ANGLER'S PARADISE

Whether you like fly-fishing or bait casting, Central Oregon is an angler’s paradise. Come see why our nationally renowned rivers, streams and lakes provide fishing enthusiasts unlimited opportunities.

The Deschutes River is easily one of the most recognizable fishing destinations in the West, but locals know there are a number of outstanding fishing spots. The Crooked and Metolius rivers all boast phenomenal fishing, as well as the Prineville Reservoir and Lake Billy Chinook (where the Deschutes, Metolius and Crooked rivers converge).

Deschutes River

The Deschutes River is known for its fly-fishing with at least 10 different stretches along this 252-mile-long river. It is also home to enormous populations of Rainbow and Brown Trout. Whether you are after the elusive Steelhead, or the native Redband Trout, the beauty of the river will enrich your experience as it flows north toward the Columbia River. The best fish populations are upstream from Bend, south to Benham Falls and downstream to Steelhead Falls (west of Redmond). The lower 100 miles of the Deschutes River (the Lower Deschutes is actually the north portion of the river) is famous for blue-ribbon Trout and Steelhead.

Special regulations are in effect along various stretches of the Deschutes River. All fishing is done while wading, and fishing from a boat is not allowed. Visit the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife website (www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/) and consult the local fly shops for fishing regulations, permits, and details.

Crooked River

Experience rugged, dramatic canyons, scenic tracts and wildlife as you fish along the Crooked River, which offers dry fly and nymph fishing for hard-fighting Rainbow Trout. The river is open year round for fly-fishing, with numerous easy-access spots from which to cast your line, set up camp or spend the day.

Catch Redband Trout and Mountain Whitefish along a stretch of the Crooked River east of Redmond and south of Prineville. Take Hwy. 126 east to Prineville, and then take Hwy. 27 south along the PostPaulina Highway.

Lake Billy Chinook

Best known for its trophy catch-and-release Bull Trout, some of which weigh in at more than 20 pounds, Lake Billy Chinook is open year round. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures only.

Lake Billy Chinook is about a half hour drive from Redmond. To get there, head north on Hwy. 97, to Culver and follow the Cove Palisades State Park signs for approximately 8 miles to the lake.

Prineville Reservoir

Open all year, the 3,000-acre reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Bass, Brown Bullhead and Black Crappie. The best fishing is from the shore, but it is also a popular site for ice fishing. Much of the warm water angling for all species is in the shallower upper end as well as within several major coves around the reservoir. For trout, find the cooler water during the early mornings.

To get to Prineville Reservoir, take Hwy. 126 east 30 miles through Prineville, then take SE SR380 to Juniper Canyon Rd. Continue south for 15 miles.

Metolius River

The Metolius River, one of the nation’s largest spring-fed rivers, runs through the tiny community of Camp Sherman northwest of Sisters, and is legendary for its stunning beauty and some of the best year-round fly-fishing in the world. The Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery is a fun place to learn about fish and feed the fingerlings in the outdoor pools.

To get to the Metolius River from Redmond, take Hwy. 126 west to Sisters — about 20 miles. Turn right into and through Sisters on Hwy. 20 (west), follow for about 10 miles, and look for the signs leading you to Camp Sherman on the right.