The over 3000 acre Prineville Reservoir is one of Central Oregon's prolific fishing and outdoor recreation water bodies. The Lake's well-developed public recreation areas provide many opportunities for a fine mix of water-related outdoor activities. Boating, camping, fishing, birding, hunting and wildlife viewing are the highlights for any visitor. The nearby scenic drive along the Crooked River and over Bowman Dam is particularly worthwhile. Located 15 miles south of Prineville and about two hours from Bend, Oregon, Prineville Reservoir is an advantageous outdoor destination.
Prineville Reservoir was created by damming (Arthur R. Bowman Dam) the Crooked River upstream from Prineville, Oregon. The reservoir is part of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's Crooked River Project, flooding a juniper and sagebrush filled canyon, and was finished in 1961. Prineville Reservoir covers 18 miles of the Crooked River and is primarily an irrigation storage water body, with secondary objectives of Crooked River flood control and public recreation. Prineville Reservoir has a maximum depth of 130 feet and storage of up to 150,000 acre-feet of water.
Fishing around the 43 miles of Prineville Reservoir shoreline is superb, especially for Rainbow Trout. Annually, the reservoir is stocked with as many as 170,000 trout, and many fish taken there average 10 inches and some reach over 14 inches. Trout fishing through the ice is a favorite winter activity. In addition, large populations of black crappie, smallmouth bass and catfish make it their home and can be caught in the numerous coves and inlets. Prime fishing is from January through June, and shoreline fishing is good at the dam, Jasper point and Prineville State Park.
The northeast end of Prineville Reservoir is a designated wildlife management area; these 3800 acres of both land and water provide a refuge for a variety of wildlife including mule deer and many different species of waterfowl. Camping is available in Prineville State Park, including tent sites, cabin rentals, and sites with electrical hookup or full hookup. Jasper Point sites have electric hookup. Both sites are open May through September, and both have boat ramps the campground activities. For geocachers, there are many caches in a five mile area.
Pack your rods and head out to Prineville Reservoir. Stay for a few days and gather in the peacefulness under a night sky of a million stars. The memories will stay with you forever.
Prineville Reservoir: Messaging Forums
Arthur Bowman Dam Information (Posted by Ron Gordon [rongordon])
Geocaching Information (Posted by Ron Gordon [rongordon])
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife - Prineville Reservoir (Posted by Ron Gordon [rongordon])
Prineville Reservoir Recreation Information (Posted by Ron Gordon [rongordon])
Prineville Reservoir State Park Information (Posted by Ron Gordon [rongordon])
This lake was last edited by Lisa Raub (lisaraub) on 3/29/08.
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