Bass fishing near Bend (Redmond, Prineville: renting, house, shop)

[baseballjunkie326]

My family and I are visiting Bend again in 2 weeks and was wondering what the closest lakes are to Bend that have either Largemouth or Smallmouth bass fishing? Also we are renting a house right on the river in Tumalo so I was wondering what kind of fish there are to fish for and what type of lures are best? Greatly appreciate any advice!

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Bass? I don't know anyone who fishes for bass. Is t that a warm water fish? Try Prineville reservoir. I think there are bass in the upper Columbia.

In the Deschutes River you will find brown trout, bull trout, rainbows, and probably kokonee. There is Dolly Varden higher up in the Deshutes.

Tumalo is a good area for crawdads if you happen to like them

Most everyone I know is kokonee fishing in the high lakes right now. Salmon will be running very soon but you would have to go to a coastal river for salmon.

Be aware that you need a Columbia basin endorsement on your fishing license to fish in any river that drains into the Columbia. That includes the Deschutes.

Large stretches of the Deschutes are designated catch and release so check the regulations carefully. Sometimes catch and release areas are sign posted and sometimes they arent. Also check to see if you are required to use barbless hooks.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Adding this, if you go to ifish there is a subforum that's called something like "trout and kokonee" and Central Oregon fishermen are there talking about local fishing. They can tell you what lures are working.

Also at sportsman's warehouse they have a big chalkboard where they try to keep track of what is biting and on what bait.

Salesmen in there are hit and miss. Some know what they are talking about but that's the store where the salesman told me to pick the rod that I like the looks of because all fishing rods are the same. So you might get good information there or you might not.

BiMart in both Bend and Redmond has good fishing gear and usually the clerk at the sports counter knows their fishing gear. They sell equipment that is specific to the PNW, so that is a good place to shop and ask for information.

[baseballjunkie326]

That's a huge help!! Thank you so much for taking the time, this will definitely get me in the right direction!

[Hawk J]

Topwater Bass fishin' at Prineville.....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FANYHh4lbcg

[whirnot]

Be advised that due to recent high temps, fishing is restricted in some areas at certain times. The fish are really suffering. Many sportsman have stopped fishing until the rivers cool.