Idaho Fish Report
The Crooked continues to fish well this spring
by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
4-3-2024
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The USBOR continues flood control operations from Bowman Dam. While flows are declining, moderate to high flows will likely affect water clarity and fishing until flood control operations ends. Real-time outflows from Bowman Dam can be viewed here.
Open to fishing all year below Bowman Dam. The Crooked continues to fish well this spring, anglers report good fishing below Bowman Dam and downstream with fish spread throughout the Wild and Scenic reach. Nymphing has been the most effective method but fly-anglers should keep an eye out for fishing rising in afternoon and try blue wing olive or midge patterns.
Anglers are reminded that steelhead are now being passed around the Pelton Round Butte Hydro Project Dam and may be present in the Crooked River over the spring months. Rainbow trout over 20 inches are considered steelhead and must be released.
Crooked River anglers may encounter bull trout now that there is volitional passage at Opal Springs. Anglers who catch a bull trout should release it unharmed and report their catch to the US Fish and Wildlife Service at crookedbulltrout@fws.gov.