Fishing Prineville Reservoir

AKA: Prineville Reservoir State Park

Popular Fish Species
Prineville Reservoir Fishing Video
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Prineville Reservoir, OR

Popular Fish Species Prineville Reservoir, OR

Prineville Reservoir Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Prineville Reservoir, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, when the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Prineville Reservoir Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

A nice population of black crappie resides in Prineville Reservoir. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Prineville Reservoir Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fishing for rainbow trout at Prineville Reservoir can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing can still provide some nice fishing. Annual stocking by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Prineville Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie and rainbow trout at Prineville Reservoir in Oregon.

Boating, camping and fishing top the lengthy list of outdoor recreation choices at Prineville Reservoir, a 3,000-acre lake in the central part of the state, 10 miles south of Prineville.

One of the most sought-after fish species in Prineville Reservoir are smallmouth bass. The reservoir is renowned for its excellent smallmouth bass fishery. Prineville Reservoir is also home to other popular fish species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and crappie. Rainbow trout are regularly stocked in the reservoir.

This high-desert fishery has 43 miles of sloping, rocky shoreline and a nice mixture of fish species. Bass, crappie and trout share this deep-water gem, and draw anglers from across the state for the quality fishing opportunities. There are beaches for swimming, areas for fishing from the bank and three main boat access areas. Prineville Reservoir State Park and Jasper Point State Park, both mid lake on the north side, have launch ramps. Powder House Cove Boat Ramp near the dam also has a boat ramp. All three are excellent boat launch ramps with plenty of parking.

Primary fish species residing in Prineville Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Prineville Reservoir Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Jasper Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, north side, off S Jasper Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Powder House Cove Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, south side, off State Route 27, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Prineville Reservoir State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off SE Parkland Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Click here for a Oregon Fishing License.