FISHING
Weekend fishing opportunities:
- Late April and May on the Deschutes River is often considered the best time of the year to catch trout on big dry flies.
- The kokanee angling at Odell Lake has been excellent. The next several weeks should continue to produce banner catches at Odell.
- Anglers have been successful targeting brown trout in the shallower waters of Wickiup Reservoir.
BIG LAVA LAKE: rainbow trout
Big lava is currently still ice covered and will be inaccessible for the upcoming weekend. Big Lava is a great place to catch nice rainbow trout ranging from 12 to 20 inches in length.
CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brook trout, largemouth bass
Anglers are having success catching nice rainbow trout along with a few brook trout. Crane provides great opportunity for top-of-the-line brook trout and anglers are strongly encouraged to try their hand at angling for them. Fish brook trout at dawn and dusk. Small spinners or spoons are often quite effective as are both wet and dry flies. Worms also work well. Anglers after the big brook trout should cast their fly, lure or bait close to cover such as submerged logs or undercut banks. Once you hook your brook trout head for open water as they’re notorious for tangling your line around logs and rocks.
Please note new angling regulation specifying the daily trout bag may only include one non-fin-clipped rainbow trout per day. Crane is a great place to catch larger rainbow trout, though the novice angler will require patience.
CLEAR LAKE: rainbow trout
No recent reports. Snow is likely preventing access.
CRESCENT LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee
Anglers continue to have good success catching lake trout and brown trout. Kokanee anglers should start seeing a little better success as lake temperature increase.
CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: redband trout and mountain whitefish
Anglers continue to catch redband trout and mountain whitefish, however they are encouraged to check flows before making a trip. Consistent flows generally result in better fishing. Anglers are reminded to exercise caution when wading on the slick rocks of the Crooked River and wading in areas, marked by signs indicating redband spawning habitat is discouraged through May. It is also important to note that fishing with bait is not currently allowed; artificial flies and lures only until May 23.
All anglers should visit informational kiosks located in the BLM campgrounds in the Wild and Scenic portion of the river where a flier has been posted to assist anglers in collecting valuable information. ODFW and OSU initiated a radio telemetry study on redband trout and whitefish in the fall of 2007. ODFW and OSU deployed new radio-tags in early October in fish caught by dedicated volunteer anglers from the Central Oregon Fly Fishers, Sunriver Anglers, ODFW, and OSU. Anglers are reminded that radio-tagged fish cannot be legally harvested. To determine if a fish is radio-tagged, anglers should check for an eight-inch wire antenna protruding from the rear of both redband and mountain whitefish. A sample of redband trout and mountain whitefish are also tagged with a numbered floy tag protruding from the back. Anglers who later catch a trout or whitefish with a floy tag are encouraged to release the fish after recording the tag number, fish length and location caught. Anglers can send the information to ODFW at (541) 447-5111 ext. 24 or michael.r.harrington@state.or.us.
CULTUS LAKE: lake trout, rainbow trout
Cultus didn’t see a lot of angling activity over the weekend. The fishing should be good for lake trout and fair for rainbow trout.
DAVIS LAKE: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass
Anglers reported catching a few rainbow and a fair number of largemouth bass. Remember Davis is a fly angling lake only.
DESCHUTES RIVER: steelhead, rainbow trout
Mouth to Warm Springs: steelhead, trout
The Deschutes River Canyon is full of flowering balsamroot, lupine, and hungry trout. Late April and May is often considered the best time of the year to catch trout on big dry flies. Fly anglers should look for caddis hatches during most days and large stone flies in the warm afternoons. Typically, golden stoneflies tend to primarily hatch below Maupin with salmonflies above Maupin. The highest concentration of trout and whitefish are from around Maupin upstream to the reservation boundary.
Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls: rainbow trout, brown trout
No recent reports. The flows are now well-suited for fishing. This reach of the Deschutes provides good spring angling opportunity for brown trout and redband trout.
