Prineville Reservoir
Prineville Reservoir
- Boat Ramps
- 6
- Access Points
- 6
- Species
- 8
Nestled at the base of the Ochoco Mountains about 15 miles south of Prineville, Oregon, Prineville Reservoir is Central Oregon's premier two-story fishery, offering outstanding opportunities for both warmwater and coldwater species. This 3,000-acre impoundment of the Crooked River spans approximately 15 miles when at full pool, with a maximum depth of 230 feet and 43 miles of shoreline to explore. Created when Bowman Dam was constructed between 1958-1961, the reservoir serves multiple purposes including flood control, irrigation, and recreation. With its diverse fish populations, numerous access points, and stunning high desert scenery, Prineville Reservoir has established itself as one of the region's most versatile fishing destinations.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Prineville Reservoir and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Prineville Reservoir. 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 Prineville Reservoir
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 Prineville Reservoir 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 Prineville Reservoir to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Prineville Reservoir to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Prineville Reservoir and check the forecast before you go.
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