Lake Billy Chinook is a large reservoir located in the Deschutes National Forest in Oregon. It is formed by the confluence of the Deschutes, Crooked, and Metolius rivers. The reservoir is known for its excellent fishing, with a variety of fish species present, including bull trout, kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and brown trout.

When to Fish Lake Billy Chinook

Lake Billy Chinook is open to fishing year-round, but the best time to fish is during the spring and fall months (April through June and September through November). This is when the water temperatures are more comfortable for the fish, and they are more active and feeding. However, good fishing can also be had in the summer months, especially for smallmouth bass.

What We Fish For

The most popular fish to fish for at Lake Billy Chinook are bull trout and kokanee salmon. Bull trout are a native char species that are found in very few places in the world. Lake Billy Chinook is one of the best places to fish for bull trout, and the reservoir is home to some of the largest bull trout in the world. Kokanee salmon are a landlocked sockeye salmon that are also abundant in Lake Billy Chinook. Kokanee salmon are a popular target for both anglers and trollers.

Other fish species that can be caught in Lake Billy Chinook include smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, and largemouth bass. However, these fish are not as abundant as bull trout and kokanee salmon, and they are not as popular with anglers.

How to Fish Lake Billy Chinook

There are a variety of ways to fish Lake Billy Chinook, depending on the type of fish you are targeting and your personal preferences.

• Shore fishing: Shore fishing is a popular option at Lake Billy Chinook, as there are many accessible shorelines around the reservoir. However, it is important to be aware of the wind conditions, as the wind can make it difficult to cast and fish effectively.
• Boat fishing: Boat fishing is another popular option at Lake Billy Chinook. Boats can be rented from several marinas around the reservoir. Boat fishing allows you to access more of the reservoir and to target fish in deeper water.
• Fly fishing: Fly fishing is a popular way to fish for rainbow trout and bull trout at Lake Billy Chinook. There are a variety of fly patterns that can be used to catch trout in the reservoir, such as damsel flies, chironomids, and streamers.
• Trolling: Trolling is a popular way to fish for kokanee salmon at Lake Billy Chinook. Kokanee salmon can be trolled using a variety of lures, such as spoons, dodgers, and spinners.

Popular Fishing Spots at Lake Billy Chinook

Here are a few popular fishing spots at Lake Billy Chinook:

• The Crooked River Arm: The Crooked River Arm is a good spot for fishing for bull trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass.
• The Deschutes River Arm: The Deschutes River Arm is a good spot for fishing for kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and brown trout.
• The Metolius River Arm: The Metolius River Arm is a good spot for fishing for bull trout and kokanee salmon.
• The Cove Palisades Marina: The Cove Palisades Marina is a popular spot for both shore fishing and boat fishing.
• Billy Chinook Dam: Billy Chinook Dam is a popular spot for shore fishing.

Tips for Fishing Lake Billy Chinook

Here are a few tips for fishing Lake Billy Chinook:

• Fish early and late in the day: Fish are most active during the early morning and late evening hours.
• Use light line: Fish in Lake Billy Chinook are often light-line shy, so it is important to use light line (4-6 pound test) when fishing.
• Use small lures and flies: Fish in Lake Billy Chinook are often selective feeders, so it is important to use small lures and flies.
• Fish the drop-offs: The drop-offs around the lake are often where the fish will congregate.
• Be patient: Fishing can be challenging at Lake Billy Chinook, so it is important to be patient and persistent.

Additional Tips

• Be aware of the regulations: Before you go fishing, be sure to check the fishing regulations for Lake Billy Chinook. The regulations can change from year to year, so it is important to check them before you go.
• Be respectful of other anglers: Lake Billy Chinook is a popular destination for anglers, so it is important to be respectful of other anglers and to share the resource.
• Be safe: Lake Billy Chinook is a large body of water, so it is important to be safe when fishing. Be aware of the weather conditions and boat safely.