Bend Oregon is home to several different species of trout. Rainbow Trout, German Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Bull Trout and Brook Trout are the primary species caught within a short drive from Bend.

Almost all lakes and streams in Central Oregon contain Rainbow Trout. The Deschutes River is world famous for it trout fishing. It begins in the Cascade Mountains Southwest of Bend. It is the source of water for Crane Prairie Reservoir and Wickiup Reservoir. It runs through the middle of Bend and eventually flows into the mighty Columbia River.

Crane Prairie Reservoir is known for its large trout (Cranebows). It is about a one hour drive from Bend. It was flooded in 1928 with most of the timber left standing. It is a relatively shallow lake with the deepest sections about 15-20 feet deep near the channels in the spring. The water level drops steadily all summer during the irrigation season.

The Cranebows spawn in the upper Deschutes in early spring and then return to the reservoir and are scattered around the shallower water. As the water warms in early summer the fish start congregating around the channels. Twenty to thirty inch rainbows are common.

All methods of lake fishing work on this strong fighting fish. Fly fishing is very popular once the fish move into the channels. Trolling flies, spoons or spinners is a popular method early in the season. Early summer brings on weed growth which makes it difficult to troll without fowling you lure.

There are numerous campgrounds and one resort on Crane Prairie. The resort provides rental boats, licenses and anything you might need for trout fishing. The owners are always helpful in pointing new anglers to where the fish are biting the best. It is difficult to fish here without a boat.

The Deschutes flows out of Crane Prairie and a few short miles into Wickiup Reservoir. Wickiup has large Rainbow and German Brown Trout as well as a large population of Kokanee Salmon. The Kokanee and Browns are the primary targeted fish.

Early spring brings out the die hard Brown Trout fisherman. They concentrate near the dam and generally troll Rapalas or similar minnow type lures. Ten pound fish are common in the early spring. Since Brown trout are nocturnal you'll find the serious fisherman on the water at first light. Wickiup is best fished by boat but some large browns are caught from shore along the dam in the spring.

During the summer the Kokanee start congregating along the river channel. Jigging, bait fishing or trolling are the preferred methods for catching the Wickiup Kokanee. The Kokanee spawn in the fall with the Browns following them up the Deschutes channel. Early morning and late evening is the best time to target the large Browns.

Wickiup only has one improved boat ramp which is located at Gull Point. There is not a boat dock so it makes it somewhat difficult for launching and boarding your boat. There are a couple of improved camp grounds as well as many unimproved places to camp.

The Deschutes River continues below Wickiup dam and flows through Bend. This section contains some smaller Rainbows and some nice sized German Browns. It runs through the Deschutes National forest. There is a good drift from the dam down to the Pringle Falls area.

Pringle Falls is dangerous and cannot be drifted. Watch for signs and be prepared to take out above the falls. This is a beautiful drift. The river from Pringle Falls to Bend has several different water falls that cannot be drifted. Check the numerous books available that discuss this section of river in detail.

The section of river that runs through Bend does not produce many fish as it is not stocked with hatchery fish and receives substantial fishing pressure.

The Deschutes flows from Bend into Lake Billy Chinook which is located between Redmond and Madras. Lake Billy Chinook is actually a reservoir that is backed up by Round Butte dam. "Round Butte" reservoir is filled by the Deschutes River, Crooked River and the Metolius River.

Lake Billy Chinook is known for its native Bull Trout population. Bull Trout are close to extinction in many parts of Oregon but not in Lake Billy Chinook. The state record Bull Trout was caught here in 1989. It weighed 23 pounds and 2 ounces. Ten to fifteen pound fish are still common with several being caught every year.

The best time to catch a large Bull Trout is in March and April. The Metolius arm of the reservoir boarders the Warm Springs Indian reservation and is closed from the end of October to March 1st every year. Early in the season the larger trout come into the shallows (10-20 feet) to feed on the abundant Kokanee salmon.

If you find the Kokanee you will find the Bull Trout. A boat is necessary to catch these fish. They are caught by casting the shore line with silver minnow plugs, trolling plugs, fly fishing with a sink tip line or jigging the deeper water if the fish have not moved up into the shallows yet.

