Central Zone
Table of Contents
Recreation Report
May 2, 2024
If there’s not a photo, it didn’t happen
Submit your fishing photo to ODFW and we might use it here or elsewhere on MyODFW.com.
Best bets for weekend fishing
- Odell Lake, Crane Prairie Reservoir, Wickiup Reservoir and Laurence Lake reopened to fishing on April 22.
- Anglers have reported catching holdover and brood rainbow trout in Haystack Reservoir. The brood fish were stocked from Wizard Falls Hatchery and offer a unique opportunity to catch trophy-sized fish.
- Spring fishing for kokanee and lake trout has been good at Odell Lake.
- Anglers are reporting nice sized kokanee, averaging around 16 inches from Wickiup Reservoir.
- Nymphing has been the ticket for trout anglers on the Metolius River between Wizard Falls hatchery and Lower Bridge, and below.
- With kokanee biting at Lake Billy Chinook, Odell and Wickiup, now might be a good time to consider these tips for catching more kokanee.
Trout stocking
Scheduled to be stocked the week of April 29:
North Twin Lake, South Twin Lake, Clear Lake, Metolius Pond
Recently stocked:
Ochoco Reservoir, Shevlin Pond, Pine Hollow Reservoir, Antelope Flat Reservoir, Cottonwood Pit, Rock Creek Reservoir, Prineville Fishing Pond
Check out the 2024 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
Youth Fishing Events in The Gorge
ODFW will be hosting free, youth fishing events at trout lakes around the Columbia River Gorge the first three Saturdays in May. The events are free for kids, but youth 12 and over will need a $10 angling license purchased ahead of time. Loaner fishing tackle will be provided for kids who don't have their own.
Saturday, May 4 Bikini Pond at Mayer State Park in Rowena, 9 a.m.-1p.m.
Saturday, May 11 Camp Baldwin Boy Scout Camp west of Dufur, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturday, May 18 Middle Fork Settling Pond near Parkdale, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Parasitic Copepods in the Twin lakes
Anglers have been reporting rainbow trout with heavy parasite loads of the common parasitic copepod, Salmincola californiensis in North and South Twin lakes this spring. 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.
Steelhead currently present in the upper Deschutes Basin
Anglers may encounter steelhead in Lake Billy Chinook, the Crooked River downstream of Bowman Dam, the Deschutes River near Steelhead Falls and in the Metolius River. Steelhead are now actively spawning, and anglers are reminded that rainbow trout over 20 inches must be released. These fish are part of reintroduction efforts and may have green tags inserted near the dorsal fin. If you observe these fish, please do not disturb them.
Boat ramps affected by Lake Billy Chinook extended drawdown
Due to scheduled dam maintenance Lake Billy Chinook will be held at a lower elevation this spring while work is being conducted. The lake will be held between 1940 and 1941 feet in elevation until early June. Normal elevation of full summer pool is 1944 feet. Some boat launches may remain inaccessible until the reservoir returns to its typical level, including the boat launch at Perry South campground. Users can find an available launch at the Crooked River day-use area of The Cove Palisades State Park in the meantime.
Crooked River and Ochoco Creek flows remain moderate
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 continue to expect moderate discharges in the Crooked River from Bowman Dam and Ochoco Creek from Ochoco Dam for the foreseeable future.
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.
E-tagging tips for anglers
It's important for anglers to tag their salmon and steelhead immediately, which means you'll need to know how to navigate the MyODFW app outside of cell phone range. Here are some tips for e-tagging in the field.
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
Recent fish inventory showed fewer numbers but nice healthy rainbow trout averaging 12-18 inches. Last updated 4/24/24.
BIKINI POND: trout
Bikini Pond was stocked on March 21 with 10 brood-size trout and 500 trophy-size trout. More trout will be stocked in Bikini Pond the first week of April. There will be a kids fishing event at Bikini Pond this Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 1.p.m. Last updated 5/1/24.
CENTURY GRAVEL POND: rainbow trout
Century Pond was stocked with rainbow trout in mid-May. The pond is located ¼ mile west of the junction of USFS Rd 46 (Century Drive) and USFS Rd 4635. Last updated 5/24/23.
CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brook trout, largemouth bass, kokanee
Crane Prairie reopened fo the year on April 22. The reservoir 88 percent full and ice free. Initial reports of fair trout fishing with trout spread out throughout the stumps and relict river channels. Boat ramps are open at the Crane Prairie Resort and snow is melting out quickly at Quinn River and Rock Creek. Last updated 5/1/24.
