Fishing Crane Prairie Reservoir

AKA: Crane Prairie Lake

Popular Fish Species
Crane Prairie Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
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Crane Prairie Reservoir, OR

Popular Fish Species Crane Prairie Reservoir, OR

Crane Prairie Reservoir Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Considered one of the best rainbow trout lakes in the state, Crane Prairie Reservoir delivers on these expectations. Fishing for rainbow trout here can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. Annual stocking by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Department has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Crane Prairie Reservoir Popular Fish - Brook Trout

Brook Trout Fishing

Brook trout thrive in cool, clear, well-oxygenated water. Clean inflows of water are prime areas to fish. Fishing for brook trout in Crane Prairie Reservoir is popular due to the abundance and size of these tasty brookies. Brookies are most actively feeding at dawn, and again at dusk. Brook trout feed on plankton, worms, leeches, insects, mollusks, and small baitfish. They spawn in the Fall, rather than the Spring, and they are quite prolific spawners. Other times they tend to move deeper and are more difficult to locate. Brook trout can be easily caught on minnows, flies, small spinners, worms, maggots and wax worms.

Crane Prairie Reservoir Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the premiere kokanee fishing lakes in Oregon, Crane Prairie Reservoir delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space.

Crane Prairie Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, brook trout and kokanee salmon at Crane Prairie Reservoir in Oregon.

Big rainbow trout are the main attraction at Crane Prairie Reservoir, with four to ten pounders common. This is a 5,000-acre lake in the central Oregon, 15 miles northwest west of La Pine.

One of the primary attractions of Crane Prairie Reservoir is its healthy population of trophy-sized rainbow trout. These trout grow to impressive sizes due to the abundance of aquatic insects and other food sources in the reservoir. Aside from rainbow trout, the reservoir is also home to brook trout and brown trout, adding to the angling diversity.

24 miles of shoreline wrap this rainbow trout factory, with limited access except at recreation areas. Crane Prairie Boating Site in the northeast corner of the lake, Browns Mountain Boating Site in the southeast corner of the lake, and Rock Creek Campground Boat Ramp at the southwest corner of the lake are best options for boat launching. In winter, heavy snow on the roads restrict access for ice fishing. Wickiup Reservoir is just a few miles south of Crane Prairie Lake.

Primary fish species residing in Crane Prairie Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Crane Prairie Reservoir Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Crane Prairie Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and canoes
541 383-3939

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Browns Mountain Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off NF Road 4285, this is a two-lane, natural ramp with gravel parking.

Crane Prairie Reservoir Boating Site
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Gales Landing Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Quinn River Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Rock Creek Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off County Road 46, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.