Top fish species at Prineville Reservoir
See all species in the Fishbrain app
Check which species have trophy potential in Prineville Reservoir
Prineville Reservoir fishing reports
length · weight
More catches in the app...
Continue browsing catches and catch locations in the Fishbrain app
When are Largemouth Bass biting on Prineville Reservoir?
Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Prineville Reservoir. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.
Fishing regulations at Prineville Reservoir, OR
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Oregon can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Smallmouth bass as of April 1st, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.
Smallmouth bass
Seasons
Open
Bag limit
5
Memorable
3 > 15
Measurement
Total Length
Aggregate
5
Exceptions to Central Zone RegulationsBakeoven Creek and Tributaries
- Closed.
- 2 fish per day.
- Closed.
- Closed.
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Closed.
- Open Apr 22 - Oct 31.
- Wild rainbow trout must be released.
- 1 lake trout per day, 24 inch minimum length.
- 5 kokanee per day in addition to the daily trout limit. No size limits.
- Open all year.
- No harvest of rainbow trout over 20 inches.
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- No limit on size or number of bass.
- Fly fishing only, barbless hooks required.
- Odell Cr channel is defined as upstream to the boat ramp at West Davis Lake Campground.
- Open all year for trout and hatchery steelhead.
- 2 rainbow trout per day, 10 inch minimum and 13 inch maximum length.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Oct 31.
- Open for coho salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Bait allowed only from Sherars Falls downstream to upper trestle (approx.3Mi).
- No angling from a floating device.
- Closed from Sherars Falls downstream to Buck Hollow Cr (approx. 1 Mi) Apr1 - Jul31.
- Open all year for trout and hatchery steelhead.
- 2 rainbow trout per day, 10 inch minimum and 13 inch maximum length.
- Open for coho salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- No angling from a floating device.
- Open Apr 22 - Dec 31 for trout and hatchery steelhead.
- 2 rainbow trout per day, 10 inch minimum and 13 inch maximum length.
- Open for coho salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- No angling from a floating device.
- See Lake Simtustus.
- Closed from Pelton Regulating Dam downstream approx. 600 ft to ODFW markers.
- Open all year for trout.
- No harvest of rainbow trout over 20 inches.
- Open May 22 - Sep 30.
- 2 trout per day, 8 inch minimum length
- Wild rainbow trout must be released.
- See the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs information
- 5 kokanee per day in addition to the daily trout limit. No size limits.
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31, May 22 - Aug 15, and Dec 1-31.
- Open for Chinook and hatchery coho salmon May22-Aug 15.
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Use of bait allowed.
- See Columbia River Zone for regulations below mainline RR bridge.
- 25 kokanee per day, in addition to daily trout limit. No size limits.
- Open all year.
- Fly fishing only, barbless hooks required.
- Wild rainbow trout must be released.
- Open May 22 - Sep 30.
- Fly fishing only, barbless hooks required.
- Wild rainbow trout must be released.
- Open all year.
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Closed from the RR bridge to 200 ft above fishway at Seufert Falls.
- See Columbia Zone for area below the mainline RR bridge.
- Catch-and-release for trout May 22 - Aug 15.
- Open for Chinook salmon, hatchery coho salmon and hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Mar31, May 22 - Aug 15, and Dec 1-31.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Closed below hatchery dam Aug 16 - Nov 30.
- See Columbia Zone for area below the mainline RR bridge.
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Open for hatchery Chinook salmon from Apr 15 - Jun 30. Daily limit is 1 adult hatchery spring Chinook salmon per day.
- Open all year for hatchery coho salmon and hatchery steelhead from the tips of the jetties to confluence with East Fork.
- Use of bait allowed for salmon and steelhead.
- Mainstem Hood River regulations apply.
- Closed.
- Catch-and-release for all species.
- Fly fishing only, barbless hooks required.
- 2 fish per day.
