Prineville Reservoir, OR
Prineville Reservoir, located in Central Oregon, is a popular destination offering a variety of activities for visitors:
Size and Location: The reservoir spans about 3,000 acres and is situated about 15 miles southeast of Prineville, Oregon.
Marina: There's a marina at the reservoir which provides boat rentals, boat slips, and other services for water enthusiasts.
Fishing: The reservoir is well-known for its excellent fishing opportunities, including trout, bass, and catfish. Anglers often enjoy fishing both from boats and along the shoreline. The most frequently caught fish are bass (both largemouth and smallmouth), trout (including rainbow trout), crappie, and brown bullhead catfish.
Camping: There are several campgrounds around the reservoir, offering both tent and RV camping options. They provide amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and restroom facilities.
Wildlife Watching: The area around Prineville Reservoir is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot deer, eagles, osprey, and various waterfowl.
Hiking: Visitors can explore hiking trails that offer scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding landscape. These trails are great for both casual walks and more adventurous hikes.
Prineville Reservoir has a few scenic trails that offer great views of the water, high desert terrain, and wildlife. Here are some of the main trails and hiking areas around the reservoir:
🥾 Jasper Point Trail Distance: ~2.3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trailhead: Starts near Jasper Point State Park
Highlights: Follows the rim above the reservoir, with excellent views and wildflowers in spring. Great for birdwatching too.
🌲 Rim Trail (Prineville Reservoir State Park) Distance: ~1.6 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Near the main state park campground
Other Activities: Besides fishing, camping, wildlife watching, and hiking, visitors can also enjoy boating, swimming, picnicking, and birdwatching.
MORE ON FISHING:
At Prineville Reservoir, popular fish species include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout, with some anglers also targeting catfish and crappie. To repeat -- the most frequently caught fish are bass (both largemouth and smallmouth), trout (including rainbow trout), crappie, and brown bullhead catfish.
Here's a more detailed look at the fishing opportunities at Prineville Reservoir:
TROUT: Rainbow trout are a common target, with anglers reporting good catches year-round, especially during winter months.
BASS: Both smallmouth and largemouth bass are present, with anglers suggesting the upper reservoir is a good spot for largemouth bass, while smallmouth bass are found in the lower half near rocky structures.
OTHER SPECIES: Catfish, crappie, and crayfish are also found in the reservoir.
Best Times to Fish: Bass, catfish, and crappie fishing is generally best between May and October. Mornings and evenings typically yield more fish.
Where to Fish: Trout: Anglers can fish for trout from the bank or by boat, using methods like trolling with flashers and worms, or using cheese, worms, or eggs. Bass: Focus on areas with submerged structures, weed beds, and rocky areas, especially in the upper reservoir for largemouth bass and the lower half for smallmouth bass.
Catfish: Look for shallower, warmer water coves, especially in March-June when they tend to spawn.