EAST LAKE: Brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, Atlantic salmon
East Lake is still inaccessible. Please check with East Lake Resort @ EastResort.com, the Deschutes National Forest or the local ODFW office at 541 -388-6363 for up-to-date lake conditions. East Lake Resort plans to open May 22.
ELK LAKE: kokanee, brook trout
Elk Lake is not yet accessible
FALL RIVER: rainbow trout
Recent reports indicate that the angling has been fair with a few nice fish being caught. The river above the falls remains open the entire year, and is restricted to fly-fishing only. River water temperatures are generally in the 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit range. As mid-day air temperatures get warmer, expect insect activity to increase. This is a popular spring fishery for fly fishers.
HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout
Rainbow trout fishing has been excellent from the shore and boats. Large fish have been active in the recent weeks with reports of 10lb rainbows being caught.
HOOD RIVER: summer steelhead, winter steelhead
Anglers are reporting catch of bright winter steelhead in the lower Hood River from the mouth upstream to Powerdale Dam. Spring temperatures continue to warm water temperatures which should make steelhead more aggressive. Counts at Bonneville Dam have been improving, and anglers should be seeing increased numbers of fish. Some mint bright summer steelhead have already been caught by anglers.
Find out how many fish are being captured at the Powerdale Dam trap.
HOSMER LAKE: Atlantic salmon, brook trout
Hosmer is not yet accessible
KINGSLEY RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Kingsley has been recently stocked and should offer good opportunity for legal and trophy-sized trout.
LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: bull trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass
Fishing in Billy Chinook remains consistent with catches similar to previous years. Angling opportunities appear to be best in the Deschutes and Crooked River Arms. Kokanee bag limit is five fish per day, included in the trout daily bag limit. Anglers should consult 2009 Sport Fishing Regulations for new angling regulations on Lake Billy Chinook.
LAURANCE LAKE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Laurance Lake has been recently stocked and should offer good opportunity for legal and trophy-sized trout.
LITTLE LAVA LAKE: Rainbow trout, brook trout
Little lava lake is still not accessible.
METOLIUS RIVER: redband trout, bull trout
Some recent reports of redband trout being active. The warmer temperatures this week should result in some great hatches and great fishing. May on the Metolius can provide a great angling experience. Please note that the reach of river from Allingham Bridge upstream to the Metolius headspring is currently closed to angling to protect spawning redband.
NORTH TWIN: rainbow trout
Fishing is reported to be fair. Good beaches, good wind protection and good numbers of stocked rainbow trout are North Twin positives.
OCHOCO CREEK UPSTREAM TO OCHOCO DAM: rainbow trout
Bait fishing is not allowed. Artificial flies and lures only, and regulations allow no more than two trout per day with only one trout greater than 20 inches and no trout under eight inches. Opportunities are good for native redband trout.
OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Fishing improves at the head of the reservoir as spring runoff increases. Anglers have reported catches of large fish and fishing is expected to improve with weather.
ODELL LAKE: kokanee, rainbow trout, lake trout
Water temperature at Odell hit 42 degrees Fahrenheit and the kokanee bite switched on. Anglers fishing for kokanee are seeing great returns to the creel. The lake trout bite is still holding strong and anglers have also see success for rainbow trout. Please note that all bull trout must be released unharmed.
PAULINA LAKE: Brown trout, kokanee, rainbow trout
Lake conditions are tentative. Please check with Paulina Lake Lodge 541-536-2240 for ramp access and ice conditions.
PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Pine Hollow has been recently stocked and should provide good opportunity to catch various sizes of trout, including some large trout.
PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie, bass
Anglers have reported good catches of rainbow trout and smallmouth bass fishing from the shore of Prineville Reservoir. Anglers should note an error in the 2009 fishing regulations for Prineville Reservoir (p. 63). The CORRECT regulation is: largemouth and smallmouth bass, 15 in. MAXIMUM length, only one of which may be a largemouth.