If you are interested in pursuing Bull Trout check the authors' web site for more helpful information, links and pictures.

The trout fishing in this article is all located within a one hour drive from Bend. There are many other lakes, reservoirs and streams within an hour of Bend that are not mentioned in this article.

Bend Oregon is a great place to live if you like the outdoors. There are many good trout fishing spots close by. The lower Deschutes below Bend is world famous for its Salmon Fly hatch but that is the subject of another article.

By: Jimmy D Johnson
Jim Johnson CRS is a real estate expert who has lived in Bend Oregon since 1981. Call 541-389-4511 or see his web site http://www.BendOregonRealEstateExpert.com or Search the Bend Oregon MLS.

Fishing information courtesy of Resources For Attorneys, a legal resources and lifestyle directory for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.

While I like to use topwater lures when fishing just for the thrill of it, if I want to be sure to catch fish, I use plastic worms. Did you know plastic worms have won more B.A.S.S. tournaments than all the other lures combined?

There are a variety of plastic worms and most have a specific purpose for the type of their tail. Some are flat tails, some are curly tails and many other varieties. Here are some places to use worms and what they can do for you.


Floating Worm…I use this worm in shallow water and mainly in the spring. I use no weight whatsoever and like to use it when the fish just start thinking about spawning.


Stick Worm…..I use this worm in 60-70 degree water. If you use it whacky style it will vibrate on both ends.


Paddle Tail…..This is one of my favorite shallow water lures. When I fish vegetation I use long casts and just reel it back in slowly.


Gator Tail…This is also a shallow water worm that I use in the summer. It’s also great on streams and rivers.


Curly Tail….I use this worm in the summer around stumps, docks, timber, lily pads and it’s one of my favorite when I fish deep water to 20 feet.


Straight Tail…This is one of my favorites for docks, timber and brush. I have found it doesn’t wrap around brush like most worms do.


French Fry….I always carolina rig a french fry and use it in clearer water. The action of this is amazing when you move your line and the weight comes up the line.


Ribbon Tail…I read about 30 years ago of people fishing with a 10 inch ribbontail at night. I’m here to tell you this works, I have caught some nice bass on a big ribbontail. I use a regular ribbontail when fishing 10-15 feet of water too.

If you like to worm fish now, try some of the types of worms above for specific conditions. I think you’ll like the results.

By: Charles E. White
Charles E. White has fished over 50 years for bass from California to Florida. In his lifetime, it is estimated that he has caught over 6,000 bass. His biggest bass is a 12 pound 14 ounce that hangs on his wall in his office. His tips and techniques have helped many people who have never fished for bass before become successful anglers. He also has fished with the Pros in Florida. His website is at: http://www.bassfishingweekly.com

Fishing information courtesy of Resources For Attorneys, a legal resources and lifestyle directory for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.

Most trout fishermen are familiar with the basic species they will encounter in their local streams and lakes. Rainbow (the most commonly stocked fish), lake trout, brown trout, Brook trout and even the rarer Cutthroat and Apache all have their own fisheries and public education programs. However, anglers may not be aware of the rarer and prized hybrids that are produced by hatcheries or occur rarely in nature.

One of the more prized and certainly most dramatic trout hybrid species is the Tiger trout. Tiger trout are notable because of their markings and their voracious appetites, but what exactly are they? Tiger trout are the result of a cross or hybridization between the brook and the brown trout. Although this hybrid can be produced easily in a hatchery, it is extremely rare (though not unheard of) in the wild. Tiger trout have been stocked in various locations all around the country. They are know for their aggressive feeding habits and stronger than average fighting ability. Also, because of their previously mentioned appetite, they can be used to control invasive species such as the Utah Chub. Adding to the benefit of stocking Tiger Trout is the fact that they are sterile. This allows them to skip the spawning stage and grow into their 4th and 5th year. The Tiger trout has a greenish “tint” under water that immediately makes it look unique. Its coloring pattern is almost leopard-like, with swirling stripes that give it the “tiger” name. Wild Tiger trout only inhabit streams and lakes where Brook trout and Brown trout share habitat. Stocked Tiger trout can be found in any environment that can support Brook trout and will often be added by state fishery managers to attract anglers or provide variety.

