Central and Eastern Oregon Fishing Reports
From our friend Tim
Lower Deschutes River – There are still Steelhead around but their going to act like trout so be ready when you’re fishing nymphs as they will actively take them. Trout fishing around Maupin is good fishing nymphs and BWO’s in the afternoon when the hatch occurs. It’s going to be mild and maybe even a little sunny on Saturday s that’s the day if you’re going.
John Day River – Steelhead fishing is fair in the river from Cottonwood to Clarno and up river too to the forks. Swinging flies and fishing the tailouts and pool heads with #3 and 4 Blue Fox spinners are getting most of the fish. Jigs under a float will take fish too! Temps will be somewhat mild this week which should put fish on the bite. Late January is prime time and when you can fish without your gear icing up…well that’s a special treat on the JDR!
Metolius River – The Fly Fisherman’s Place shop in Sisters reports good fishing on small nymphs including two-bit hookers, copper johns, and small stones. BWO hatches are coming off in the afternoons. The river is very accessible and should fish great this weekend. Don’t forget your 6 or 7wt and some big streamers as this is a great time to go after Bull Trout. Please handle these brutes with care as they are rare!
Fall River – there is more snow here but the river is accessible. The fishing has been pretty steady with Euro-nymphing small offerings. Keep your small BWO dry rig ready for an afternoon hatch.
Crooked River – My buddy GH fished it last week and had a really good day. 30+ fish Euro nymphing with a two fly system. Flows are low ( 100CFS) and stable and fishing should be good. Fish small midge imitations and micro midge nymphs on light tippets.
Prineville Reservoir – This has really turned into a great winter fishery. The guys at COFR have been hitting it hard fishing with worms either on the bottom or under a bobber and getting fish to 24 inches. Fly guys should slowly strip wooly’s and leech patterns. If I was going anywhere this weekend this is where I’d fish!
From ODF&W
Bank anglers are catching some nice trout from the bank at Ochoco Reservoir, which also will get 100 brood trout this week.
The Crooked River continues to offer good opportunities for trout and whitefish up to 16 inches.
Steelhead fishing on the lower Deschutes continues to be fair. Though numbers are fewer this year, fish are well-dispersed from the mouth to the angling deadline.
The first winter steelhead are just beginning to return to the Hood River.
Steelhead fishing on the Grande Ronde can be quite good in January and February, when flows cooperate. Look for uncrowded conditions and lots of open water.
Steelhead are showing up in the North Fork John Day between Monument and Kimberly.
Fishing conditions on the Umatilla are good. Steelhead anglers should focus on the lower sections of the river above and below Threemile Dam.
Ice conditions, and fishing, have been good on Chickahominy Reservoir.
Ice conditions have improved at Phillips and Wolf Creek reservoirs. But with the variable weather recently, anglers should carefully assess conditions before venturing out onto the ice.
Anglers have been catching a few hybrid bass in Ana Reservoir this winter.
Best bet for the Klamath area continues to be native redband trout in the Klamath River.