Crooked River arm right off the boat ramp as soon as the water got deep. In addtion to this, the area provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including red-winged blackbirds, and an outdoor classroom for local students to use for hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathmatics (STEM) projects. Daily Permits allows families to fish in Areas 1, 3, and 4 and camp within designated campgrounds in Areas 1 and 2. Trout fishing has been good on the Deschutes around Maupin, and trout fishing re-opens on the entire lower Deschutes on Saturday, April 22. He has been active withKokanee Power of Oregon. Traveling over gentle hills and shallow gullies, these trails are perfect for those family strolls and quick trips to and from the lake. I haven't fished LBC in the winter for kokanee, does it stay about the same all through the winter? Open to fishing all year. But I never go unless temp is going to get over 40 and little or no wind. For boat launch information seePerry South Boating Site.Three Rivers Marina, Cove Palisades Restaurant & Marina, Deschutes arm, and Crooked River arm. Stonefly nymphing has been particularly good lately. If fishing deeper is required, weight can be added in front of the flashers. There are a small number of cabins here as well. Share sensitive information only Gonna have to try it again. One lake trout per day, 24-inch minimum length. In each newsletter we'll share upcoming events, new things to do, hot dining spots and great travel ideas. The season for the Metolius Arm of Lake Billy Chinook is reopened March 1; tribal angling permits are required. Another non-native species, smallmouth bass, are incredibly plentiful in Lake Billy Chinook, although most are modest in size. The large Metolius Arm is governed by special rules by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. 4000 surface area (acres) 415 max. Closed to all fishing from the cable car crossing on the Metolius River to a signed point approximately 350 yards downstream. Billy Chinook Lake offers great fishing for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass . Basaltic lava flows occurred in the last 50,000 years, which filled canyons in the park. Fish early in the mornings to help avoid much of the hubbub. We don't have any guide or fly shop sponsored reviews for Lake Billy Chinook. However, in this reservoir the bull trout do well enough that the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife allows anglers to specifically target them and even to take one home per day, as long is the fish is at least 24 inches in length. All persons must have a permit to fish in Area 2 regardless of age. LAKE BILLY CHINOOK: bull, brown and rainbow trout, kokanee, smallmouth bass. Anglers report good trout fishing near the dam. Rainbow trout over 20 inches and kokanee/sockeye salmon over 16 inches must be released. The bass are an invasive species, and as such the ODFW allows anglers to keep as many as they want, in any size. The uplands are covered with juniper trees and bitterbrush, and the basalt canyon is of varying depth. Rock Creek Reservoir was stocked the week of April 17 with 3,150 legal-size and 403 trophy trout. You also can catch tons of smallmouth bass and a modest number of rainbow and brown trout here. Outdoorsman Fishing Lake Guides and Fishing Reports highlights Fishing Lakes, Tackle, Bait, Books, Gear and more to help make your next fishing trip more enjoyable. Expect stocking to be delayed until things thaw out. Restricted to fly-fishing only with barbless hooks. Columbia River spring Chinook season has been extended by four days through April 11. There also are day-use facilities and non-fishing activities such as hiking within the state park. One is pet-friendly. ODELL LAKE: lake trout, kokanee, rainbow trout. Learn more. Best to check current and forecasted flows on the river prior to fishing. The reservoir is low at 39 percent full. Ryan later chatted with Fish Biologist Jerry George from the ODFW Bend office, and they agreed the trout couldve been a record breaker but was now free to spawn and grow even bigger. See the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs information. Email theOregon Fish & Wildlife Commission at odfw.commission@odfw.oregon.gov. George explained that theres been an increase in bull trout numbers lately, thanks to an abundance of kokanee and clean, cold water from the Metolius River. At Lake Billy Chinook, the Deschutes joins the Crooked and Metolius rivers. Proposed regulation: No harvest of rainbow trout over 20 inches. Small spoons, such as Luhr-Jensens Needlefish or Shasta Tackles Cripplure can be effective as times. If you are coming from 3 hours away you will