Another, and more common, hybrid is the “Splake”. The Splake is a cross between the Brook trout and the Lake trout. Splake were first produced in Canada in the 1870s, but now are common in the Great lakes and northern fisheries. While a Splake may look like a Brook trout, it is usually much larger and has a slight fork in the tail. The advantages of establishing a Splake fishery make them very attractive for anglers and for fishery management. Splake grow at a faster rate than stocked Brook trout and live longer than stocked trout. Also, they feed on other fish that out-compete with Brook trout such as yellow and white perch. This makes them a good control element to introduce to marginal fisheries. Splake survived to older ages than stocked brook trout.

A third species, gaining popularity in the mid-Atlantic region, is the Golden Rainbow trout. These were originally bred in Petersburg, West Virginia back in 1954 and Petersburg now calls itself the Golden Rainbow trout capital of the world. Golden Rainbows are, for all intents and purposes, Rainbow trout and will usually be included in a Rainbow stocking for variety. Trophy Golden’s make for great mountings and conversation pieces.

So, if you ever find yourself holding one of these prizes you won’t have to wonder what you’ve landed. The rare Tiger is sought after, the Golden Rainbow stands out like a nugget in the stream and the Splake is a sought after ice fishing target. As always, tight lines and leave no trace.

By: Jeffrey Gray
Jeffrey Gray, founder of TroutWorld.com, has been helping trout fishermen find their way to new and different fishing venues via the internet since 1999.

Fishing information courtesy of Resources For Attorneys, a legal resources and lifestyle directory for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.

As the temperatures dip below freezing and the snow begins to fly around the Great Lakes region some fisherman put their fishing equipment away, however some fisherman are just getting geared up to brave the cold and take on the rivers of the great lakes in pursuit of steelhead. Fishing in the winter on the Great Lakes can be brutal to say the least, but it also can be very rewarding. Often fishing in the winter means smaller crowds, bigger fish, and more fish. So what do you need to know to go fishing in the winter and what is the most productive way to fish in the winter months. You only need to know two words warmth and slow.

First, lets talk about warmth and how to stay warm when fishing when the temperature drops below freezing. A must have is 5 mm neoprene waders boot foot preferably these boots are heavier than the Gore-Tex and Fly-Weights, but when you are standing in water with ice floating on it you will be glad to have them. Next, you have to learn how to layer clothing and what types of clothing to layer.

Insulated Underwear – Spend the extra bucks for the good pair. This is probably the most important layer you’ll have on.

Fleece Wading Pants – There are many different kinds of fleece wading pants but find a pair that feels thick and have straps at the cuffs to keep them from rolling up.

Socks – I have found that there isn’t any better sock than wool. Always put a base layer sock on first under your wading pants then pull the wool sock over the bottom of your fleece pants.

Turtle Neck – A thick cotton turtleneck or wool turtleneck sweater can’t be beat as your middle layer.

Fleece Coat – Get yourself a really good fleece coat or jacket, one with waterproof arms is really nice it will help you completely dry.

Wading Jacket – Find a wadding jacket that is 100% waterproof preferably Gore-Tex, some wadding jackets have neoprene cuffs to keep water out.

Gloves – A good set of fingerless gloves with a mitten cover are great, they will allow you to tie your hooks and then cover your fingers when needed.

Head – Cover your head with something warm, most of the heat lost from your body is from your head. A Mad Bomber hat is a great addition; they may look a little funny but ask anyone who spends time in the cold how they feel. Or just a good fleece toboggan will work.

All right you’re dressed for the conditions, but how do you go about catching a Steelhead when the water is freezing cold and fish don’t want to move to bit. The technique is rather simple you need to slow your bait presentation way down if you are fly-fishing. The best way to do this is by adding more weight to your line and then dragging the bottom, which will slow your bait slower than the current. This presentation works best when the fish are extremely lethargic and not wanting to move too much. You need to cast your fly upstream then mend your line toward the fly to keep it moving slowly along the bottom. You will get snagged a lot but you will catch fish. Flies that seem to work the best when fishing cold weather are egg patterns, egg sucking leeches, sucker spawn, and nymphs.

