Central and Eastern Oregon Fishing Reports
From avid Angler Tim Moran
Well, it’s snowing all over central and Eastern Oregon so it’s going to be a great weekend…to go skiing!
On the Lower Deschutes River – A few steelhead were reported in the stretch between Warn Springs and South Junction. The few fish caught were caught with a two nymph system with a stone fly and a dropper. It’s going to be cold and windy and awful until next week so if you go that’s what you’re looking at.
John Day River – There are steelhead in the river especially below the falls in the slack water. Temps will be cold and it’s probably going to be windy! The other problem that occurs in these conditions is the boat ramp freezes up making for challenging launch and take-outs. I’d wait until the temps stabilize a bit.
Metolius River – Well the Fly Fisherman’s Place shop in Sisters reports blowing snow and cold temps through Monday. The low in Sisters this weekend is 12 so even though the river won’t freeze, I’m guessing you will.
Fall River – Cold and with the elevation might even be hard to access. Die Hard’s only! Speaking of “Die Hard”..It might be better to stay home and watch the best Christmas movie ever!
Crooked River – It’s probably going to be a little slushy until the middle of next week. After that, it will be fishable.
Prineville Reservoir – OKay, I got some great reports from Prineville earlier in the week. This weekend it’s going to be too cold but as soon as the weather warms a bit look for it to produce good rainbow fishing for bait and fly fishermen.
Happy Thanksgiving to all the TGF readers and staff… I am grateful for you and our great state!
From ODF&W
The Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving are Free Fishing Days in Oregon – days you don’t need a license or tag to fish, crab or clam anywhere in the state open to fishing/crabbing/clamming. (Remember, all other rules and regulations apply.)
With the recent winter storm, roads may be treacherous and waterbodies may be freezing over, especially at higher elevations. Be sure to check on conditions before heading out.
Steelhead anglers on the lower Deschutes should concentrate on the Maupin to Warm Springs section.
Trout anglers can target the Crooked, lower Deschutes and Metolius rivers, where fishing for native redbands can be good throughout the year.
Best bet in the Klamath Basin is fishing below Keno Dam or the Powerhouse on the Klamath River.
A lot of the small reservoirs and lakes in Lake County will be frozen over. The ice is not thick enough yet to walk on.
Instead, consider Ana Reservoir and River, as these spring-fed waterbodies remain a constant temperature throughout the year and don’t freeze.