Recreation Report
Central Zone
Recreation Report
Central Fishing
March 5, 2026
Best bets for weekend fishing
- Broodstock rainbow trout were stocked into Haystack Reservoir, Ochoco Reservoir, Pine Nursery Pond, North Twin Lake and South Twin Lakes in January and February. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to catch trophy trout from Wizard Falls Hatchery, many in the 4-8 lbs. range. 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 continue to report excellent kokanee and bull trout fishing at Lake Billy Chinook. Anglers had positive reports from the Metolius Arm of Lake Billy Chinook following the March 1 opener.
- The Crooked and Metolius Rivers continue to provide excellent winter angling opportunities.
- Anglers report excellent nymphing opportunities on Fall River.
- Anglers report good bank fishing opportunities for trout at Haystack and Ochoco Reservoirs, now with surplus brood fish being stocked.
Trout stocking
Excess brood stock trout were recently released in Taylor Lake and Pine Hollow, and Haystack Reservoirs.
Weekly fish stocking will resume on March 16, 2026.
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
Central Oregon Sportsmen's Show
Make sure to stop by the ODFW booth at the Central Oregon Sportsmen's Show at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center Redmond March 5-8. While you're there also catch the seminars offered by ODFW staff, local experts and guides highlighting local fisheries. More information can be found here: https://www.cosportsmensshow.com/
New Kokanee Regulations for 2026
Kokanee are no longer 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
2026 Waterway Access Permit
A waterway access permit is now 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.
Seasonal Road Closures
The road to Newberry National Monument accessing East and Paulina Lakes and the Cascade Lakes Highway closed on November 18. For additional information see the Deschutes County Road Department website: https://www.deschutes.org/road
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 green or orange plastic tags by the dorsal fin. 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.
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 and Crane Prairie Reservoir.
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 Reservoir closed to angling for the season and will reopen April 22, 2026. Last updated 3/4/26.
CRESCENT LAKE: Rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee
Open to fishing all year; however, the access roads are not maintained for winter travel
Anglers are advised to check with the Forest Service Crescent Ranger Station on the timing of the gate closure for NF-60 for the winter. One lake trout per day, 24-inch minimum length. Last updated 3/4/26.
CROOKED RIVER: Trout, whitefish
Open to fishing all year below Bowman Dam. Anglers report excellent winter fishing for trout and whitefish. Flows have been holding steady since irrigation storage season began around 95cfs. 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.
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 3/4/26.
DAVIS LAKE: Largemouth bass, rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year.
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 3/4/26.
DESCHUTES RIVER, mouth to Pelton Dam: Redband trout, steelhead, whitefish
The Deschutes River from the northern boundary of the Warm Springs Reservation upstream to the Pelton Re-regulating dam is closed until April 22.
Report of good trout nymphing actions some days around the Maupin area recently.
If you catch a wild steelhead, practice good catch-and-release practices by keeping the fish in the water and removing the hook quickly.
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 2/23/26.
DESCHUTES RIVER, Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls: Rainbow trout, brown trout, whitefish
Open to fishing all year. No harvest of rainbow trout over 20 inches. Last updated 3/4/26.
DESCHUTES RIVER, Benham Falls to Little Lava Lake: Rainbow trout, brown trout
The Upper Deschutes River above Benham Falls closed to angling for the season and will reopen May 22, 2026. Last update 3/4/26.
EAST LAKE: Rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee
The road to Newberry National Monument, accessing East and Paulina Lakes, closed on November 18.
Open to fishing all year. Catch and release for tiger trout. Last updated 3/4/26.
FALL RIVER: Rainbow trout, brown trout
Fall River below Fall River Falls closed to angling for the season and will reopen May 22, 2026. Fall River above the falls is open year-round. Fly-anglers continue to report good and consistent fishing in the Fall River. The spring-fed nature of Fall River makes it a great angling option during the winter. Nymphing with midges and stoneflies and stripping small streamers with light fluorocarbon tippet are also effective methods. 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 3/4/26.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, kokanee, black crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, brown bullhead
Approximately 400 brood rainbow trout were released in December providing a unique opportunity to catch 4+ pound fish. Another 100 broodstock rainbow trout were released in the last week of January. 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 2/5/26.
HOOD RIVER: Steelhead, rainbow and cutthroat trout
No recent reports. Last updated 2/23/26.
