P L AY
GONE FISHIN’ Long before Bend became famous as a self-propelled sports enthusiasts’ destination, it was known for its fishing. In addition to year-round fishing for trout and steelhead, Bend is surrounded by nationally-renowned rivers, streams, and lakes that provide anglers with a mind-boggling abundance of worldclass fishing. Rated by Fly Fisherman magazine as one of the top 10 fly fishing towns in the U.S., Bend is truly a fly fishing paradise. Cast your line over the fast-flowing Tumalo Creek below Tumalo Falls, the gin-clear Fall River south of town, or stretches of the Deschutes River either right in town or just a few miles outside Bend. There is no one best season for stream and river fishing, as sections of the Deschutes are open to fly anglers throughout the winter. In early summer, there’s a significant salmon fly hatch and, come fall, many big browns start to migrate from the Deschutes into smaller feeder streams.
Whether you feel like taking your fishing to the next level or just want to take the hassle out of ferreting out the best spots, you can book a fishing tour with several local outfitters. Choose from half-day outings or multi-day fishing adventures, and get access to all the best gear and tips. And if you’re looking for a simple way to introduce kids to fishing, the Bend Park and Recreation District offers two kid-friendly fishing ponds in Bend. The ponds are stocked by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and allow a limit of two fish per day with an eight inch minimum. Shevlin Park Pond features rainbow trout and is open to youth, 17 years and under. At Pine Nursery Park, the pond is open to all ages and stocked with rainbow trout, blue gills, and bass.
When it comes to lake fishing, the Cascade Lakes region is noted for its good-sized rainbows, especially in Crane Prairie Reservoir. For the ultimate challenge, try Hosmer Lake, home to large brookies and landlocked Atlantic salmon. Brush up on your skills at the 12-hole casting course in the Old Mill District. It’s the first permanent casting course in the country, and you can pick up a brochure at the Old Mill Ticket Mill. Except where otherwise noted, Bend area streams, rivers, and lakes are open to bait and spin fishing generally for rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Bass fishing, while limited mostly to ponds, is popular on Crane Prairie and Wickiup Reservoirs, and on Davis Lake.
Bend, OR Visitor Guide
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