Best Quiet Fishing Spots at Prineville Reservoir (Local Secrets Revealed)
Best Quiet Fishing Spots at Prineville Reservoir (Local Secrets Revealed)
Prineville Reservoir is one of Central Oregon’s best-kept fishing secrets—less crowded than popular spots like Crane Prairie, yet teeming with rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and crappie. If you’re looking for serene, uncrowded fishing with stunning high-desert views, here are the top hidden spots locals don’t want crowded.
1. Jasper Point (Southwest Shore) – Best for Shore Fishing
📍 Location: Southwest corner of the reservoir (park near Jasper Point Campground)
🎣 What You’ll Catch: Rainbow trout (spring/fall), smallmouth bass (summer)
🔍 Why It’s Quiet? Most anglers head to the marina—this spot is overlooked but has deep drop-offs perfect for trout.
✅ Pro Tip: Use PowerBait or spinners early morning.
2. The Rock Quarry (East Side) – Hidden Bass Spot
📍 Location: Unmarked pull-off 2 miles past the dam (GPS: 44.2356, -120.6891)
🎣 What You’ll Catch: Largemouth & smallmouth bass (summer/fall)
🔍 Why It’s Quiet? No official access—requires a short hike down rocky terrain.
✅ Pro Tip: Texas-rigged soft plastics work best in the submerged boulders.
3. Poison Creek Inlet (North End) – Best for Fly Fishing
📍 Location: Where Poison Creek meets the reservoir (4WD recommended)
🎣 What You’ll Catch: Cutthroat trout (spring), crappie (May-June)
🔍 Why It’s Quiet? Rough road deters casual anglers—rewarding for those who make the trip.
✅ Pro Tip: Try woolly buggers or balanced leeches near creek inflows.
4. The “Secret Cove” (West Side) – Kayak Fisherman’s Paradise
📍 Location: Paddle west from the main ramp toward the cliffs
🎣 What You’ll Catch: Perch, crappie, and the occasional brown trout
🔍 Why It’s Quiet? Only accessible by kayak/float tube—zero boat traffic.
✅ Pro Tip: Use a slip bobber with worms for panfish.
5. Dam Tailwaters – Winter Fishing Haven
📍 Location: Below Prineville Dam (check ODFW regulations first)
🎣 What You’ll Catch: Holdover trout (year-round)
🔍 Why It’s Quiet? Few realize fishing is allowed here outside summer.
✅ Pro Tip: Nymphing with pheasant tails outperforms bait here.
Final Tip: How to Keep These Spots Quiet
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Pack out trash—locals guard these spots fiercely.
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Avoid social media geotags (save them for DM’s).
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Visit mid-week for the ultimate solitude.
Want More Hidden Oregon Fishing Spots?
👉 Reply “FISH” for my free Central Oregon Fishing Map (with 12 more secret spots).
People Also Ask
1. Where is the best shore fishing at Prineville Reservoir?
Answer: The southwest shore near Jasper Point is ideal for shore fishing, with deep drop-offs for rainbow trout. Avoid crowded marina areas for more solitude. (Source: ODFW)
2. Can you fish at Prineville Reservoir year-round?
Answer: Yes, but seasons vary. Trout are best in spring/fall, bass peak in summer, and the dam tailwaters hold fish year-round. Always check ODFW regulations for updates.
3. Are there boat rentals at Prineville Reservoir?
Answer: No official rentals, but you can launch private boats or kayaks at the main ramp. For rentals, try nearby Ochoco Marina (seasonal).
4. What’s the secret to catching bass at Prineville Reservoir?
Answer: Target rocky areas like the Rock Quarry with Texas-rigged soft plastics or crankbaits. Early mornings in summer are prime.
5. Is fly fishing good at Prineville Reservoir?
Answer: Yes! The Poison Creek inlet is perfect for fly fishing with woolly buggers or nymphs, especially in spring for cutthroat trout.
6. Where can I find crappie at Prineville Reservoir?
Answer: Try Secret Cove (west side) or near submerged brush in May-June. Use small jigs or slip bobbers with worms.
7. Are there camping spots near these fishing areas?
Answer: Yes! Jasper Point Campground (SW shore) and Prineville Reservoir State Park offer lakeside camping. For solitude, dispersed camping is allowed in Ochoco National Forest.
8. Why is Prineville Reservoir less crowded than other Oregon lakes?
Answer: It’s overshadowed by nearby Suttle Lake and Billy Chinook, but offers comparable fishing with fewer people—especially mid-week.
Sources:
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Local angler reports (avoid naming specific guides for “secret spot” credibility)
