🎣 Trout fishing on the Lower Crooked River

The Lower Crooked River below Bowman Dam (Prineville) is open to fishing year-round and holds a self-sustaining population of wild redband rainbow trout plus mountain whitefish. Tailwater flows from the dam keep the river fishable through every season. Excess hatchery steelhead are released into this stretch and are sometimes caught.

Good to know

• Species: Wild redband rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, occasional released steelhead. Bull trout possible (passage now exists at Opal Springs).
• Regulations (verify ODFW current rules): All rainbow trout over 20 inches must be released unharmed. Bull trout must be released. Tagged steelhead carry green or orange dorsal tags — report catch to Bend ODFW (541) 388-6363 or Prineville ODFW (541) 447-5111.
• Flies: Pheasant tail nymphs, copper johns, BWO and PMD mayflies (small sizes), midges through winter, dries during caddis hatches.
• Spinners: Standard small spinners work for conventional anglers (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, Mepps).
• Best times: Dawn and last 90 min of light. Year-round fishery; trout most active spring + fall.
• Access: Drive to Prineville, then up Ochoco Reservoir / Crooked River Hwy toward Bowman Dam. Multiple BLM and Forest Service pull-offs and small campgrounds along the river.
• License: Oregon fishing license required. Always check the current ODFW Sport Fishing Regulations before fishing — rules change.

Safety: The Crooked River canyon directly below CRR (visible from the rim) is hike-in only via Otter Bench, Scout Camp, or Lone Pine trails. Do not attempt to launch a boat from the property — the canyon is unsafe for any watercraft. All boating destinations below are reached via separate access roads.