- Youth angling (ages 17 and under) and disabled anglers only.
- Open Mar 1 - Oct 31.
- All regulations for the balance of the reservoir (below) apply.
- Tribal angling permits are required. See the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs information
- Closed to all angling from the cable car crossing on the Metolius River to markers downstream.
- Trout limit may include 1 bull trout, 24 inch minimum length.
- All bull trout not retained in the bag limit must be released immediately unharmed.
- Rainbow trout over 20 inches and kokanee/ sockeye salmon over 16 inches must be released.
- 5 kokanee per day in addition to daily trout limit.
- No limit on size or number of bass or brown trout.
- Stream regulations apply above ODFW markers on Crooked River and Deschutes River Arms.
- Open Apr 22 - Oct 31.
- Wild trout must be released.
- No limit on size or number of bass.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Closed between ODFW markers and the mouth of Clear Branch Creek.
- Closed between ODFW markers and the mouth of Pinnacle Creek.
- Closed.
- No harvest of rainbow trout over 20 inches.
- Catch-and-release for trout, including bulltrout.
- Open all year.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Open all year.
- Fly fishing only, barbless hooks required.
- Open May 22 - Oct 31.
- Fly fishing only, barbless hooks required.
- Closed with the exception of Lake Cr, which is managed under zone regulations.
- Open May 1 - Oct 31.
- 2 fish per day.
- Youth angling (ages 17 and under) and disabled anglers only.
- Open all year.
- No harvest of rainbow trout over 20 inches.
- Catch-and-release for trout, including bull trout.
- Open Apr 22 - Oct 31.
- 25 kokanee per day in addition to daily trout limit. No size limits. • 1 lake trout per day, 24 inch minimum length.
- Harvest of bull trout prohibited.
- Closed between ODFW markers and the mouth of Trapper Cr.
- Closed between ODFW markers and Odell Cr outlet.
- Closed to angling on tributaries.
- 5 kokanee per day in addition to the daily trout limit. No size limits.
- Closed.
- Closed.
- 5 bass per day, only 1 bass over 15 inches may be harvested.
- 2 fish per day.
- Youth angling (ages 17 and under) only.
- 2 fish per day.
- Youth angling (ages 17 and under) and disabled anglers only.
- Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation angling permit required. See the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation information below.
- No limit on the size or number of bass.
- Fly fishing only, barbless hooks required.
- 25 kokanee per day in addition to daily trout limit. • Kokanee/sockeye over 16 inches must be released.
- No limit on the number or size of bass.
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Anglers are restricted to the eastern half of the river where it borders the Reservation. For more information and exceptions call 541) 553-2002, or visit https://fisheries.warmsprings-nsn.gov/tribal-fishing-permits
- Oregon angling license and tribal fishing permits are required on the Metolius Arm of Lake Billy Chinook, Lake Simtustus, and on the Reservation portions of the Deschutes River.
- Taking of crayfish from Reservation waters is prohibited.
- Deschutes River regulations apply.
- Above first falls
- Open all year for trout.
- No harvest of rainbow trout over 20 inches.
- Open Apr 22 - Oct 31.
- 5 kokanee per day in addition to daily trout limit. No size limits.
- The Deschutes River Arm is closed from the boat ramp at Gull Point
- Campground to ODFW markers near Sheeps Bridge from Sep 1 to Apr 21. Deschutes River regulations apply above ODFW markers near Sheeps Bridge.
Lakes: 5 per day, 3 daily limits in possession unless noted under location Exceptions.
Streams: No limit.
No more than 3 over 15 inches in length in lakes.
No minimum length in streams.
Angling restricted to artificial flies and lures in streams above tidewater, May 22-Aug 31. See location Exceptions where use of bait is allowed.
Lakes: Open all year.
Streams: Open during trout, salmon or steelhead seasons only, except portions of Columbia River tributaries flooded by Bonneville and The Dalles dams are open all year.