ROCK CREEK RESERVOIR: rainbow trout
Pine Hollow has been recently stocked with trout and should provide good opportunity to catch a limit of trout.
SOUTH TWIN: rainbow trout
No recent reports. South Twin provides plenty of opportunity for rainbow trout, great wind protected shoreline and good beach-like shoreline for the kids to run around on when they’re tired of catching fish. A great family lake.
SUTTLE LAKE: brown trout, kokanee
No angler reports, though the lake should provide good opportunity for anglers interested in chasing kokanee or brown trout.
TAYLOR LAKE: rainbow trout
Taylor Lake has been recently stocked with trout and should provide good opportunity to catch a fat trout. Taylor Lake is also a great spot to catch carp with flies, look for carp in the shallows as water temperatures warm with spring temperatures.
WALTON LAKE: rainbow trout
No recent reports. Gate to campground is locked, anglers must walk ¼ mile to the reservoir. Spring temperatures are likely to make ice unsafe; use extreme caution if checking ice conditions.
WICKIUP RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee, largemouth bass
Anglers are having success catching brown trout and limited numbers of kokanee. The kokanee are in great condition with a few fish ranging up to 17 inches in length. Anglers are encouraged to work the shallows for browns and rainbow during the early morning hours and hours just before dusk.
CENTRAL ZONE HUNTING
OPEN: Cougar, coyote, spring turkey, spring bear (controlled hunt)
Controlled hunts deadline is May 15
Hunters, avoid the long lines and busy fax machines and get your controlled hunt application in as soon as possible. New for this year, hunters can apply online. Or apply by fax, mail order, at a license agent or an ODFW office. Controlled hunt tag proposals will be available on ODFW’s Web site in early May.
Don’t forget to report your hunt results. Anyone who purchases a big game or turkey tag must report hunt results online or by phone. Reporting is required even if you did not fill your tag or go hunting. More information
Visit the turkey and spring bear hunting forecasts for tips and information about conditions in each zone.
PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT
Most snow accumulations have receded except for a few stubborn drifts at higher elevations on north slopes across the Ochoco National Forest. Outdoor enthusiasts should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, and check with Ochoco and Prineville BLM offices for access and camping information. Deer, elk, pronghorn, and turkeys are moving to higher elevations as the spring thaw progresses.
TURKEYS are moving to higher elevations throughout the Ochoco and Grizzly units. Typically, the better concentrations of birds occur along the south slopes of the Ochoco unit, and in the Bear and Trout Creek drainages of the Grizzly unit. Hunters should consult with local BLM and Ochoco National Forest offices regarding access as motorized travel may be restricted to avoid soil damage and protect wildlife habitat.
COUGARS and COYOTES are tied to deer, elk, and pronghorn and will be following dispersing animals as they move to higher elevations. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days after harvest; please bring them in thawed and with mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
GROUND SQUIRRELS are active in hay fields and pastures. The best hunting will be on private lands, particularly along the Crooked River between Prineville and Paulina. Having permission from landowners is a must before hunting.
THE DALLES WILDLIFE DISTRICT
TURKEY season continues through May 31. Toms are actively strutting, and birds continue to move to higher elevation as the snow gradually recedes.
Spring bear hunting continues through May 31; see the forecast for what to expect. Remember the new rule this year: successful bear hunters checking-in must present an unfrozen skull; otherwise tooth collection and measurement is difficult. Biologists recommend propping the bear’s mouth open with a stick after harvest; it makes for easier tooth collection and measuring.
For hunters wishing to pursue COUGAR, the best opportunity will in the Deschutes and John Day River canyons. Cougars can sometimes be found near bighorn ewes that have congregated to lamb. Hunters should glass open areas near bighorn lambing cliffs. Successful cougar hunters, remember check-in is mandatory; please bring them in thawed and with mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
Those wishing to pursue COYOTE will find the best success near agricultural lands. Be sure to ask permission to hunt private lands. Limited opportunities may also be found at White River Wildlife area.
