Fall & Winter Fishing Around Sunriver Resort and Central Oregon
Central Oregon is a year-round outdoor playground, and for anglers, the changing seasons bring fresh opportunities on the water. While many think of summer as “fishing season,” fall and winter can be some of the most rewarding—and peaceful—times to fish around Sunriver Resort and the surrounding lakes and rivers.
Fall Fishing: Fewer Crowds, Big Rewards
As the summer crowds head home and the mornings grow crisp, fall fishing in Central Oregon shines. Trout and kokanee are at their peak, feeding aggressively before the water cools.
• Fall River: This spring-fed gem flows just minutes from Sunriver Resort and stays crystal clear all year. Fall is an excellent time to test your fly-fishing skills on rainbows and browns.
• Deschutes River: The upper stretches of the Deschutes near Sunriver are great for fall trout fishing. The colder nights trigger more consistent bites, and the scenery—golden aspens and cottonwoods—makes it worth the trip on its own.
• Lakes Near Sunriver: Paulina, Crane Prairie Reservoir, Crescent Lake, Wickiup Reservoir, and Odell Lake are all within an easy drive. Fall often brings larger trout into the shallows, and it’s one of the best times of year to chase browns and rainbows. Lakes in the Deschutes National Forest are Subject to closure. The season is from April 22nd to October 31st
• Lake Billy Chinook: This powerhouse fishery deserves special mention, open year-round to fishing. Nestled in a stunning canyon, it offers one of the most diverse fall fishing experiences in Oregon. You’ll find kokanee, bull trout (one of the few places in the state where you can legally target them), and smallmouth bass. Fall is prime time for trophy bull trout, with some fish pushing into double digits.
Winter Fishing: Quiet and Unique Opportunities
When winter settles in, most anglers put away their rods, but Central Oregon offers some surprising opportunities for those willing to brave the cold.
• Fall River (again!): Thanks to its spring-fed flows, Fall River is a true year-round fishery. It’s one of the few spots in Central Oregon where you can consistently cast a fly rod in January and still have a shot at beautiful trout.
• Metolius River: Known for its stunning scenery and challenging fishing, the Metolius stays open all year. Winter offers a chance to chase bull trout—a bucket-list fish for many anglers.
• Lake Billy Chinook in Winter: While many lakes lock up or slow down in the colder months, Billy Chinook keeps producing. Bull trout remain the star of the show, and this is when serious anglers can test their skills against giants. The solitude of fishing those steep canyon walls in winter is an unforgettable experience.
• Ice Fishing: For something different, check out higher-elevation lakes like Oregon’s Diamond Lake. When conditions allow, ice fishing for Rainbow trout, Brown trout, and catch-and-release tiger trout —a hybrid trout crossed with a male brook trout and female brown trout —can be a fun and unique winter adventure.
Tips for Success in Colder Months
• Dress for the Weather: Layers, waterproof gear, and gloves make all the difference. Cold fingers can turn a fun trip into a short one.
• Slow Down: Fish are less active in colder water. Whether you’re trolling or fly fishing, slow presentations are key.
• Watch the Forecast: Roads and conditions can change quickly. Make sure you check the weather and access before heading out.
Why Fish Sunriver in Fall and Winter?
Sunriver Resort makes a perfect home base. After a chilly morning on the river, you can return to a warm cabin, good food, and even a soak in a hot tub. Plus, fewer anglers means more solitude and a better chance to connect with the proper rhythm of Central Oregon’s waters.
Whether you’re chasing kokanee at Billy Chinook in October, drifting a nymph through the Fall River in December, or drilling a hole in the ice come January, Central Oregon fishing doesn’t stop when the weather turns. In fact, for many of us, that’s when it really begins.
***For Guided Fly Fishing, contact The Hook Fly shop in the Sunriver Village (541) 583-2358***
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