Crane Prairie Reservoir, body of water
Crane Prairie Reservoir is a large shallow lake in Deschutes National Forest covering more than 1600 acres, with most areas less than 10 feet deep and filled with submerged trees and vegetation. The water contains deep river channels reaching about 20 feet where fish concentrate around structures and insect-rich habitats.
The reservoir was named after cranes that once hunted in the marshy meadows along the Deschutes River, feeding during the seasonal spring floods that filled the wetlands. When the dam was built, the natural flooding ceased, but the water body became a productive fishery as fish adapted to the submerged channels and structures.
The lake is open from late April through October with June to September offering peak fishing during active insect hatches. The site sits about one hour from Bend and features a campground, resort with boat rentals, and amenities including water and restroom facilities.
The water is famous for large rainbow trout informally called Cranebows that can weigh 4 to 5 pounds or more. Nearly every year fish over 10 pounds are caught, making this lake special for anglers seeking outsized fish.
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