Crane Prairie Reservoir
Overview
Home of the famous "cranebows", Crane Prairie Reservoir, a Wildlife Management Area, is one of the top producing rainbow trout fisheries in Central Oregon. Rainbow trout here average 2 inches of growth a month during the summer. The record rainbow to date weighed over 19 pounds, with abundant rainbows in the 4 to 10 pound range. Osprey, bald eagle and many waterfowl also frequent the area.
Activities
Boating
Float tube launch points are available at: Rocky Point, the end of road 4270-470 and at Rock Creek. Boat ramps are located at Crane Prairie Resort, Crane Prairie Campground, Rock Creek Campground, Quinn River Campground, off FS Road 4285, and small boat launch at Cow Meadow Campground.
Camping
Camping is located at Crane Prairie Campground, Rock Creek Campground, Quinn River Campground, and Cow Meadow Campground.
A resort is also available at the Crane Prairie Resort.
Fishing
Fishing season runs from late April through October, but is best in the months of June, July, and August. Species present are Rainbow trout (to seven pounds and more), brook trout, mountain whitefish, kokanee, largemouth bass, black crappie, tui chub and three-spined stickleback available.
Trout anglers often fish in the channels using, power bait, worms, dragonfly nymphs with a bobber or floating the bait up with a marshmallow. Trout anglers often troll lures, plugs, and flies in the channels successfully. Bass anglers fish with lures, by trolling, jigging or casting.
Fly anglers usually fish in the channels with a 6-weight rod using a intermediate sinking line or a floating line.
Hunting
Please contact park services for more information.
Directions
Driving
Crane Prairie Reservoir is approximately 30 miles southwest of Bend and is accessible from Century Drive (Forest Service Road 46), and Forest Roads 40, 42, and 4270. From Bend the most scenic route is to take Century Drive (Forest Service Rd 46).
Phone Numbers
Primary
(541) 383-5300Links
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