Crooked River
Crooked River
- Boat Ramps
- 2
- Access Points
- 21
- Species
- 9
The Crooked River, located in central Oregon, is one of the state's premier trout fishing destinations. This 125-mile tributary of the Deschutes River flows from southeastern Crook County through scenic canyons and high desert country before joining the Deschutes at Lake Billy Chinook. Known for its exceptional population density of native Redband rainbow trout and mountain whitefish, the Crooked River is particularly famous for the productive tailwater section below Bowman Dam. With estimates of 3,000-7,000 trout per mile in the best sections, this river offers consistent year-round fishing opportunities with particularly strong hatches in spring and fall. The river's diverse habitat—from pocket water to long riffles and runs—combined with easy access makes it an ideal destination for both novice and experienced anglers looking for quality fly fishing within an hour's drive of Bend.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Crooked River and what's needed to catch them.
Find which waters have the species you want to catch
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
Bull Trout
Salvelinus confluentus
Chinook Salmon
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Mountain Whitefish
Prosopium williamsoni
Northern Pikeminnow
Ptychocheilus oregonensis
Steelhead
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Crooked River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Crooked River
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Oregon licenses and regulations
Oregon Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Oregon Fishing License
An Oregon fishing license is required for residents and non-residents, age 12 and over. You must carry your fishing license at all times while fishing in the State. Make sure you have the correct tags, catch cards and endorsements for the water bodies and species you are targeting.
Oregon Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. This river is prone to emergency regulations. Stay up to date on specific river regulation changes. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Oregon Stream Access Laws
The people of Oregon are the owners of the submerged and submersible land (“beds and banks”) underlying all navigable and tidally influenced waterways. In most cases, this ownership extends to the line of ordinary high water or high tide, but ownership can be mixed, even along the same waterway. The Department of State Lands is responsible for management of publicly owned submerged and submersible land. The public has rights to use the beds and banks of navigable waterways for any legal activity, such as boating, fishing and swimming, including pulling your canoe or kayak onto the bank.
Take Crooked River with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Crooked River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Crooked River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Crooked River and check the forecast before you go.
CROOKED RIVER BELOW OPAL SPRINGS, NEAR CULVER, OR
All Flow Stations
Fishing near Crooked River
Deschutes River
Metolius River
Crane Prairie Reservoir
McKenzie River
Wickiup Reservoir
North Santiam River
Clackamas River
Fall River
Lake Billy Chinook
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