Smallmouth Bass

Central Oregon isn't typically the first place that comes to mind for Smallmouth Bass, but the Deschutes River and a few area reservoirs offer surprisingly good fishing. The key is understanding the seasonal forage. Spring finds the Smallies near shorelines and rocky structure as the water warms, ambushing crayfish and smaller baitfish. As summer heats up, they tend to move deeper, so adjust your presentation accordingly. Focus on areas with current breaks and submerged structure. A local tip: the stretch of the Deschutes between Bend and Redmond can be productive, but be mindful of access points as much of the land is private. Also, water levels can fluctuate significantly, so check river flows before heading out.