Now the most important part of steelhead fishing in the winter is how to find them in the stream. You will want to be fishing the deepest slowest section of the river you are fishing. Fish tend to go to the deepest and slowest sections of a creek and pool up together during the winter months. Often if you find one fish there is a lot more there with it. Fish often hit very lightly in the winter so be mindful of your line and feel for the lightest of bites.

In conclusion, winter steelheading is great time, but you need to take some precautions to hit the stream in the cold of winter. Be extremely careful when fishing in the winter there is often ice on the banks and you can take a nasty spill. Also be careful when wading a fall in ice cold water can be deadly, if you do fall in get to your car and get dry quickly. Also ice build up on the guides of your rod can be a real pain, I have found that by either using lip balm, Vaseline, or even WD-40 can help keep the ice off. So instead of putting your fishing equipment away this winter keep your gear out and give winter steelheading a try. Just stay warm, safe, and most importantly have fun

By: David Alan
Owner of Penns Ads http://www.pennsads.com/community which is a community guide for all of central Pennsylvania.

Fishing information furnished by Resources For Attorneys, a Legal Resource and Lifestyle service for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.

Among sports fishermen the talk is usually of trout and bass or the hyperactive crappie. Ultra-light tackle fishermen boast of their successes, rarely revealing that secret spot with the monster Brook Trout or the swarm of crappie when the season is already waning. They will curse the pesky sunfish that hit their flys or jigs; force them to waste precious time fighting fish they aren’t after. Among these unwanted denizens of lakes and streams there lurks an odd little fellow whose praises remain mostly unspoken, but it’s time for that to end. I speak, of course, of the lowly Rock Bass.

The funny thing about Rock Bass is that they’re never the fish a person goes out to target, they seem to just show up unwanted and get in the way. The reason for this is that they share habitat with both trout and other less finicky lake fish such as crappie, bream, and bass. If you do specifically go looking for them, you’d swear that they got a memo and promptly disappeared. These fish are pocket powerhouses. For their size they fight like champions and are a joy to catch with ultra-light equipment. You just have to know how to find them.

A Rock Bass is not actually a bass, it just sort of looks like one. It’s really a member of the Sunfish family, though longer and wider than a bream and colored a bit like a pumpkinseed fish. The mouth and head are definitely bass like, but the area around the pupil of the eye is red. Rock Bass prefer small to medium streams with rubble and gravel substrates and slow to moderate current. In lakes they like structure with bare lake bottom usually at a border between grass and gravel. They also like to hang out on the colder side of an inversion near steep drop-offs. They like to eat just about anything, and prefer a little movement from the bait. Try bouncing a small crayfish jig in near by, usually upstream or up hill from them. Alternately, a feathered jig or a larva will get their attention.

Finally, Rock Bass are a delicious fish. If you’re looking for a great pan-fry at the campsite you can’t do much better. Excellent in batter or plain with a little lemon these fish are meatier than their sunfish cousins. So, if the trout aren’t biting or you’re looking for a good fight on ultra-light gear, don’t overlook the under-rated Rock Bass.

By: Jeffrey Gray
Jeffrey Gray, founder of TroutWorld.com, has been helping trout fishermen find their way to new and different fishing venues via the internet since 1999. www.troutworld.com -- bringing you great fishing gear deals, fishing news and much more. www.MagnaScreen.com -- Turn your SUV into a tent. Email -- grayjj@troutworld.com

Fishing information featured by Resources For Attorneys, a Legal and Lifestyle resource for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.

As an ice fisherman I love the thrill pulling a huge northern pike through the ice. I've learned a few lessons over the years. Typically learn the most from our failures, not our successes, and that also holds true for ice fishing for big northern pike. I hope you can save yourself some pain and learn from my trail and error. With a proper game plan and the right equipment you can set yourself up to put some beautiful fish up on the ice. There is not a lot to it, but you do need to create a game plan that will give you the highest opportunity possible to catch these monsters.