be going over roads much more likely to have bad conditions than the drop down to the lake. Pine Hollow was stocked the week of April 17 with 2,625 legal-size and 60 trophy trout. Please check road department website for updates in advance of opening and closing target dates. Action was so fast barely had time to pour a cup of coffee. The top three state records have all come from this lake, the largest being 23 lb 2 oz. Lake Billy Chinook is located southwest of Madras, very close to the agricultural community of Culver. For the remainder of the reservoir, harvest is limited to 1 bull trout over 24 inches under the daily trout limit. We don't have any fishing reports for Lake Billy Chinook yet. Lake Billy Chinook is the largest reservoir in Central Oregon, covering nearly 47 square miles. Large bull trout are the primary target of most fishermen on this section of water. I am wanting to go myself but I am forcing myself to do those chores on the boat and the camper that need to be done. However, the long Metolius arm, one of the better cold-water fishing areas, falls under the jurisdiction of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. Last updated 4/5/23. Again, the rivers began to erode these canyons to their present configuration, and large landslides occurred in the steep-walled canyons. This tower is the cornerstone of anadromous fish restoration to the Deschutes headwaters, designed to create surface currents over Lake Billy Chinook that guide juvenile salmon and steelhead into collection facilities at the Round Butte Dam for transport downstream. Madras, Oregon 97741 Open year-round for trout. In some spots the river is wadable, and in other areas bank fishing is the rule. To ensure a healthy population of these large trout continues for future anglers, Catch and Release is encouraged for all size classes. At its longest point, the reservoir spans 28 miles. As always, anglers are encouraged to use caution and evaluate ice conditions before venturing onto frozen lakes. Some popular colors are pink/pearl, orange, green and chartreuse. Lake Billy Chinook with a 72-mile shoreline was created in 1964 when Portland General Electric . All other permanent regulations remain in effect. The area is rich in wildlife. Return toOregons Best Kokanee Fishingpage, ODFW Weekly Fishing ReportODFW Trout Stocking ScheduleOregon Fishing RegulationsNational Weather Service, Best Kokanee Fishing in Oregon (Outside Central Oregon). Popular in the spring for wildflowers and all year for geology enthusiasts and photographers. More of the riverbanks are public land. Main Phone (503) 947-6000 The rainbows are subject to the 5-trout limit (four if youre keeping a big bull trout), but you must release any rainbow bigger than 20 inches, which are considered steelhead here. Bull Trout fishing has been good on Streamers. Bikini Pond was stocked March 23 with 350 legal size and 25 trophy trout. Generally AT&T receives the most consistant service; while other carriers only receive spotty connection. Any problems launching a 20 ft boat in winter there ? Trout fishing is a year-round pursuit at Prineville, with the best catches in winter and spring, but anglers fish deeper areas . Nymphing with stonefly, mayfly, or caddisfly nymphs or has been effective for trout and streamers are a good bet for bull trout. Crane Prairie will reopen April 22, 2023; however, reports of deep snow drifts and ice coverage may delay access. This reservoir is unique in shape, as it has three long arms created naturally from the Deschutes, Crooked, and Metolius Rivers. His medium-lightweight rod was bending like crazy, almost snapping in half. The bull trout, part of the char branch of the trout family tree, are a giant trout that have struggled significantly across most of the West, where they are almost universally protected. Lake Billy Chinook Fly Fishing | Fly Fishing in Central Oregon CRESCENT LAKE: rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee. 9324). After taking the class, I went out and stocked up on some stuff to catch them Have a can of that special corn that's been sitting in the bed room 8 or 10 yrs now! The flies we've listed below are some of the locals favorites for this section of the water. Crooked River anglers may encounter bull trout now that there is volitional passage at Opal Springs. for updates in advance of opening and closing target dates. Cove Palisades State Park surrounds a large portion of the lake. They snapped some pics and then released the beast back into the water. Lake Billy Chinook - Cove Palisades | Central Oregon Last updated 4/12/23. Deschutes River; Lake Billy Chinook to Benham Falls. It also is one of the states better places to