A Guide to Fly Fishing For Bull Trout
Lake Billy Chinook stands as a crown jewel in Central Oregon's fishing landscape, offering fly anglers a rare opportunity to legally target one of the West's most magnificent predators – the bull trout. This comprehensive guide will help you understand this unique fishery and the tactics needed for success.
Whether you are attempting to do a trip on your own (you will need a boat), or you are want to go on one of our exclusive guided fly fishing trips, this blog will get you geared and ready for an amazing adventure.
A History Worth Knowing
Completed in 1964, Round Butte Dam created Lake Billy Chinook at the confluence of three major rivers: the Deschutes, Crooked, and Metolius. Named after a local Wasco tribal member who served as a guide for explorer John Fremont, this 4,000-acre reservoir plays a crucial role in both power generation and maintaining one of Oregon's healthiest bull trout populations.
A Unique Bull Trout Fishery
Unlike most waters where bull trout are protected, Lake Billy Chinook's exceptional population health allows for targeted fishing. This success story stems from:
- Pristine spawning habitat in the Metolius River
- Abundant food sources from healthy fish populations (kokanee, smallmouth bass, whitefish)
- Careful management and monitoring
- Cold, deep waters providing ideal habitat
Prime Time: Spring Trophy Season
The bull trout season opens March 1st, offering anglers their best shot at trophy fish through early June. Key factors for success:
- Water temperatures below 55 degrees
- Bulls actively feeding in shallow to medium depths
- Fish following kokanee schools
- Clear water conditions typical of spring
Essential Gear for Success
Targeting Lake Billy Chinook's bull trout requires specialized gear:
- 8-weight rods
- Intermediate and Type 3 sinking lines for depth control
- 0X-2X fluorocarbon leaders
- Large streamers (4-6 inches) mimicking a bull trouts prey
- Boat or pontoon (shore access limited)
Proven Techniques
Success comes from understanding bull trout behavior:
- Target points and structure near deep water
- Also look to target dropoffs going from shallow to rapid dropoffs
- Focus on the Metolius Arm for largest concentrations
- Vary your retrieve until you learn the strategy for that day
- Watch for following fish
- Keep moving to locate active fish
Additional Species
While bull trout steal the spotlight, Lake Billy Chinook offers excellent fishing for:
- Smallmouth Bass: Abundant in rocky areas
- Kokanee: Key forage fish, also popular with anglers
- Rainbow Trout: Found throughout the system
- Brown Trout: Occasional catches in the Metolius Arm
Conservation and Regulations
Responsible angling ensures continued opportunities:
- Valid Oregon fishing license required
- Tribal permit needed for the Metolius Arm: We recommend getting the annual pass for $60
- Special bull trout regulations apply
- Practice catch and release for large bulls
- Single barbless hooks recommended
Planning Your Trip
Lake Billy Chinook facilities include:
- Multiple boat ramps
- Camping options
- Great Hotel Options Close By
- The Bunk House: This is quite honestly our favority hotel to stay when spending time out east. With great amenities right off the highway it is hard to beat.
- Guide Services Available through NWFFO
- Nearby accommodations in Camp Sherman and Madras although there aren't any fly shops in the area so make sure to stop into NWFFO before heading there.