I target these larger fish later in the season when the weather is warming and with that the fish are bulking up for the spawn. I like to fish lakes with a history of big fish, but more importantly, lakes that have good weed structure. I drill a series of holes when I first hit the ice and then let the auger lay. I would recommend using a hole no less than 10 inches. When it comes to getting that massive head in the hole you need all the advantage you can get. I like to drill the holes along a weed bed that is alongside deeper water. Ideally you want to be situated near a spawning area.

For big pike I believe in presenting a large, still bait. I love using a tip-up for this type of presentation. I build my rigs using a 12 to 18 inch leader, 2 size 1/0 treble hooks and a slip ring. I attach one treble hook on the end of the leader and have the second leader slide freely on the leader with the slip ring. I attach the leader to a 40 to 50 pound black braided line. I like a black braided line so I can see the line on the ice and also so I can control the line with my hands as I fight the fish.

Large pike hit large bait. I complete the rig with about 8-10 inch bait. I buy my bait from the local super market. I like using sardines. They are very soft and I think that they become an attractant as they sit in the water. Tulibee are also a good choice especially if they are natural to the body of water you are fishing. I simply apply one treble hook in the head and one treble hook in the tail of the bait. I let the bait sink to the bottom and raise it about 6-12 inches off the bottom. Then I let it sit. I like to set the rig on the deeper side of the weed bed. I use a tip up for this rig as now I just let it sit. If I’m fishing with a group we will run a number of these rigs along the edge of the weed bed, some closer and some further off. The pike I catch on a rig just described is 30 inches and up, with the majority of my fish in the 40 inch range.

Now it can be a waiting game, or you can be active in the process. Living in Manitoba I am only permitted 2 lines in the water. Depending on the body of water I am fishing, I set up 2 rigs like this, or other times I set up one rig and then use an ice fishing rod to target pan fish and bait fish. This does 2 things. Firstly it helps occupy me as I usually need to be moving and have something to do. Secondly, it attracts baitfish to the area, and therefore helps draw in the larger pike. I enjoy jigging for perch and as I keep perch in the area I am fishing I’m convinced it acts as another attractant to big pike.

When the tip up flag goes, the real fun begins. Approach the flag slowly as you do not want to spook the fish. It is important not to set the hook right away. This is where experience comes into play. I am convinced these fish spin the bait in their mouths after the initial hit. You need to get to the rig and quietly determine what the fish is doing. After they hit the bit the fish will move a short distance and then stop. This is where your will power and discipline come into play. Wait! Wait until the fish starts to move again before you set the hook. I gently pull in the slack after the initial hit and pull it until is tight. Then I let it off just a touch and wait until the fish starts to move again. This process will take at least a minute and possibly more. I have set the hook at this point if I have waited for a considerable amount of time and it has not moved. Again, slowly tighten the line and then when it is tight give a hard set and get ready for that line to sing. If you set the hook and there is nothing there, you may have set the hook too soon. It may also be a smaller fish and they tried to bite off more than they could chew. Once the hooks are set, the fish will take off and you need to keep tension on the line, but let it go where it wants to go. If you have other rigs down in the area, get them up because these things can run a long way and a tangle only makes the tension higher.

From here you just pull when it lets up and let it run when it wants to go. This is where the heavy braided line is nice at it won’t cut your hands if you are careful and you can see it as you pull it up on the ice. Your blood will boil as you see the beast swim past the hole and keep your head about you as you need to gently work that massive head into the hole. As the fish comes out on the ice be careful as this is where many break offs can occur. A gaff can be used, but it could definitely damage the fish. I usually prepare to go down after it with my arm if needed, but the trouble is you are taking your life in your hand when you put your arm down a hole with a big pike and 2 trebles! But hey, your wounds will heal. And I find those wounds heal a lot sooner than the wounds of losing one of these trophy fish.

I trust you will have the opportunity to pick up some of that spring sun as you sit out on the ice this spring and wait with anticipation for the flag to dance indicating you have a fish on the line that is worth getting up out your seat for.

By: Garth Epp
Garth invites you to All About Fishing Rods, an informational based web site to assist anglers. Check out your many options before you buy your next ice fishing rod or tip up.

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