FISHING IN CENTRAL OREGON
Angling in Central Oregon can be art or pure recreation depending on the individual. We have several world-class fly-fishing streams including the pristine Metolius River and several sections of the Deschutes River. To give you an idea of the type and size of fish to be caught here, here’s a sampling of Oregon’s state records set in the region:
| Oregon Fishing Records in Central Oregon |
| Fish |
Weight |
Location |
| Brook Trout |
9 lbs., 6 ounces |
Deschutes River |
| Brown Trout |
35 lbs., 8 ounces |
Paulina Lake |
| Bull Trout |
23 lbs., 2 ounces |
Lake Billy Chinook (Metolius Arm) |
| Lake Trout (Mackinaw) |
40 lbs., 8 ounces |
Odell Lake |
| Kokanee Salmon |
4 lbs., 2 ounces |
Paulina Lake |
| Redear Sunfish |
2 lbs. |
Reynolds Lake (near Redmond) |
Steelhead is another popular species here, though record catches here have not been able to match those of the massive Columbia River two hours north. We have found one of the best resources for fishing spots, techniques and regulations to be the Fishing Central Oregon book (Fifth Edition) by Sun Publishing. You can also access a detailed, seasonally up-to-date recreation report on Central Oregon from Oregon's Department of Fish and Wildlife.
CLIMBING IN CENTRAL OREGON 
Opportunities exist for sport and free climbing throughout the vast recreation areas in and around the region, but a few are standouts. The most famous and popular is Smith Rocks, with its ultra-challenging routes and excellent variety. Climbing is also found near Tumalo Falls outside of Bend, in the Crooked River Gorge, and the cliffs around Prineville.
HIKING, CAMPING IN CENTRAL OREGON
All that can be said of both hiking and camping is that the options are far too many to mention! Pick an area of the region and then check out the websites of the Oregon Parks & Recreation District, Oregon State Park, or U.S. Forest Service for more information about hiking destinations, trailheads and camping.
CYCLING IN CENTRAL OREGON
Central Oregon’s climate is quickly being recognized as a year-round destination for professional and amateur bikers. Several national competitions are held here each year, including the Cascade Cycling Classic that draws world-class competitors such as Greg Lamond and Lance Armstrong. Don’t worry, for those just looking to recreate there are too many choices to list. Ask any of the numerous bike shops in the area about places to explore.
Biking Magazine author Kim Phillips touts cycling in Bend “where the Cascades meet the high desert, epic rides leave right from downtown” in this article. In his June 2007 story in Mouontain Biking, author Jonathon Allen tells cyclists to forget Moab (Utah) as “Bend has become the porch of preference for some of mountain biking's biggest big dogs."
RIDING
For many Central Oregonians, there is a unique affection for equine. A greater proportion of residents in the region are horse owners than in other parts of the country, which has supported impressive equestrian facilities, classes, guided backcountry tours, veterinary care, and related enterprises. Certainly there remains a strong connection with horses and the agricultural community, but people from all professions and income levels are actively involved in stables, ropings, rodeos, equestrian competitions, breeding, and just plain riding.
Hunting
Hunting opportunities aboun in for those who live in or visit Central Oregon. For bird hunting, the main species are waterforwl, chukar, hun, and California quail. Several bird-hunting preserves are located in Jefferson County and north toward the Columbia River. North Central Oregon offers what consider the best upland bird hunting in the state. In terms of game, the most common are mule deer, rocky mountain elk, antelope and cougar. In the eastern part of the region, the the Prineville/Ochoco Wildlife District offers hunting as does the Dalles Wildlife District that encompasses the Lower Deschutes area. Many outfitters exist and private hunting reserves are readily available.
For seasonally updated of hunting conditions in Central Oregon, go to Oregon's Department of Fish & Wildlife. The same state site also offers a hunting access map, regulations, and resources for big game hunting at this link. Gary Lewis is a Bend-based outdoor writer/hunter/fisherman who has written the definitive guide to hunting in Oregon, from local publisher Sun Publishing.
In the Publications section, EDCO Profiles and Data - Demographic, Consumer Expenditure, and Business/Workforce from Oregon Prospector may be helpful.