Wickiup Reservoir

The Wickiup Reservoir was created by the damming of the Deschutes River and is the second largest reservoir in the state of Oregon and considered the largest of the Cascade Lakes. The reservoir was built in 1949 for the ‘Deschutes Project’ and ‘Pringle Falls Experimental Forest’ which is used for education and research. 

The reservoir holds an average depth of 20 feet with depths up to 70 feet in the channels. There are portions of the reservoir that are very shallow and it is easy to go from 40 feet of water to 3 feet of water in a short distance. Wickiup is known as the best fishing for brown trout in the state. These trout normally run on the average between five and eight pounds and can reach over 20 pounds.

According to the US Forrest Service Wickiup is one of Central Oregon’s best wildlife viewing areas. Besides the amazing fish in the lake, there are many forms of waterfowl and shore birds as well as deer, elk, and various species of pine. The area also provides six campgrounds on site, each with their own boat ramp.

Although the lake provides excellent trout fishing and boating, it is important to know where you are boating to and from before you go. Depending on the time of year, it is easy to go from very deep to very shallow water, with stumps just under the surface, very quickly.   Wind waves are also something to watch for when boating on the lake. Water surfaces can go from calm to two foot waves in 30 minutes or less. Boating is a great way to catch fish on this lake, just  make sure you know the conditions before you go.