Paulina is fishing well

Paulina Lake - La Pine, OR (Deschutes County)


by OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
7-11-2025
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The lakes are holding steady across the region with classic mid-July conditions—cool mornings, hot afternoons, and consistent bite windows early and late in the day. We’re seeing good Callibaetis, Chironomid, and Damsel activity across the board, plus a noticeable uptick in terrestrial eats on ants and beetles when the wind lays down.

Hosmer, East, Paulina, Little Lava, and Crane Prairie are all fishing well, each with their own quirks. Balanced Leeches, Red PT Jigs, Scuds, and a mix of soft hackles and attractor nymphs are putting fish in the net consistently. Stripping Damsels or small baitfish patterns is moving some of the bigger trout and brookies, especially around shoals and weed lines. Crane’s still fishing best in the Quinn and Cultus arms, with clearer water and more consistent action.

If you’re headed out, swing by the Bend shop—we just stocked up on a fresh batch of lake flies, including new Balanced Leeches, Mini Leeches, and lake-specific nymphs that have been hard to find. We’ve got patterns ready to cover everything from Callibaetis hatches to deepwater Chironomid rigs.




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OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Thursday, July 3rd
: ODFW Recreation Report
Crane Prairie Reservoir: Fair and inconsistent trout fishing
Crescent Lake: Good kokanee fishing
Davis Lake: Good bass fishing near the lava flow
North Twin Lake: Good trout fishing
Ochoco Reservoir: Water clarity is reduced
Odell Lake: Good angling for nice-sized kokanee
Paulina Lake: Excellent kokanee fishing
Prinevile Reservoir: Increased catches of Northern Pikeminnow
South Twin Lake: Increased abundance of brown bullhead
Smith River: Good numbers of stripers