November 24, 2011 – Bend Bulletin – Flows increasing on parts of Deschutes

This article was published on: 12/19/11 12:00 AM

Flows increasing on parts of Deschutes

Published: November 24. 2011 4:00AM PST

Here is the weekly fishing report for selected areas in and around Central Oregon, provided by fisheries biologists for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:

Central Zone

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: Fishing has been fair. The trout are very healthy and average 14 inches in length with fish up to 17 inches sampled in the traps. There are a few areas of packed snow on the road leading to the reservoir. There is a little bit of ice forming around the edge of the reservoir during the night. Access to the reservoir may not last very long if we get sustained cold weather and snow. The water level should be conducive to good over winter survival, which means there should be plenty of large trout available next spring.

CRESCENT LAKE: The water level is dropping a bit, and some anglers are picking up 8- to 10-pound browns.

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: Anglers are reminded that angling methods are restricted to artificial flies and lures as of October 31. The fishing is excellent and flows should remain consistent around 75 cfs throughout the winter resulting in consistent fishing.

DAVIS LAKE: Please note this is a fly-fishing only lake. Please check your synopsis for the regulations for this water body.

DESCHUTES RIVER (Mouth to the Pelton Regulating Dam): The Deschutes River is open to fishing for steelhead from the mouth upstream to the Pelton Regulating Dam. Good numbers of steelhead have passed over Sherars Falls, and there continue to be reports of good fishing all the way up to Warm Springs. Fish are spread throughout the lower 100 miles, but anglers are having the most success from Maupin to Warm Springs.

DESCHUTES RIVER (Lake Billy Chinook to Bend): Flows have increased significantly and anglers are reminded to exercise caution when wading. No recent reports, but there should be good fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Rainbow trout average 10 to 16 inches, while brown trout up to 26 inches are available. Anglers will find better access downstream of Lower Bridge.

HAYSTACK RESERVOIR: Fishing has been slow to fair for trout.

HOOD RIVER: A few bright fish are being caught on the lower Hood River. Anglers can expect steelhead numbers to continue to increase in December.

METOLIUS RIVER: Trout fishing has been good. Insect hatches should offer lots of opportunities for good dry-fly fishing. The river upstream from the Allingham Bridge closed to fishing after Oct. 31.

NORTH TWIN: No recent reports, but earlier fishing has been good and the cooler fall temperatures should keep fish biting.

OCHOCO CREEK UPSTREAM TO OCHOCO DAM: Unlike most streams in the area, Ochoco Creek remains open year-round, making it an ideal late fall fishing location. Angling is restricted to artificial flies and lures only; two trout per day and 8-inch minimum length.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: Fishing has been hit and miss; be prepared to try a lot of different gears until you find what works. The reward is healthy trout in the 13- to 15-inch range.

PINE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: Pine Hollow was stocked in early October and November. Fishing has been good and should continue to be productive into the winter.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: Anglers have reported catching larger trout than in recent years.

PRINEVILLE YOUTH FISHING POND: The pond is open to children 17 years old and younger with a bag limit of two fish per day and an 8-inch minimum length for trout. No recent fishing reports.

SHEVLIN YOUTH FISHING POND: The pond was recently stocked with larger rainbow trout and is open to children 17 years old and younger with a bag limit of two fish.

TAYLOR LAKE: Taylor was stocked in early October and November. Good fishing should be available into the winter.

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