Recreation Report
Central Zone
Recreation Report
-Photo by Tracy Scruggs-
Central Fishing
Sept 18, 2025
Best bets for weekend fishing
- Good steelhead fishing reports from the lower Deschutes
- Following recent stockings anglers report good fishing on the Fall River.
- There are only a few weeks left to enjoy the popular Upper Deschutes fisheries below Wickiup and Crane Prairie dams and the headwaters. The Upper Deschutes River between Benham Falls and the headwaters at Little Lava Lake close to angling September 30th.
- September is a great month for the Metolius River. Bull Trout have entered the river to spawn and anglers report aggressive takes on streamers.
- Devils Lake was recently stocked with rainbow trout providing a great opportunity for paddleboard, kayak, or float tube fishing.
Anglers report excellent crappie fishing at Ochoco and Prineville reservoirs.
Trout stocking
Stocked Sept. 8-12:
Walton Lake.
Scheduled to be stocked the week of Sept 15-19:
Pine Nursery Pond.
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 warm 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. An advisoryremains in effect for Ochoco Reservoir and a Precaution was recently lifted for Haystack Reservoir. 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 be 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
2025 Deschutes River Hatchery Steelhead eCreel
The "2025 Deschutes River Hatchery Steelhead eCreel" event began August 16th. The event is hosted by Angler's Atlas in partnership with ODFW. The purpose of the event is to evaluate self-reporting creel as a method for evaluating harvest. Read more about the event and enroll here.
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
Fish will more actively feed with the cooler water temperatures. Last updated 9/9/25.
BIKINI POND: Trout
No recent reports. Water levels in Bikini Pond are often low late summer. Last updated 8/11/25.
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 much improved trout fishing and excellent bass fishing at Crane Prairie. Bass anglers report excellent fishing in the northeast end of the reservoir. The Quinn and Cultus channels have been most productive for trout. 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. The reservoir is currently 70 percent full and is slowly being drawn down exposing more stumps and logs. Last updated 9/18/25.
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 excellent Lake Trout fishing. Crescent Lake is currently 21 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 9/18/25.
CROOKED RIVER: Trout, whitefish
Open to fishing all year below Bowman Dam. Anglers report excellent fishing for trout. 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 9/9/25.
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, fall Chinook, redband trout, whitefish
Steelhead fishing is still great on the lower Deschutes between Macks and Heritage. Gear and fly fishers have been successful. If you catch a wild steelhead, practice good catch-and-release practices by keeping the fish in the water and removing the hook quickly. Fishing at Sherars has been slow for the past few weeks, but salmon fishing will likely pick up fast as the weather cools down and more fish move up the river.
Reports of good dry fly action in the mornings lately on the lower Deschutes between Maupin and Warm Springs. Nymphing has been consistent as well.
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 used to manage the summer steelhead fishery on the Deschutes River based on run strength and conservation needs. Strong returns of wild fish over Bonneville from July 1 to-date (August 20) have surpassed management metrics in the framework, meaning the Deschutes steelhead fishery will remain open by permanent rule. Last updated 9/8/25.
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
Open May 22 – September 30. 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 summer hatches 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. A reminder to anglers that the Deschutes Arm of Wickiup from the Gull Point boat ramp to the upstream tot the ODFW markers closed on September 1 to protect spawning kokanee in the Sheep's Bridge Area. Last update 9/18/25.
EAST LAKE: Rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee
Anglers continue to report excellent brown and rainbow trout fishing at East Lake. Chironomids, callibaetis, ants, and beetles are important prey item in the trout diet at East Lake.
Open to fishing all year. Anglers can now keep 5 kokanee in addition to daily trout limit. Last updated 9/18/25.
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.
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 9/18/25.
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. OHA has issued a Precaution for the reservoir due to algae blooms. Please check OHA's website for more information (see above) and follow their recommendations.
Last updated 9/18/25.
HOOD RIVER: Steelhead, rainbow and cutthroat trout
No recent reports; water in the Hood is turbid from glacial melt. Last updated 9/8/25.
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. Hosmer was recently stocked with rainbow trout. 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. Last updated 9/18/25.
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 8/10/25.
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 8/20/25.
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 continue to report excellent trout fishing at Little Lava Lake. Little Lava was replenished with a stocking of rainbow trout in late July. Open to fishing all year. Last updated 8/14/25.
METOLIUS RIVER: Rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout
The Metolius River continues to be excellent for mountain whitefish, redband trout, and bull trout. Bull Trout have entered the river to prepare for spawning and anglers report aggressive takes on streamers. 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 stonefly and caddis hatches.
Catch-and-release for trout including bull trout. Fishing is restricted to fly-fishing only upstream of Bridge 99 (Lower Bridge).
Artificial flies and lures permitted below Bridge 99 (Lower Bridge). Last updated 8/14/25.
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 early September. Last updated 9/4/25.
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: Rainbow trout, black crappie, smallmouth bass
The reservoir is 60 percent full. Anglers report excellent crappie and smallmouth bass fishing and abundant fish. Angers should be aware that a cyanobacteria advisory was issued for Ochoco Reservoir August 7th (see announcements, above). Last updated 9/18/25.
ODELL LAKE: Lake trout, kokanee, rainbow trout
See the announcement above regarding how to distinguish Bull Trout from Lake (Mackinaw) Trout. Last updated 8/284/25.
PAULINA LAKE: Brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee
Anglers continue to report good trout fishing with some very nice Rainbow and Brown Trout being caught.
Open to fishing all year. Anglers can now keep 5 kokanee in addition to daily trout limit. Last updated 9/18/25.
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 60 percent full. 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 9/18/25.
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 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 9/4/25.
SPRAGUE POND: Rainbow trout
Sprague Pond was last stocked in mid-June.
Turn at Cow Meadow sign off USFS Rd 40. Take first left on the first dirt road and follow road to pond. Last updated 8/2825.
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 8/11/25.
THREE CREEK LAKE: Rainbow trout, brook trout
Anglers continue to report good fishing for large rainbow and brook trout and afternoon Callibaetis hatches. Open to fishing all year. Last updated 8/28/25.
WALTON LAKE: Rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year. Walton Lake was stocked this week with trophy sized trout. Anglers should be aware of the heavy firefighting presence in the area due to the Marks Creek fire. No recent reports. Last updated 9/9/25.
WICKIUP RESERVOIR: Kokanee, brown trout, rainbow trout, largemouth bass
Anglers continue to report fair fishing for large brown and Rainbow Trout. The reservoir is currently at 35 percent capacity, and the North Wickiup boat ramp is getting very shallow. A reminder to anglers that the Deschutes Arm of Wickiup from the Gull Point boat ramp upstream to the ODFW markers closed on September 1 to protect spawning kokanee in the Sheep's Bridge Area.
Last updated /18/25.