Central Zone
Table of Contents
Recreation Report
March 28, 2024
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Best bets for weekend fishing
- 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 bull trout has been excellent on Lake Billy Chinook.
- Last week the Shevlin youth and disabled fishing pond in Bend received its first stocking of the year.
- Nymphing has been the ticket for trout anglers on the Metolius River between Wizard Falls hatchery and Lower Bridge, and below.
- Nymph fishing for trout also has been good on the lower Deschutes, especially above White River.
- The number of winter steelhead in the Hood River will continue to increase through April. Conditions can be dynamic, so be ready to hit the water when conditions allow.
- The Fall River headwaters continue to be a solid option for winter fly-fishing.
Recently stocked
No stocking scheduled the week of March 25.
Recently stocked:
Pine Hollow Reservoir, Rock Creek Reservoir, Shevlin Pond, Taylor Lake, Bikini 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
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.
Ice fishing safety
Ice conditions on many waterbodies have deteriorated quickly. Some waterbodies that were safe for ice fishing a few weeks ago now pose a serious risk. We don't recommend ice fishing right now. If you do go, please exercise extreme caution when venturing on to the ice.
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. For updates on launch closures and reservoir access, visit the PGE Parks webpage.
Crooked River flow remains high
Based on the current reservoir contents, and inflows, the Bureau of Reclamation is continuing with flood control operations at Prineville Reservoir. Anglers should expect high but declining discharges in the Crooked River from Bowman 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
No recent fishing reports. Last updated 11/8/23.
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. Last updated 3/28/24.
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 closed for the season Nov. 1 and will reopen April 22, 2024. Last updated 11/1/23.
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 snow and low water levels. Crescent Lake is currently 16 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 3/6/24.
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 winter, 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 winter 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 2/27/24.
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
Trout nymphing has been good, especially above White River where the flows have been less variable and occasionally murky.
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.
A reminder the Deschutes closed on Jan. 1 from the Northern Boundary of the Warm Springs Reservation to the Pelton Regulation Reservoir for all fishing. This section will reopen on April 22 under permanent rule. Last updated 3/28/24.
DESCHUTES RIVER, Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls: rainbow trout, brown trout, whitefish
Open to fishing all year. Much of the mainstem Deschutes between Lake Billy Chinook and Benham Falls was completely frozen over in early/mid-January. Look for fishing opportunities to return as the river thaws with seasonable temperatures forecasted for late January. Anglers report good winter fishing upstream of the Old Mill area in Bend and around Steelhead Falls. Nymphing has been the most effective method. Last updated 1/24/24.
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. No recent fishing reports. Anglers can now keep 5 kokanee in addition to daily trout limit. Last updated 1/10/24.
FALL RIVER: rainbow trout, brown trout
Fly-anglers continue to report productive and consistent winter fishing in the Fall River. Nymphing has been the most effective method. The river was last stocked in early September.
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 1/10/24.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, kokanee, black crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, brown bullhead
Haystack is currently at 75 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. Following draining of Haystack Reservoir for maintenance, anglers should expect slow fishing as the reservoir is restocked and fish populations rebound. Last updated 3/28/24.
HOOD RIVER: winter steelhead, rainbow and cutthroat trout
The Hood River flow was up over the weekend, but the river has still been fishable and plenty of anglers were out this weekend. Fishing has been slow, but river is predicted to have a short drop this week, which should pick up the steelhead bite. From now through April, numbers of winter steelhead in the Hood River will continue to increase.
The winter steelhead run on the Hood River generally peaks mid to late March through mid-April and the bag limit is 3 hatchery steelhead per day.
Bait is allowed, many Hood River steelhead anglers use a soft bead with scent. Last updated 3/28/24.
HOSMER LAKE: brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout
The Cascade Lakes Highway closed for the winter on Nov. 21. Open to fishing all year. Anglers continue to report good brook, cutthroat and rainbow trout fishing. Restricted to fly-fishing only with barbless hooks. Catch-and-release for all species. Last updated 11/29/23.
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 winter kokanee and bull trout fishing. The Metolius Arm closed to fishing on Nov. 1, but the rest of the reservoir remains open all year.
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 12/6/23.
LAURANCE LAKE: rainbow trout
Closed for the season. Laurance will re-open on April 22, 2024. Check the permanent regulations for new Laurance Lake rules. Last updated 3/6/24.
LAVA LAKE, Big: rainbow trout
The Cascade Lakes Highway closed for the winter on Nov. 21. Open to fishing all year. Anglers report good fishing for rainbow trout. Last updated 11/29/23.
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 adventurous anglers that have accessed North Twin are of excellent fishing for holdover trout. Roads to the Twin Lakes are not plowed and anglers may encounter snow. Anglers continue to report excellent winter fishing for stocked trout. North and South Twin were last stocked with trophy trout in early September. Last updated 3/28/24.
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie, smallmouth bass
The reservoir is 80 percent full. Recent reports of good rainbow trout fishing and large fish from the bank near Ochoco Dam. Last updated 3/38/24.
ODELL LAKE: lake trout, kokanee, rainbow trout
Closed for the season Nov. 1 and will reopen April 22, 2024. Last updated 11/1/23.
PAULINA LAKE: brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee
The Paulina Lake Road closed for the winter on Nov. 21. Open to fishing all year. No recent fishing reports. Anglers can now keep 5 kokanee in addition to daily trout limit. Last updated 1/10/24.
PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill
Pine Hollow was stocked on March 18 with 2,500 legal trout, 200 trophy-size trout, and 41 brood-size trout. The next stocking is scheduled for the week of April 1. Last updated 3/28/24.
PINE NURSERY POND: trout, largemouth bass
Open to fishing all year. Pine Nursery provides an easily accessible fishing opportunity during the winter months. 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 91 percent full. Anglers report fair fishing for trout, crappie and bass. Currently experiencing an algae bloom. Last updated 3/28/24.
SOUTH TWIN LAKE: rainbow trout
Open to fishing all year. Roads to the Twin Lakes are not plowed and anglers may encounter snow. Anglers continue to report good winter fishing for stocked trout. North and South Twin were last stocked with trophy trout in early September. Last updated 3/28/24.
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
Many anglers have been out fishing at Taylor lake since the lake was stocked on March 19. The next trout stocking at Taylor Lake is scheduled for the week of April 1. Last updated 3/25/24.
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. Ice fishing can be productive at Walton Lake. Anglers should be prepared for winter conditions and may encounter snow and ice. Last updated 1/10/24.
WICKIUP RESERVOIR: kokanee, brown trout, rainbow trout, largemouth bass
Wickiup Reservoir closed for the season Nov. 1 and will reopen April 22, 2024.
The Deschutes River Arm from the boat ramp at Gull Point Campground to the ODFW Markers just upstream of Sheeps Bridge closed for the season on Sept. 1 to protect spawning fish. Last updated 11/1/23.
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