catch kokanee and has a large population of easy-to-catch smallmouth bass. the other pink and black beads and gold blade spinner. These were just what I had on. The lake is situated within a 500-foot-deep canyon framed by towering basalt cliffs that have been formed during millions of years by volcanic activities, weathering, and water erosion. Water levels fluctuate greatly with the irrigation season. As the river leaves Bend, it passes the last man-made obstruction for 40 miles and becomes a wild, canyon river. Madras, Oregon 97741 Thats when it hit them this couldve been a state or even world record. From the north end of 1st Street in Bend down to the North Canal Dam, the river is accessible along the west bank, and fishing can be good when water levels are low in the summer. CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, brook trout, largemouth bass, kokanee. Let me tell you about this wild adventure on April 8 when Ryan Mejaski and Joe Wilhite were out on the Deschutes arm of Lake Billy Chinook, trying to catch some kokanee. Thanks! The Wetlands Nature Trail is an easy, flat, quarter mile - loop trail. Revealed in the steep canyon walls is the geologic history of the region, starting some 10 to 12 million years ago. No more procrastinating. The ODFW allows anglers to keep as many brown trout, in any size, as they want. The reservoir is currently 85 percent full. When kokanee are spotted jumping, jigging is easily the best method. United States. ( Spring monitoring showed good numbers of trout in addition to the stocking in April. Access to the lake through deep snow from the campground gate or Walton Sno-Park may require a to 1 mile trek on snowshoes or skis. An angler will typically catch bull trout ranging from 14 to 20 inches in length. See you out there soon. Besides the states recreational facilities, the U.S. Forest Service operates Perry South Campground on the western end of the reservoir, with access to the Metolius Arm. I have opinions on this subject but will save that for another blog and focus on the trout and whitefish fishing on the Crooked now. Mejaski wondered if he might have caught a state record, or even world record, fish right after he released it. Turn at Cow Meadow sign off USFS Rd 40. They said they got their 20 fish in about an hour and a half. Fishing has been fair near Ochoco Dam with reports of nice size rainbow trout. No anchoring or mooring is allowed at any time on the log booms. Anglers should use caution on the river margins where shelf ice may be present. On Flathead Lake in Montana I used to fish for them off the bank with florescent orange spoons and managed to catch them, tried them here and nothing! Ill be in an open black Jetcraft sled. The lake level remains extremely low and developed boat ramps are unavailable for launching boats. At the top, the trail makes a 3.5 mile loop around the Peninsula, which affords spectacular views of the high Cascade Mountain peaks and the Deschutes and Crooked River Canyons. Mejaski wondered if he might have caught a state record, or even world record, fish right after he released it. Lake Billy Chinook is perhaps best known for its bull trout fishery. There's nothing better than community based reports from people that are on the water! Brian Russell lives between La Pine and Sunriver and has been fishing for kokanee since 1996. 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. When jumpers are spotted, casting to the school and employing a jigging retrieve is often a great approach. Fishing at Lake Billy Chinook - Best Fishing in America There are three main boat ramps located at campgrounds: Cove Palisades State Park on the Crooked River arm; Deschutes Campground on the Deschutes arm; and Perry South on the Metolius arm. Did change in limit affect size of fish? No limit on size or number of warmwater fish. Last updated 3/29/23. Campers may have a total of two vehicles per site; extra vehicle is $7 per night. The IMAX screen closes in on the insects with a childlike intensity, but the . Before fishing, check the ODFW website linked below for definitions of where the Metolius Arm is located, where river regulations take effect at the top of the arms, and other important details. The Cove Palisades State Park - Oregon State Parks All stocking dates and numbers of fish are approximate. Artificial flies and lures only. If you are there in the summer, plan to fish early and late to avoid the pleasure boaters. Anglers may keep one bull trout at least 24 inches long as part of their limit. Last updated 2/1/23. Braid and Buzz Bomb jigs are also good producers. The lake's name honors Billy Chinook a Wasco Indian who joinedthe John C. Fremont expedition in 