For more information please see Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations
Micropterus dolomieui
Exceptions to Central Zone RegulationsBakeoven Creek and Tributaries
- Closed.
- 2 fish per day.
- Closed.
- Closed.
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Closed.
- Open Apr 22 - Oct 31.
- Wild rainbow trout must be released.
- 1 lake trout per day, 24 inch minimum length.
- 5 kokanee per day in addition to the daily trout limit. No size limits.
- Open all year.
- No harvest of rainbow trout over 20 inches.
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- No limit on size or number of bass.
- Fly fishing only, barbless hooks required.
- Odell Cr channel is defined as upstream to the boat ramp at West Davis Lake Campground.
- Open all year for trout and hatchery steelhead.
- 2 rainbow trout per day, 10 inch minimum and 13 inch maximum length.
- Open for Chinook salmon Aug 1 - Oct 31.
- Open for coho salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- Bait allowed only from Sherars Falls downstream to upper trestle (approx.3Mi).
- No angling from a floating device.
- Closed from Sherars Falls downstream to Buck Hollow Cr (approx. 1 Mi) Apr1 - Jul31.
- Open all year for trout and hatchery steelhead.
- 2 rainbow trout per day, 10 inch minimum and 13 inch maximum length.
- Open for coho salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- No angling from a floating device.
- Open Apr 22 - Dec 31 for trout and hatchery steelhead.
- 2 rainbow trout per day, 10 inch minimum and 13 inch maximum length.
- Open for coho salmon Aug 1 - Dec 31.
- No angling from a floating device.
- See Lake Simtustus.
- Closed from Pelton Regulating Dam downstream approx. 600 ft to ODFW markers.
- Open all year for trout.
- No harvest of rainbow trout over 20 inches.
- Open May 22 - Sep 30.
- 2 trout per day, 8 inch minimum length
- Wild rainbow trout must be released.
- See the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs information
- 5 kokanee per day in addition to the daily trout limit. No size limits.
- Open for hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Mar 31, May 22 - Aug 15, and Dec 1-31.
- Open for Chinook and hatchery coho salmon May22-Aug 15.
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Use of bait allowed.
- See Columbia River Zone for regulations below mainline RR bridge.
- 25 kokanee per day, in addition to daily trout limit. No size limits.
- Open all year.
- Fly fishing only, barbless hooks required.
- Wild rainbow trout must be released.
- Open May 22 - Sep 30.
- Fly fishing only, barbless hooks required.
- Wild rainbow trout must be released.
- Open all year.
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Closed from the RR bridge to 200 ft above fishway at Seufert Falls.
- See Columbia Zone for area below the mainline RR bridge.
- Catch-and-release for trout May 22 - Aug 15.
- Open for Chinook salmon, hatchery coho salmon and hatchery steelhead Jan 1 - Mar31, May 22 - Aug 15, and Dec 1-31.
- Use of bait allowed.
- Closed below hatchery dam Aug 16 - Nov 30.
- See Columbia Zone for area below the mainline RR bridge.
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Open for hatchery Chinook salmon from Apr 15 - Jun 30. Daily limit is 1 adult hatchery spring Chinook salmon per day.
- Open all year for hatchery coho salmon and hatchery steelhead from the tips of the jetties to confluence with East Fork.
- Use of bait allowed for salmon and steelhead.
- Mainstem Hood River regulations apply.
- Closed.
- Catch-and-release for all species.
- Fly fishing only, barbless hooks required.
- 2 fish per day.
- Youth angling (ages 17 and under) and disabled anglers only.
- Open Mar 1 - Oct 31.
- All regulations for the balance of the reservoir (below) apply.
- Tribal angling permits are required. See the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs information
- Closed to all angling from the cable car crossing on the Metolius River to markers downstream.
- Trout limit may include 1 bull trout, 24 inch minimum length.
- All bull trout not retained in the bag limit must be released immediately unharmed.
