Crooked River - Prineville - Oregon
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Crooked River – Prineville - Water Flow Chart
Crooked River – Prineville - Weather report & radar
Crooked River – Prineville - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| February | Midges, Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #18-22, #16-20 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat, BWO Emerger |
| March | Blue Winged Olive, Skwala Stonefly | Mid Day | #16-20, #10-12 | BWO Emerger, Skwala Dry Fly |
| April | Blue Winged Olive, Caddis | Afternoon to Dusk | #16-20, #14-18 | BWO Emerger, Elk Hair Caddis |
| May | Caddis, Pale Morning Dun | Afternoon to Dusk | #14-18, #16-20 | Elk Hair Caddis, PMD Dry Fly |
| June | Pale Morning Dun, Golden Stone | All Day | #16-20, #8-12 | PMD Dry Fly, Stimulator |
| July | Pale Morning Dun, Caddis | Afternoon to Dusk | #16-20, #14-18 | PMD Dry Fly, Elk Hair Caddis |
| August | Caddis, Terrestrials | Early Morning, Dusk | #14-18, #8-12 | Elk Hair Caddis, Hopper Patterns |
| September | Blue Winged Olive, Terrestrials | Mid Day to Dusk | #16-20, #8-12 | BWO Emerger, Hopper Patterns |
| October | Blue Winged Olive, Midges | Afternoon | #16-20, #18-22 | BWO Emerger, Zebra Midge |
| November | Midges, Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #18-22, #16-20 | Zebra Midge, BWO Emerger |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
Crooked River – Prineville Access Points
The Crooked River – Prineville offers numerous access points ideal for fly fishing. Here are the best ones:
- Crooked River Campground: Accessible via Highway 27, this location features a campground and river access for fishing.
- Big Bend Campground: Located further upstream, it provides trails leading directly to the river, increasing fishing opportunities.
- Cobble Rock Campground: This campground is a great overnight option for anglers, with easy access to the river just steps from the campsites.
- Chimney Rock Campground: Positioned in a flat area surrounded by cliffs, it provides privacy for anglers and river access at several places.
- Lower Palisades access point: Located between Chimney Rock and Cobble Rock Campgrounds, perfect for those who seek solitude plus excellent fly fishing.
Crooked River – Prineville Fishing Spots
The Crooked River in Prineville offers several top-notch locations for fly fishing enthusiasts. Here are some of the best spots to checkout:
- Lower Crooked River: This stretch from Bowman Dam to Prineville Reservoir is excellent for catching rainbow trout. A great place for both wading and bank fishing.
- Chimney Rock: Known for its high densities of Redside Rainbow trout, it’s a paradise for anglers. Ensure to follow the catch-and-release regulations.
- Prineville Reservoir: This is a year-round fishery that offers both trout and large mouth bass. This vast area is ideal for boat fishing.
- Crooked River below the Opal Springs: This is a great place to catch Brown Trout. Summer is the best season to visit for a successful fishing trip.
- Big Bend Campground: Located a few miles downstream of Bowman Dam, it offers the best catch rates, particularly in the spring and early summer.
Crooked River – Prineville Local Fish Species
- Redside Rainbow Trout: Known for their fighting prowess and beautiful colors, Redside Rainbow trout is a popular target among fly fishers on the Crooked River.
- Mountain Whitefish: This species thrives in the crystal clear waters of the river and provides an exciting challenge for anglers.
- Brown Trout: Brown trout are a bit more elusive than other species, making them a prized catch in the Crooked River.
- American Shad: These are a migratory fish that enter the river in late spring and early summer and are a favorite among fly fishers.
- Brook Trout: Small but beautiful, brook trout can be found in the various tributaries of the Crooked River.
- Major Salmon: Major salmon species are present in the Crooked River where fly anglers enjoy the vigor of these strong, large fish.
- Bull Trout: Known for their aggressive behavior, bull trout are more challenging to catch and are therefore a favorite among expert anglers.
- Steelhead Trout: These migratory fish are prized for their size and strength, making them a top target for fly fishing in the Crooked River.
About the Crooked River – Prineville
The Crooked River is an absolute gem in central Oregon. With its headwaters at the base of the majestic Cascades, this meandering waterway extends around 125 miles before joining the Deschutes River near the charming town of Prineville. The Crooked River offers limitless fun, perfect for
- Fishing: Rich in trout and famous for fly fishing!
- Recreation: Rafting, swimming, and delightful summer picnics.
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