1843. Maggots, Pautzkes Kokanee Fire Corn and worms can be effective. Prineville, Oregon 97754 April 15 - June 30:The Hood River is open to retention of hatchery spring Chinook salmon in the following areas:1) In the mainstem, from the tips of the jetties at the mouth upstream to the confluence with the East Fork; and2)In the West Fork, from the confluence with the mainstem upstream to the angling deadline 200 feet downstream of Punchbowl Falls. Additional vehicles may not be allowed in the park overnight. DIRECTIONS: From Redmond: Head north to Culver and follow the Cove Palisades State Park signs for approximately 8 miles to the lake. Begin in the Deschutes Campground (6 miles round-trip) or the Upper Deschutes day-use area boat trailer parking lot (7 miles round-trip). Warm Springs tribal fishing permits, other information now offered Wetland Nature Trail Loop: This flat -mile trail in the Crooked River Campground loops through an ongoing wetland restoration project at the site of a 2015 wildfire. Statewide trout stocking highlights for May 2023 The increased flows may temporarily affect water clarity and fishing. All fish in the river are wild, including rainbow trout up to 18 inches. I just went down in first gear keeping below 20 mph. Fall River received the first trout stocking of the year and anglers report good fishing. How to get to Lake Billy Chinook. When he is not sharing all the best parts of Oregon online, he is out looking for a new place to explore. The daily bag limit is one hatchery adult Chinook salmon and five hatchery jack salmon per day. This large reservoir gathers in the fish-laden waters of the Deschutes, Metolius and Crooked rivers to form one of the best and most unique fishing spots in Central Oregon. The reservoir is accessible and ice has melted. SNOWYLAND Welcome to the only and unique Winter in Vivaldi Park, the SnowyLand! Pine Nursery was recently stocked with rainbow trout and anglers report excellent fishing. No bag or size limits on brown trout and bass. Restricted to fly-fishing with barbless hooks only. Varying the amount of line let out will change the fishing depth. 274 SW 4th Street In the 1950s, visitors drove into the Crooked River and Deschutes River canyons to see the geologic formations. Fly Tying Videos byTightlines Productions, Photography Provided byBonnie MorelandRobson Hatsukami Morgan. Open to fishing all year. He has been blogging since 2011 & created That Oregon Life as a passion in 2013. Billy Chinook Lake that covers 3,997 acres, has a 72 miles of shoreline with average depth of 102 ft., a maximum depth of 415 ft and each arm of the lake is 6 to 12 miles long. Hey there, fishing fans! A reminder to anglers that new regulations are now in effect for Fall River. The followingregulations reflect changes or additions to the permanent regulations listed in the 2023 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. Billy Chinook Lake offers great fishing for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Bull Trout, Black Crappie and Whitefish. Anglers are catching a few striped bass in the upper sections of tidewater on the Coquille River. Anglers report good winter kokanee and excellent bull trout fishing. Lake Billy Chinook is perhaps best known for its bull trout fishery. on official, secure websites. Also see:Best Kokanee Fishing in Central OregonBest Kokanee Fishing in Oregon (Outside Central Oregon). Lake Billy Chinook is located southwest of Madras, very close to the agricultural community of Culver. Outstanding wild rainbow and brown trout habitat exist from Lower Bridge downstream 10 miles to Lake Billy Chinook. PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie. Limit is 2 fish per day. Or is something else going on? Like many Central Oregon lakes, part of Billy Chinook is open to year-round angling. OCHOCO RESERVOIR: rainbow trout, black crappie, smallmouth bass. The other top fishery at Lake Billy Chinook are the kokanee, which are a landlocked sockeye salmon. With fish transitioning to the shallows, this is a good time of year to catch the biggest bass in the lake. Scheduled to be stocked this week: Cottonwood Pit, Antelope Flat Reservoir, Ochoco Reservoir, Shevlin Pond, Metolius Pond, Recently stocked:Pine Hollow Reservoir, Rock Creek Reservoir, Taylor Lake, Baker Pond, Prineville Fishing Pond, Middle Fork Pond, Check out the 2023 trout stocking schedule. Map, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ochoco/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=72023&actid=43, Ochoco National Forest & Crooked River National Grassland. Map, Crooked River National Grassland Lake Billy Chinook, sometimes listed as Billy Chinook Reservoir or Round Butte