Let the Good Times Flow in Crook County's Tranquil Waterways
Water Recreation
Leave No Trace
Be a Good Steward of the Land and Leave No Trace
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Water recreation also necessitates proper education on regulations and safety measures. Learn more about the Oregon Marine Board Guidelines for Motorized Watercraft and Paddle Craft use.
For fishing, the updated ODFW Recreation Report for the Central Zone can be a great tool for understanding current stock and conditions for your trip. Keep in mind the current angling restrictions for different species, bag limits, size restrictions, seasons, etc. for the Central Zone in the 2024 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations (pg. 52-57).
Crooked River
Central Oregon’s Crooked Wild and Scenic River flows from the forested heights of the Ochoco Mountains to the high desert near Lake Billy Chinook at its confluence with the Deschutes River. The wild and scenic portion of the Crooked River spans 61 miles in three reaches: the North Fork, the Chimney Rock segment, and the Lower Crooked River. The Crooked River is the ideal spot for fly fishing and offers serene beauty for those looking to float or kayak and soak up some sunshine.
The Crooked River can be accessed through 9 BLM campgrounds and 2 additional day-use areas along the Lower Crooked River, with day-use spaces at Big Bend, Chimney Rock, Greenwood, Poison Butte, and Upper Lone Pine; day-use parking at Stillwater; and fishing piers at Palisades and Chimney Rock. Looking to camp? All campgrounds are first come, first served, with $8/night and $2/extra vehicle, but free of charge for day use. All campgrounds can be used as access points to the river, but please use day-use parking when possible, otherwise, park further from where overnight campers would likely park.
Beyond fly fishing, Crooked River hosts many conventional spin fishermen from its banks. Bank and river access can be found at each of the following community parks: Rimrock Park (home to Prineville’s Youth Angling Pond), Crooked River Park, and Gervais Park. Crooked River Park also offers a great location behind the Amphitheater to launch your float or kayak for a short trip (2-3 hours) that ends at Gervais Park.
Things to Do
Things to Do
- Conventional/Spin & Fly Fishing
Ochoco Creek
This 30-mile tributary of the Crooked River begins in the Ochoco National Forest and flows southwest through the City of Prineville. As a shallow waterway, Ochoco Creek is perfect for fishing and creek-exploring. The creek can be accessed through Harwood Park, Mountain View Park, and Ochoco Creek Park.
Prineville Reservoir
The Crooked River, confined by its canyon and the Bowman Dam, forms the 15-mile long, 3,000-acre Prineville Reservoir, home to Prineville Reservoir State Park and the first International Dark Sky Park in Oregon. The park comprises the main day-use area and campground, the Jasper Point boat ramp and campground, and numerous drive-in and boat-in primitive campsites along the 43-mile shoreline. The main day-use area has a boat ramp as well as a roped-off swimming area, an accessible fishing pier, and a fish-cleaning station; 32 boat moorages are available. Open year-round, with camping reservations required, costs will vary, with no fees for day-use visitors.
Things to Do
- Conventional/Spin & Fly Fishing
- Swimming
- Motorized & Non-motorized Boating
- Canoeing, Kayaking, & Paddleboarding
- Hiking Trails
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife Viewing
Things to Do
- Conventional/Spin & Fly Fishing
- Swimming
- Motorized & Non-motorized Boating
- Canoeing, Kayaking, & Paddleboarding
- Walking Trail
- Birdwatching
- Outdoor Learning (Interpretive Signs)
Walton Lake
This small, 19-acre lake is a hidden gem within mostly old-growth ponderosa pine forest. A small dam impounds spring-fed water that seeps from surrounding sloped meadows. Quaking aspen and tall willows add habitat diversity to make this place especially attractive to wildlife and humans alike. Visitors can choose to spend their vacation fishing on the shore of Walton Lake, or swimming and paddling in the water. The campground and day-use area is open first come, first served, mid-May through October, with day-use fees of $7/vehicle or group and per night camping fees of $20/first vehicle with $10/each additional vehicle.
Antelope Flat Reservoir
This 170-acre reservoir located in the Maury Mountains area southeast of Prineville is a great getaway from more crowded campgrounds in the state. There is a cement boat launch, as well as shore access for anglers. While some choose to swim in the water, there are occasionally high levels of algal blooms that people should avoid and the water tends to be rather murky. The campground and day-use area is open first come, first served, mid-May through October, with per night camping fees of $8/first vehicle and $3/each additional vehicle.
Things to Do
- Conventional/Spin & Fly Fishing
- Swimming
- Motorized & Non-motorized Boating
- Canoeing & Kayaking
- Windsurfing
- Birdwatching
