Fishing Crane Prairie
Central Oregon
Crane Prairie Reservoir is one of the most unusual places I have fished in Oregon. Just like some people love hot sauce and some don't, you either love Crane Prairie or hate it. Crane Prairie was flooded in 1928 with most of the timber left standing in the lake. The bark from this timber has disappeared long ago, leaving the bleached white trees standing. Almost ten percent of lake is covered with standing and fallen trees. This makes for great cover for fish and requires a good deal of attention as you move your boat around the numerous trees. A fantastic side effect from all this timber is an abundance of insect life. Mayflies, scuds, water beetles, dragonflies, and damselflies are all present in great numbers. For those of us who like to fly fish, Crane Prairie is the place to be.
Crane Prairie is a shallow reservoir. Average depth is 11 feet when full, maximum depth in the old river channels is 20 feet. The last time my wife and I fished Crane Prairie we tried to troll the old river channels. We were quick to discover you need someone on the front of the boat to even try this technique. The old channels wind through the lake with so many twists and turns it's like trying to follow someone in a maze. Although this method of fishing can be productive, my wife caught a nice 3 1/2 pound rainbow and I brought in a beautiful 4 1/2 pound rainbow, it can sure test your patience. The next time we try Crane Prairie I'm thinking I might try trolling in a crossing pattern on the old river channels. If you decide to troll, make sure to have something light that will stay just above the weeds.
Crane Prairie is a Wildlife Management Area, assorted ducks, geese, blue heron, osprey, bald eagles, and many other birds call this lake home. As you move around the lake you stand a good chance of seeing deer, elk, otter and other wildlife. In the background Cultus and Brown Mountain, as well as others, grace the horizon with their presence. All this great scenery is a real plus when fishing is slow, or you just need a break.
In the 80's Largemouth bass were introduced illegally and have established a good population. I asked the people at the lodge about bass, just mentioning bass caused them to act like I had slapped them in the face. For those of you that bass fish, the cover is weeds and wood, have fun.
The main fish at Crane Prairie is the Crane Prairie rainbow, some have been caught up to 18 pounds. These rainbow have a lot of natural food and grow rapidly to a decent size. Brook trout and some kokanee are present all through the lake, but are not the fish most people go after.
There are four campgrounds on the reservoir. The Rock Creek and Quinn River campground both have boat ramps. There is a small campground, Cow Meadow on the north shore. I understand the road to Cow Meadow is rough, and there is no boat ramp. The newest campground is not far from the resort, has a good boat ramp and about 140 spaces.
The resort is nice, but not inexpensive. The campsites offer full hookups for RV's and are well kept. You can dock your boat for an additional charge. The resort offers some food items, gas, a good supply of tackle and charged extra to use your credit card when I was there in 1995. This is a nice place to stay if you do not mind paying for it. Plan on at least a two day stay if you stay at the resort. In 1995 the charge for one day was 27 or 28 dollars, for two or more days it was 17 a dollars a day.
In early spring try fishing areas close to shore and fish the submerged trees. Most of the people fishing last fall were still fishing, in or around the trees with good success. Try Power Bait, Bugs (Available at the store), and worms for still fishing. Most of the people that still fish Crane Prairie use a bobber with a small amount of split shot to avoid getting in the weeds. Trollers use spinners, flatfish and other light lures. Using the old lake troll and worm combination when trolling will most certainly get your gear into a tangle of weeds causing you to never see them again!
Crane Prairie is east of Century Drive apx. 46 miles from Bend. From Medford take Hwy. 62 to Hwy. 230, Hwy. 230 to Hwy. 138, Hwy. 138 to Hwy. 97, Hwy. 97 to County Road 42. Turn about 2 1/2 miles past Sunriver, and continue west about 20 miles to FS 4270. Turn right, it's about 4 miles to the lake.
2006
Prices have of course gone up. The big Rainbow's have lots of Bass friends now, illegal introduction!
2007
Lake is becoming a Bass destination but there are still good rainbow to be had if you can work your way past the bass.