP RESERVOIR: Kokanee, brown trout, rainbow trout, largemouth bass
Wickiup Reservoir reopens to angling April 22, 2025. The reservoir is currently 89 percent full and the North Wickiup boat ramp is accessible.
A reminder that Deschutes River regulations (May 22 opener) apply upstream of the markers near Sheeps Bridge. Last updated 11/20/24.