The majority of fish are sticking to the channels where the cool water is

Crane Prairie Reservoir - Sunriver, OR (Deschutes County)

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Fly and Field

by Fly and Field Outfitters
9-10-2021
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The fishing is getting good up at Crane Prairie. The reservoir is 60% full which means that even the deepest channels are only about 10 feet deep. The majority of fish are sticking to the channels where the cool water is. Dry fly action is sporadic, callibaetis are your best chance for surface action. Using a terrestrial pattern or a chubby can work; however, I wouldn’t fish a terrestrial without dropping a nymph off of it. The smoke can create odd reflections on the water which makes using high-vis dry fly patterns a good idea. Callibaetis nymphs, chironomids, small dark assassins, midges, and balanced leeches are all good choices for your indicator rig. Chironomids that are around size 14 - 18 are working well. As mentioned before, the reservoir is lower than normal, there’s no need to go deeper than 10 feet. The closer we get to fall the better balanced and unbalanced leeches will perform. In a few weeks, it’ll start to get cold up at Crane, the fish are fattening up in preparation for winter, now is the time to hit the water.

Recommended Dries: Parachute Callibaetis #16-18, Hackle Stacker Callibaetis #16-18, Chubby Chernobyl Patriot and Purple #12-14, Para- Cricket #16-12

Recommended Nymphs: Bruised Ballanced Leech #14, Two Bit Hooker #16-18, Zebra Midge #18-20, Super Sinker #16-18, bead wing midge #18-20, Red Pheasant Tail #14-18, Rainbow Warrior #18-20, Red Ice Cream Cone #14-18, Callabaetis Nymph #16-18, Balanced Damsel #14, Dainty Damsel #14, Scotts Damsel #14