Central and Eastern Oregon Fishing Reports
From Tim Moran
Crane Prairie – Got a report back from a buddy that went up to Crane last weekend. He said the intel paid off as he caught several nice trout on small black leeches. He fished the intermediate sink line. Rust and olive will take fish too. Carey Specials are worth a try if the fish aren’t hitting the leeches. Bass fishing continues to be great on Crane. Plugs, plastic worms and spinnerbaits continue to take bass for the terminal tackle guys and Poppers and big rabbit fur streamers are the way to go if you’re fly fishing.
Hosmer Lake – Damsels and zebra midges are still taking fish at Hosmer. Some really nice Brookies have shown up in recent weeks. Small white buggers always take fish here too.
Wickiup – It’s low but not as low as last year. There have been reports of some big rainbows and browns coming out of the lake – I saw a picture of a rainbow that was at least 7 lbs. The fly guys are fishing streamers and the terminal tackle crowd is throwing spinners, Rapalas and small wobblers.
East Lake – No report this week from the lake but I suspect the browns and rainbows are looking for ants and beetles near shore in the afternoons. . Balanced leeches, prince nymphs, and buggers are taking fish sub-surface. Wind drifting leech patterns and nymphs on an intermediate sink tip is a great way to take fish if the wind picks up in the afternoon.
Lower Deschutes River – We fished the river last weekend and went 1 for three swinging flies about 7 miles up from the mouth. A couple of spinner fishermen came in below us and they went 3 for 4 in a couple of hours. Not bad fishing. We had about 3 ft. of visibility but it deteriorated in the afternoon. Until Fall gets here in earnest this will be the pattern as the White River confluence pukes up mud and silt with every hot day or thunderstorm on the mountain. The good news is Steelhead are on the move and by mid-month, there should be plenty of fish in the river above the White. Swing flies or hardware and chances are you’ll find a willing fish or two. The pressure is still light as the runs have declined in recent years so you’re chances to get a fish are to are there and you can cover lots of water. A word on Steelhead fishing etiquette – If someone is fishing a stretch of water at the head of a pool he is going to work that section from head to tail. Don’t walk into the hole in the middle and start fishing in front of him. If you want to fish the hole wait until he’s at the midpoint and start your fishing behind him.
John Day River – Bass fishing continues to be spotty with thunderstorms milking up the river. Fishing really slows down in the murky water so call ahead at the Service Creek store and get up to the minute conditions. You can get a shuttle there too!
Metolius River – The Met is as good a Late Summer stream as there is! Drakes are ready to explode and there are a plethora of bugs including PMD’s, Yellow Sallies, caddis and rusty spinners all coming off right now. Fishing is good throughout the river and there are big Bull Trout up from the lake following the Kokanee spawn. Check-in with Jeff at the Fly Fishers Place in Sisters for up to the minute river info, a guided trip or pick up the best flies and techniques for your trip. There is also a generous supply of flies at the Camp Sherman Store.
Fall River – I watched a video taken underwater on the fall last week. There is a lot of fish in the river! It’s shallow and clear so 6 and 7X tippet is the norm here and wear muted colors or camo as the trout can see very well. This is a great time to fish the Fall and small dry’s will take fish especially in the late afternoons. Small caddis, midges and muted colored mayflies in sized 18 to 24 will take fish. This is a great river for a dry dropper rig too.
Crooked River – My nephew and his new bride were out on the Crooked last weekend (honeymooning from Texas). They caught scores of 8 to 13-inch rainbows and a few whitefish on small nymphs under an indicator. Fishing on the ‘C” will be great all of this month and next. Look for caddis and PMD’s to dominate for a while!
Cooler this weekend so the fish should be in feed mode!
From ODF&W
Fishing the higher elevation hike-in lakes can offer solitude, good fishing, and a chance to combine a couple of your favorite outdoor activities. Find more information on planning your hike-in fishing trip.
Anglers have been catching some nice, bright Chinook on the lower Deschutes.
North and South Twin lakes are scheduled to be stocked this week.
Best bets for trout fishing include the Wallowa and Imnaha rivers, and Jubilee Lake. BONUS: There are huckleberries at Jubilee Lake.
Smallmouth bass fishing on the Columbia should continue to be good.
Trout fishing on the Blitzen near Page Springs has been good for anglers throwing wooly buggers and hopper patterns.
Trout fishing also should be good at Blue Lake in the Gearhart Wilderness.
Fishing has also been good at Campbell Reservoir, which was stocked with 1,000 larger trout last week.