CRESCENT LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee
Open to fishing all year. Recent reports of good fishing for large brown and lake trout; however, access to the lake may be limited by low water levels. Crescent Lake is currently 18 percent full. One lake trout per day, 24-inch minimum length. Anglers can now keep 5 kokanee in addition to daily trout limit. Last updated 5/1/24.
CROOKED RIVER: trout, whitefish
The USBOR continues flood control operations from Bowman Dam. While flows are declining, moderate to high flows will likely affect water clarity and fishing until flood control operations ends. Real-time outflows from Bowman Dam can be viewed here.
Open to fishing all year below Bowman Dam. The Crooked continues to fish well this spring, anglers report good fishing below Bowman Dam and downstream with fish spread throughout the Wild and Scenic reach. Nymphing has been the most effective method but fly-anglers should keep an eye out for fishing rising in afternoon and try blue wing olive or midge patterns.
Anglers are reminded that steelhead are now being passed around the Pelton Round Butte Hydro Project Dam and may be present in the Crooked River over the spring months. Rainbow trout over 20 inches are considered steelhead and must be released.
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 4/3/24.
DAVIS LAKE: largemouth bass, rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year. Davis Lake water level remains low, making launching boats difficult. 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 5/24/23.
DESCHUTES RIVER, mouth to Pelton Dam: steelhead, redband trout, whitefish
The lower Deschutes from the northern boundary of the Warm Springs reservation upstream to the Pelton Re-Regulating Dam has re-opened for the season. Reports of good trout fishing nymphing and some mayfly hatches.
There will be no spring Chinook season on the Deschutes this year.
If you harvest a steelhead with an external orange tag that reads "ODFW THE DALLES" please call 541-296-4628 to report the tag or fill out this form online. If you catch a wild steelhead with an orange tag, please leave the tag in place and release the fish unharmed. These tags are a part of the annual lower Deschutes mark-recapture population estimates conducted by ODFW. Last updated 5/1/24.
DESCHUTES RIVER, Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls: rainbow trout, brown trout, whitefish
Open to fishing all year. Anglers report good spring fishing upstream of the Old Mill area in Bend and around Steelhead Falls. Nymphing has been the most effective method. Last updated 4/3/24.
DESCHUTES RIVER, Benham Falls to Little Lava Lake: rainbow trout, brown trout
The Deschutes River upstream of Benham Falls closed for the season on Sept. 30 and will reopen May 22, 2024.
EAST LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee
The Paulina Lake Road closed for the winter on Nov. 21. Deschutes County has not released an anticipated reopening date for the road yet. The current status of winter road closures can be viewed here. No recent fishing reports. Anglers can now keep 5 kokanee in addition to daily trout limit. Last updated 5/1/24.
FALL RIVER: rainbow trout, brown trout
Fly-anglers continue to report productive and consistent spring fishing in the Fall River. Nymphing has been the most effective method. The river will be stocked the week of April 8.
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. Last updated 4/10/24.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, kokanee, black crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, brown bullhead
Haystack is currently at 894 percent full. Excess brood rainbow trout were released into Haystack Reservoir the third week of February. This is a rare opportunity for anglers to catch trophy-sized broodstock rainbow trout in Haystack Reservoir in late February and March. Anglers have been reporting success catching these large fish as well as holdover trout.
Following draining of Haystack Reservoir for maintenance, anglers should expect slow fishing as the reservoir is restocked and fish populations rebound.
On June 8-9 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the Columbia Drag Boat Association will hold its annual drag race on Haystack Reservoir. The Reservoir will be closed to all boats during racing operations. Last updated 5/1/24.
HOOD RIVER: spring Chinook, winter steelhead, rainbow and cutthroat trout
Spring Chinook fishing opened on the Hood River on Monday, April 15. A couple Hood River spring Chinook PIT tags have showed up over Bonneville this week. The peak of spring Chinook fishing on the Hood will be around Memorial Day.
There are still some Hood River steelhead coming over Bonneville Dam. There are still fish in the river, but trap operators on the Hood are starting to see more kelts, indicating the run is winding down.
Bait is allowed and bag limit is 3 hatchery steelhead per day. Last updated 4/24/24.
HOSMER LAKE: brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout
The Cascade Lakes Highway closed for the winter on Nov. 21. Deschutes County has not released an anticipated reopening date for the road yet. The current status of winter road closures can be viewed here. Open to fishing all year. Restricted to fly-fishing only with barbless hooks. Catch-and-release for all species. Last updated 5/1/24.