HOSMER LAKE: Brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout
The Cascade Lakes Highway providing access to Hosmer Lake closed on November 18. Restricted to fly-fishing only with barbless hooks. Open to fishing all year. Catch-and-release for all species. Last updated 3/4/26.
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: Bull, brown and rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass
The Metolius Arm of Lake Billy Chinook reopened March 1, 2026.
Anglers are reporting excellent kokanee fishing with nice size fish being landed on the Crooked, Deschutes, and Metolius Arms. Fish have been remaining deep in the water column over the last few weeks.
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 3/3/26.
LAURANCE LAKE: Rainbow trout
Laurance is closed for the season and reopens April 22, 2026. Last updated 3/4/26.
LAVA LAKE, Big: Rainbow trout
The Cascade Lakes Highway providing access to Lava Lake closed on November 18. Open to fishing all year. Last updated 3/4/26.
LAVA LAKE, Little: Rainbow trout, brook trout
The Cascade Lakes Highway providing access to Little Lava Lake closed on November 18. Open to fishing all year. Last updated 3/4/26.
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 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) closed to angling for the season and will reopen May 22, 2026.
Artificial flies and lures permitted below Bridge 99 (Lower Bridge). Last updated 3/4/26.
NORTH TWIN LAKE: Rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year; however, the access roads are not maintained for winter travel. Broodstock rainbow trout were stocked into North Twin Lake the last week of January. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to catch trophy trout from Wizard Falls Hatchery, many in the 4-8 lbs. range. 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. 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. North and South Twin were last stocked in early September. Last updated 2/5/26.
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, black crappie, smallmouth bass
Open to fishing all year. Broodstock rainbow trout were stocked into Ochoco Reservoir the last week of January and again in mid-February. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to catch trophy trout from Wizard Falls Hatchery, many in the 4-8 lbs. range. 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. Winter can provide good opportunities for hardy bank anglers. Fishing close to shore with PowerBait has been a proven technique for winter trout fishing. Last updated 2/26/26.
ODELL LAKE: Lake trout, kokanee, rainbow trout
No recent reports. Odell Lake and tributaries closed to angling for the season and will reopen April 22, 2026. Last updated 3/4/26.
PAULINA LAKE: Brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee
Open to fishing all year. The road to Newberry National Monument accessing East and Paulina Lakes closed on November 18. Last updated 3/4/26.
PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill
No recent reports. Pine Hollow last stocked on 12/9/2025 with 409 surplus brood trout. Last updated 3/4/26.
PINE NURSERY POND: Trout, largemouth bass
Open to fishing all year. Broodstock rainbow trout were stocked into Pine Nursery Pond, the last week of January. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to catch trophy trout from Wizard Falls Hatchery, many in the 4-8 lbs. range. 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. Limit is 2 fish per day. Last updated 2/6/26.
PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie
Open to fishing all year. 5 bass per day, only 1 bass over 15 inches may be harvested. Last updated 3/4/26.
SOUTH TWIN LAKE: Rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year, however, the access roads are not maintained for winter travel. Broodstock rainbow trout were stocked into South Twin Lakes the last week of January. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to catch trophy trout from Wizard Falls Hatchery, many in the 4-8 lbs. range. 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. 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. North and South Twin were last stocked in early September. Last updated 2/5/26.
SPRAGUE POND: Rainbow trout
The Cascade Lakes Highway providing access to Sprague Pond closed on November 18.
Once access reopens, turn at Cow Meadow sign off USFS Rd 40. Take first left on the first dirt road and follow road to pond. Last updated 3/4/26.
TAYLOR LAKE (Wasco County): Rainbow trout
No recent reports. Taylor Lake was last stocked in December with 400 surplus brood trout from Oak Springs. Last Updated 3/4/26.
THREE CREEK LAKE: Rainbow trout, brook trout
The road to Three Creek Lake (NF-16) is closed for the season. Open to fishing all year. Last updated 3/4/26.
WALTON LAKE: Rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year. Once frozen over Walton Lake can provide excellent ice-fishing opportunities. Walton Lake was last stocked with trophy sized trout on September 8. No recent reports.
WICKIUP RESERVOIR: Kokanee, brown trout, rainbow trout, largemouth bass
Wickiup Reservoir closed to angling for the season and will reopen April 22, 2026. Deschutes District Staff anticipate excellent kokanee and brown trout fishing at Wickiup in 2026. Last updated 3/4/26.