Reservoir, was formed as part of a large hydroelectric system that also includes the smaller Lake Simtustus below. We really didnt think about keeping it, we were so excited.. Following draining of Haystack Reservoir for maintenance, anglers should expect slow fishing until the reservoir can be restocked and fish populations rebound. They commented on the increased size of fish for this time of year. Nymphing has been the most effective method. They kept fishing that day and caught another massive bull trout, just a bit smaller than the first. Lake Billy Chinook is a large Central Oregon reservoir best known for its huge bull trout and plentiful kokanee. Swimming around in all that water are plenty of fish! Thanks to a guy on here but those Koke's own my brain! See the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs information. One of the best ways to find kokanee at Lake Billy Chinook is to look for jumpers. So you can keep 10 kokanee, or 9 kokanee and 1 bull trout (I believe that's how they count). North and South Twin were stocked with trout in mid-August and trophy trout in late August. This is the best place to specifically target them, definitely focusing on the mouth of the Deschutes River and Crooked River when the Metolius Arm is closed. Artificial flies and lures permitted below Bridge 99 (Lower Bridge). Although they typically average 12-14 inches some browns have been caught near 10 lbs. Justification: Protects the steelhead that are part of the Deschutes reintroduction program. Sun Publishing, 716 NE 4th Street, Bend, Oregon. The Deschutes National Forest is planning to reconstruct the non-paved portion of Forest Road 16 through the spring and early summer, limiting access to Three Creeks Lake and the surrounding trailheads until July 21. Early in the year, before the Metolius arm opens, look for fish in shallow shelves where they feed on aquatic insects, and out in open water. Central oregon conditions look pretty iffy this week. In addition to being the premiere location to catch bull trout and kokanee, there are also rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and other species in the lake. Need more reasons to apply? Hood area. If you're interested in learning to tie these flies, we've included links to show you how! Take the opportunity to experience a unique Korean winter festival, in celebration of Mountain Trout, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo festival! Can I walk to the water from the Crooked River Campground (E Loop), Mar 1 Fishing in Redmond, OR - Visit Redmond Oregon Open to fishing all year, anglers should still expect some ice coverage at North and South Twin lakes. The Deschutes River from the re-regulating dam downstream to the mouth is open for trout fishing. Therefore, large lures that imitate smaller fish are most often used to catch them. Reservoir levels are above the state park, Jasper Point, and Powderhouse Cove boat ramp elevations. Opening Weekend Fishing Report 4/23/23 The Fly Fishers Place The wood River opens April 22, and fishing should be excellent. See ODFW regulations for a description of the boundaries of the Metolius arm. Now these canyons are flooded to a depth of 800-900 feet by Lake Billy Chinook behind Round Butte Dam. This time of year, most anglers at Lake Billy Chinook are . Billy Chinook is among the lowest-elevation kokanee fisheries in Central Oregon and is known for its large population of these land-locked sockeye, which find ideal spawning conditions in the Metolius River. However, the roads remain snow-covered and the lake is frozen. Fish were willing biters on my 5 month old tuna and garlic shoepeg corn! There will be no spring Chinook season on the Deschutes River this year due very low forecasted returns of wild spring Chinook to the river. Open to fishing all year, anglers should stillexpect some ice coverage at North and South Twin lakes. 1.2 mph. The area was modestly developed for camping and day use. The island is day use only and no anchoring or mooring is allowed from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM. If there is snow the road will get plowed. Paddlers of all experience levels can explore the 6-mile Crooked River Water Trail on the Crooked River arm of the reservoir. This half of the reservoir tends to be warmer than the Metolius Arm, and warmer water favors the bass. -. The lake is closed to all fishing from the signed point upstream, approximately 350 yards, to the cable crossing on the Metolius River. The Deschutes National Forest is planning to reconstruct the non-paved portion of Forest Road 16 through the spring and early summer, limiting access to Three Creeks Lake and the surrounding trailheads until July 21.