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: bull, brown and rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass
See announcement at the top of this report regarding lower lake levels and boat ramp access this spring. Anglers report good spring kokanee and bull trout fishing.
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 4/3/24.
LAURANCE LAKE: rainbow trout
Laurance Lake is open for the season. The road has been reopened for access to the lake but vehicle access to the boat ramp is still snowed in. As of last Friday, April 26, the road was clear to just beyond the dam.
There is a new regulation at Laurance Lake, which closes fishing at the mouth of Clear Branch and Pinnacle creeks in the reservoir. ODFW staff will put out buoys to indicate the closure area once the road to the boat launch is cleared. Last updated 5/1/24.
LAVA LAKE, Big: rainbow trout
The Cascade Lakes Highway closed for the winter on Nov. 21. Deschutes County has not released an anticipated reopening date for the road yet. The current status of winter road closures can be viewed here. Open to fishing all year. Anglers report good fishing for rainbow trout. Last updated 5/1/24.
METOLIUS RIVER: rainbow trout, bull trout
Despite heavy fishing pressure over the holidays, the Metolius River continues to fish well 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.
Fly-anglers should keep an eye out for fish rising in the afternoon and be prepared to try blue wing olive or midge patterns. 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 closed for the season Nov. 1 and will reopen May 22, 2024.
Artificial flies and lures permitted below Bridge 99 (Lower Bridge). Last updated 1/4/24.
NORTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year. Recent reports from North Twin of excellent fishing for holdover and recently stocked trout. North and South Twin were last stocked in mid-April. Last updated 4/24/24.
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie, smallmouth bass
The reservoir is 89 percent full. Recent reports of good rainbow trout fishing and large fish from the bank near Ochoco Dam. Last updated 4/3/24.
ODELL LAKE: lake trout, kokanee, rainbow trout
Odell Lake reopened for the year on April 22. Early reports of fair kokanee fishing with fish in the 12 to 13-inch range. Some Forest Service boat ramps may remain closed due to snow. Last updated 4/24/24.
PAULINA LAKE: brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee
The Paulina Lake Road closed for the winter on Nov. 21. Deschutes County has not released an anticipated reopening date for the road yet. Deschutes County has not released an anticipated reopening date for the road yet. The current status of winter road closures can be viewed here.
Open to fishing all year. No recent fishing reports. Anglers can now keep 5 kokanee in addition to daily trout limit. Last updated 5/1/24.
PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill
Pine Hollow was stocked on April 23 with 2,500 legal trout, 40 brood-size trout. Anglers have reported Pine Hollow being green with algae and slow fishing. Last updated 4/24/24.
PINE NURSERY POND: trout, largemouth bass
Open to fishing all year. No recent fishing reports. Limit is 2 fish per day. Last updated 12/13/23.
PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie
Prineville Reservoir at 100 percent full. Anglers report fair fishing for trout, crappie and bass. Currently experiencing an algae bloom. Last updated 5/1/24.
SOUTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year. Anglers continue to report good spring fishing for holdover and recently stocked trout. North and South Twin were last stocked in mid-April. Last updated 4/17/24.
SPRAGUE POND: rainbow trout
Sprague Pond was stocked in mid-May.
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 last stocked on April 2 with 1,200 legal fish and 50 brood fish. Reports of the best trout fishing have been in the southern corner of the lake. Last updated 5/1/24.
THREE CREEK LAKE: rainbow trout, brook trout
Open to fishing all year; however, Forest Service Rd 16 closed for the season on Dec. 1. Three Creeks Lake was stocked in August. Last updated 12/6/23.
WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout
No recent fishing reports. Last updated 4/16/24.
WICKIUP RESERVOIR: kokanee, brown trout, rainbow trout, largemouth bass
Wickiup Reservoir reopened on April 22. The reservoir is 77 percent full and boat ramps are currently accessible. Initial reports of very healthy kokanee averaging 16 inches and up to 19 inches, however fish are spread out making schools difficult to locate.
A reminder that Deschutes River regulations (May 22 opener) apply upstream of the markers near Sheeps Bridge. Last updated 5/1/24.
Regulation Updates
Regulation updates as of December 13, 2023.
The following regulations reflect changes or additions to the permanent regulations listed in the 2023 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. All other permanent regulations remain in effect. Please see e-regulations.
For more information contact your local ODFW office:
- The Dalles (541) 296-4628
- Prineville (541) 447-5111
- Bend (541) 388-6363