Recreation Report
Central Zone
Recreation Report
Central Fishing
June 25 8, 2026
Best bets for weekend fishing:
- Still spring Chinook throughout the Hood River. The last day of the season is June 30.
- Stonefly season is winding down but good reports of nymph fishing on the lower Deschutes
- Anglers report excellent trout fishing opportunities at Lava and Little Lava Lakes
- North and South Twin Lakes were stocked this week with trophy rainbow trout.
- Shevlin Park and Metolius youth and disabled fishing ponds were recently stocked to provide excellent angling opportunities.
- Anglers report smaller than average (12-16-in) but abundant rainbow trout and 15-in kokanee and good fishing at Crane Prairie Reservoir.
- Anglers report good trout fishing and excellent kokanee fishing at Paulina Lake. Kokanee at Paulina Lake is amongst the largest in Central Oregon this year averaging 13-14 inches.
- Positive reports keep rolling in from East Lake with large numbers of rainbow trout in the 16-18-inch range, trophy brown trout over 24-inches, and kokanee 13-15-inches.
- The Crooked and Metolius Rivers continue to provide excellent angling opportunities for redband trout and mountain whitefish.
- Fall River was recently stocked, and anglers report good nymphing opportunities near the hatchery and the headwaters.
Trout stocking
Stocked June 8-12:
Deer Lake, Fall River, Lava Lake- lower , Lost Lake, Olallie Lake, Shevlin Pond.
June 15-July 3:
Cultus Lake B, Deer Lake, Devils Lake, East Lake, Fall River, Metolius Pond, Olallie Lake, Paulina Lake, Shevlin Pond, Three Creeks Lake, Twin Lake N and S,
Check out the Trout stocking schedule.
Check out the ODFW fishing and trout stocking maps to find nearby fishing locations, driving directions and descriptions of amenities.
Announcements
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.). Revenue from the Waterway Access Permit supports the improvement and maintenance of boating access sites and the protection of Oregon's waters from invasive species. Access permits are available where hunting/fishing licenses are sold and online via ODFWs e-Licensing System and the Oregon State Marine Board websites.
Clean, Drain, Dry: Help Protect Oregon's Waterways
Public awareness and action are critical to protecting Oregon's waterway from harmful aquatic invasive species. Boaters and anglers are encouraged to "Clean, Drain, and Dry" all boats and equipment and report any suspected sightings to 1-866-INVADER or at https://oregoninvasiveshotline.org/.
CLEAN all aquatic plants, animals, and mud from your boat, motor, or trailer and discard them in the trash. Rinse, scrub, or pressure wash away from storm drains, ditches, or waterways. Lawns, gravel pads, or self-serve car washes are best.
DRAIN water from your motor, live well, bilge, and inside compartments on land before leaving the waterbody. For paddle craft, flip or tilt the craft to let the water drain. Open any compartments and remove seats if necessary. Rinse or flush under the flooring, at inflation chamber joints, or in other areas that can trap mud and debris.
DRY your boat between uses if possible. Leave compartments open and sponge out standing water. Find a place that will allow the anchor line to dry. AND "Pull the Plug" if your boat has a drain plug.
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.
Backcountry/High Lake Angling
Low snowpack levels provide early access to high elevation Cascade lakes. To help create fisheries in Oregon's backcountry, off-road areas, ODFW stocks 65 lakes in the Deschutes District every two years with brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout. More information can be found here:
https://myodfw.com/articles/fishing-oregons-hike-lakes
https://myodfw.com/articles/high-lakes-stocking-schedule-deschutes-district
See Google map of stocking locations
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 89% full. Anglers report excellent early season trout and kokanee fishing with abundant trout in the 12-16" range and kokanee averaging 13-14". Trout spread throughout the lake with moderate water temperatures. Last updated 6/25/26.
CRESCENT LAKE: Rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee
Crescent Lake is currently 25% 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". Anglers should note that a kokanee fishing derby will be taking place at Crescent Lake on Saturday June 27th and should expect boat launches in the area to be busy and may want to consider Odell, Wickiup, or Crane Prairie as alternatives.One lake trout per day, 24-inch minimum length. Last updated 6/25/26.
CROOKED RIVER: Trout, whitefish
Open to fishing all year below Bowman Dam. Anglers report excellent fishing for trout and whitefish and recent ODFW sampline indicates healthy and robust fish populations. Anglers should expect to see high irrigation flows in June below Bowman Dam. At the time of writing, outflows were 250cfs. 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 6/25/2026.
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
Salmon fly and stonefly hatches are slowing down, but warm weather at the end of this week might yield some hatches. In addition to dry fly fishing, nymph fishing can still be very good this time of year. Last updated 6/9/26.
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. Anglers report excellent fishing the headwaters reach for redband trout, brook trout, and mountain whitefish and good brown trout fishing in the Wickup Tailwater reach of the Deschutes River. Last updated 6/25/26.
DEVILS LAKE: Rainbow Trout, brook trout
Devils lake was stocked with rainbow trout in early June and provides a great opportunity for anglers fishing from the bank or non-motorized paddlecraft. Open to fishing all year. Non-motorized boats only. Last updated 6/18/26.
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. While not known for its kokanee fishery, kokanee at east lake are running 13-15 inches. Open to fishing all year. Catch and release for tiger trout. Last updated 6/18/26.
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, and June. 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 wings 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 6/18/26.
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 6/9/26.
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 has increased. Electric motors only and 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 6/9/2026
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. Anglers should note that a cyanobacteria harmful algae bloom recreational use health advisory has been issued for Lake Billy Chinook, see announcements above for more information.
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 6/18/26.
LAURANCE LAKE: Rainbow trout
Anglers 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 6/9/26.
LAVA LAKE, Big: Rainbow trout
Anglers continue to report excellent fishing for 14-18" trout at Lava Lake with some trout over 20 inches being caught. Open to fishing all year. Last updated 6/18/26.
LAVA LAKE, Little: Rainbow trout, brook trout
Anglers report excellent fishing at Little Lava and consistent afternoon callibaetis hatches. Open to fishing all year. Last updated 6/25/26.
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 6/18/26.
NORTH TWIN LAKE: Rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year.
Anglers report good fishing for recently stocked trout. North and South Twin Lakes were stocked in late May and June. 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. Electric motors only. Last updated 6/18/26.
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
Anglers report small but abundant kokanee this year with most fish around 11 inches. Lake Trout fishing has been very good at Odell this year. The bag limit is twenty-five kokanee at Odell, Suttle, and Elk lakes (see announcements above). Last updated 6/25/26.
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. Last updated 6/18/26.
PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill
Pine Hollow was last stocked in April with 2,502 legal size trout and 50 brood fish. No new reports. Last updated 6/11/26.
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
Open to fishing all year. 5 bass per day, only 1 bass over 15 inches may be harvested. Anglers report fair trout and bass fishing. Prineville Reservoir was stocked with over 100 trophy largemouth bass in May. 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 6/25/26.
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 in late May and June. 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. Electric motors only. Last updated 6/18/26.
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. 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. Non-motorized boats only. Last updated 6/11/26.
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 50 percent and draining quickly. Currently all boat ramps are accessible but that may change in June. Anglers report good kokanee fishing for 11–12-inch fish and excellent trophy brown trout fishing. Last updated 6/18/26.