for central and southeastern Oregon. Use this table to help plan your fly fishing outing or vacation. Water conditions can vary from year to year, as can seasons and regulations, affecting the information I give here. Always consult a fly shop to get the latest information.
A lone angler searches for steelhead on the Lower Deschutes River. Photo by John Judy.
Top Oregon Fly Fishing Waters
Central & Southeastern
Ana River
The Ana River offers a unique fly fishing experience in an honest-to-God desert river. It flows through a sand-and-sagebrush open landscape that is genuine Oregon high desert. The river flows from Ana Reservoir and discharges into Summer Lake. The river’s true origins are springs that are now covered by the Ana Reservoir.
The Ana is only about seven miles long, doesn’t get much pressure, and holds some nice-sized rainbow trout, being stocked with 20,000 fingerling trout each year. The reservoir is stocked annually with catchable trout and every other year with bass fingerlings.
If you like fly fishing challenges, you’ll like the Ana’s clear water and the need to make good fly presentations. You’ll work for what you get, and at times fishing can be frustrating because you can’t get a fish to rise. I suggest you take the time to walk a quarter mile or so along the banks and determine if you want to wade. Look for insects while you are walking. You’ll find an abundance of midges, mayflies, and terrestrials around the river.
The Ana River lies east of Highway 31 in the Great Basin near Summer Lake. If you are visiting central Oregon, the Ana is about a two-hour drive from Bend and is a good alternative to some of the area’s more crowded waters.
An angler stalks trout on the Ana River. Photo by Brian O’Keefe.
Types of Fish
Mostly rainbow trout. These fish run from 8 to 16 inches and are great fighters.
Known Hatches
Midges, mayflies and terrestrials.
Equipment to Use
Rods: 2–5 weight, 7–9 feet in length.
Reels: Palm drag.
Lines: Floating, to match rod weight.
Leaders: 5X to 6X, 9–12 feet in length.
Wading: Use breathable waders with boots. A wading staff is a good idea. You can fish much of this river without wading.
Flies to Use
Dries: Adams, Pale Morning Dun, Renegade, Spinner, Callibaetis, Comparadun, Blue-Winged Olive, Trico, X Caddis, Henryville Special, CDC Caddis, Slow Water Caddis.
Nymphs: Hare’s Ear, Chironomid Pupa, Zug Bug, Scud, Brassie, Serendipity, and Pheasant Tail.
Streamers: Leech, Woolly Bugger.
When to Fish
It’s best to fish in May and June and September and October. The Ana River fishes best in the early morning and late evening.
Seasons & Limits
Generally this river is open year-round. Because regulations are subject to change, consult the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife regulations or a local fly shop before fishing.
Nearby Fly Fishing
In a weekend’s time it is possible to fish the Ana River, Ana Reservoir, Lake of the Dunes, and the Chewaucan River (all of which are described in this guide).
Accommodations & Services
There is a store, restaurant, motel, and gas at Summer Lake. There are camping facilities near the dam at Ana Reservoir.
Rating
Harry’s Opinion: If you happen to hit a good day, you’ll come back for more of the Ana. A soft 4.
Chewaucan River
The Chewaucan is not a big river, but it is enjoyable to fish with a fly rod. It’s a pretty river, off the beaten path, and not very crowded. If you are in the area fishing the Ana or Lake of the Dunes and want a more forested setting or a change of location, give the Chewaucan a try.
The Chewaucan flows out of the mountains and heads for the Great Basin, where it dissipates into the Oregon desert. As you go upstream from Paisley, you enter the Fremont National Forest. Much of the fishable river lies in this pine-studded drainage. The numbers of redband trout have gone down due to recent low-water conditions, but the fly fishing is still pretty good. Don’t forget mosquito repellent. You’ll need it!
To get to the Chewaucan, drive to the small town of Paisley near Summer Lake, on Highway 31. You’ll need to turn to the south just west of Paisley to access the best part of the river. Paisley is a good rest stop when traveling through this rural area.
The Chewaucan River provides an uncrowded alternative. Photo by Matt Johnson.
Types of Fish
Predominantly planted rainbow trout from 8 to 12 inches. Some nice fish in the 14- to 16-inch range are taken on a regular basis.
Known Hatches
Mayflies, midges, and caddis.
Equipment to Use
Rods: 3–5 weight, 7–9 feet in length.
Reels: Palm drag.
Lines: Match floating and sink tip to rod weight.
Leaders:
