Crooked River

About Crooked River

The Crooked River, a 125-mile tributary of the Deschutes River, begins at the confluence of the South Fork Crooked River and Beaver Creek. It flows from the forested Ochoco Mountains into the high desert near Lake Billy Chinook, offering a stable and diverse stream habitat. Anglers will find 61 miles designated as wild and scenic, encompassing the North Fork, Chimney Rock, and Lower Crooked River segments. This stretch features ruggedly beautiful scenery, spectacular geologic formations, and vertical basalt canyons, particularly from the Ochoco National Forest down to Opal Springs. Prominent features like Odin, Big, and Steelhead Falls, along with various springs and seeps, characterize the water. State Scenic Highway 27, a National Back Country Byway, provides views of western juniper, eroded lava flows, and other geologic formations as it follows the canyon. Access to the Crooked River is straightforward in many areas. Nine non-reservable campgrounds and two day-use areas provide easy year-round access to the Chimney Rock segment, located south of Prineville. This segment is a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and bicycling, including a 2.6-mile round trip hike to Chimney Rock for expansive views. For those requiring easier access, accessible fishing platforms are available at both Palisades and Chimney Rock campgrounds. The lower section of the river offers a more semi-primitive experience due to its remoteness, appealing to anglers seeking solitude away from more developed areas. The Crooked River is a renowned sport fishery, holding steelhead, brown trout, and native rainbow trout. When targeting these fish, focus on the river's varied structure. The presence of springs and seeps indicates potential holding lies where cooler, oxygenated water enters the main flow. Look for trout and steelhead in the seams and eddies created by the whitewater rapids, particularly where the current slows enough for fish to hold without expending too much energy. Brown trout often favor deeper pools and undercut banks, while native rainbow trout and steelhead will be found throughout the river, often actively feeding in riffles and runs.