- Rainbow trout over 20 inches and kokanee/ sockeye salmon over 16 inches must be released.
- 5 kokanee per day in addition to daily trout limit.
- No limit on size or number of bass or brown trout.
- Stream regulations apply above ODFW markers on Crooked River and Deschutes River Arms.
- Open Apr 22 - Oct 31.
- Wild trout must be released.
- No limit on size or number of bass.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Closed between ODFW markers and the mouth of Clear Branch Creek.
- Closed between ODFW markers and the mouth of Pinnacle Creek.
- Closed.
- No harvest of rainbow trout over 20 inches.
- Catch-and-release for trout, including bulltrout.
- Open all year.
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Open all year.
- Fly fishing only, barbless hooks required.
- Open May 22 - Oct 31.
- Fly fishing only, barbless hooks required.
- Closed with the exception of Lake Cr, which is managed under zone regulations.
- Open May 1 - Oct 31.
- 2 fish per day.
- Youth angling (ages 17 and under) and disabled anglers only.
- Open all year.
- No harvest of rainbow trout over 20 inches.
- Catch-and-release for trout, including bull trout.
- Open Apr 22 - Oct 31.
- 25 kokanee per day in addition to daily trout limit. No size limits. • 1 lake trout per day, 24 inch minimum length.
- Harvest of bull trout prohibited.
- Closed between ODFW markers and the mouth of Trapper Cr.
- Closed between ODFW markers and Odell Cr outlet.
- Closed to angling on tributaries.
- 5 kokanee per day in addition to the daily trout limit. No size limits.
- Closed.
- Closed.
- 5 bass per day, only 1 bass over 15 inches may be harvested.
- 2 fish per day.
- Youth angling (ages 17 and under) only.
- 2 fish per day.
- Youth angling (ages 17 and under) and disabled anglers only.
- Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation angling permit required. See the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation information below.
- No limit on the size or number of bass.
- Fly fishing only, barbless hooks required.
- 25 kokanee per day in addition to daily trout limit. • Kokanee/sockeye over 16 inches must be released.
- No limit on the number or size of bass.
- Catch-and-release for trout.
- Anglers are restricted to the eastern half of the river where it borders the Reservation. For more information and exceptions call 541) 553-2002, or visit https://fisheries.warmsprings-nsn.gov/tribal-fishing-permits
- Oregon angling license and tribal fishing permits are required on the Metolius Arm of Lake Billy Chinook, Lake Simtustus, and on the Reservation portions of the Deschutes River.
- Taking of crayfish from Reservation waters is prohibited.
- Deschutes River regulations apply.
- Above first falls
- Open all year for trout.
- No harvest of rainbow trout over 20 inches.
- Open Apr 22 - Oct 31.
- 5 kokanee per day in addition to daily trout limit. No size limits.
- The Deschutes River Arm is closed from the boat ramp at Gull Point
- Campground to ODFW markers near Sheeps Bridge from Sep 1 to Apr 21. Deschutes River regulations apply above ODFW markers near Sheeps Bridge.
Regulations for
44°07′31.8″N 120°42′7.7″W
FAQ about Prineville Reservoir fishing
Prineville Reservoir is a lake located in Crook County, Oregon, United States. Its coordinates are:
44°07′31.8″N 120°42′7.7″W
.Find the best fishing spots on Prineville Reservoir by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
The most common species in Prineville Reservoir are:
- Smallmouth bass - 152 members reported to have caught this fish
- Largemouth bass - 77 members reported to have caught this fish
- Rainbow trout - 65 members reported to have caught this fish
The latest Prineville Reservoir fishing reports are:
- @ultracorndog reported a nice Largemouth bass.
- @noah.lau reported a nice Northern pikeminnow.
- @ultracorndog reported a nice Smallmouth bass.
- @ultracorndog reported a nice Smallmouth bass.
Download Fishbrain and fish smarter
Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish.
Free trial available