California Ground SQUIRRELS, or gray diggers, are very active with the recent warming trends in the area. The best hunting opportunities for squirrels are generally found on private agricultural ground, but good opportunity also exists on White River Wildlife area. Make sure to ask permission to hunt on private lands.
WHITE RIVER WILDLIFE AREA
TURKEY and BEAR hunting seasons continue through May 31.
COYOTE and COUGAR hunters can find success in open areas along the eastern perimeter of the wildlife area. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days after harvest; please bring them in thawed and with mouths propped open for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging.
The wildlife area is a vehicle regulated use area. Open roads have a green dot on them. Hunters bringing their ATVs are reminded that all vehicles are to stay on roads; cross country travel is prohibited. The roads for through vehicle travel have been closed for the winter and most of the roads will reopen April 1, 2009. Please use caution even on open roads, as spring moisture can create hazardous conditions. If a road appears too wet for travel, please find an alternate route.
CENTRAL ZonE VIEWING
Prineville Area
Ducks and geese are pairing up and nesting along the Crooked River and Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Additionally, a variety of nesting shorebirds and birds of prey are present along the shoreline and rimrock areas. The access road along the north side of Prineville Reservoir through the WMA is open and offers great camping, hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Directions to the WMA: From Prineville, take Paulina Highway 1.7 miles. Turn right onto Juniper Canyon Road at the Prineville Reservoir State Park sign. Take Juniper Canyon Road 12.5 miles to Prineville Reservoir State Park. Access to the WMA is via the primitive N. Side Access road at the northeast corner of the state park. Visitors can also access the WMA by continuing southeast along Paulina Highway for 15 miles (from Prineville) and turn right at the bottom of the hill after passing Eagle Rock near milepost 14 onto the signed WMA primitive road. For more information, visit ODFW’s Web site.
The Dalles
Spring is here, and neotropical migrants are right behind it. This is a great time of year to take a hike in the Columbia River gorge. The gorge is host to many migrant songbirds in the spring, as well as a great place to find wildflowers and other wildlife. The Mosier Twin Tunnels provides a great hard surface trail to avoid the spring mud. For more information visit Oregon State Parks Web site, http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_155.php
White River Wildlife Area
Visitors to the area can see a wide variety of birds, including Lewis’ Woodpeckers, Cooper’s hawks and pileated woodpecker’s.
From The Dalles, travel 34 miles south on Hwy. 197 to the blinking light at Tygh Valley. Turn right into Tygh Valley and follow the signs to Wamic on Wamic Market Road. Continue straight ahead on Dodson Road rather than follow the sharp curve. Continue on Dodson Road through three 90-degree turns. Turn left on the gravel road 1/4 mile past the last curve, and continue 1-1/2 miles to the cattleguard and area signs. The wildlife area headquarters is located 1/2 mile past the cattleguard. For more information, visit ODFW Web site.
Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area
Many different species frequent the Deschutes Canyon at this time of year with opportunities to view a wide variety of waterbirds, passerines, deer and bighorn sheep. Bighorn sheep are a common site in the canyon. One of the most popular spots to view Bighorn rams is across the river from Jones campground, along the Mack’s canyon access road. Bighorn ewes are now congregating in large cliff areas to have their lambs. One area where visitors can view bighorn lambs is in the cliffs across from Beavertail campground along the Mack’s canyon access road. Good binoculars and a spotting scope will improve the odds of viewing sheep.
Many different bird species are present in the Deschutes Wildlife Area, including osprey, kingfishers, great blue herons and waterfowl. ODFW’s Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area is located east of The Dalles. Directions and more information about the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area.
Related posts:
ODFW Central Oregon Fishing Report for Week of October 29
ODFW Central Oregon Hunting Report
Fishery managers postpone Columbia River steelhead season
Tags: Fishing, Recreation
