Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
To purchase a hunting or fishing license, please visit Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
TOP 10 TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT HUNTING TRIP
- Private property is often interspersed with National Forest lands. Bring a map and remain alert to whether or not you’re still on public lands that are authorized for hunting.
- Check weather and road conditions before you leave.
- Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Pack plenty of water, food, warm clothes, first aid kit and other basic survival items to ensure that you can make it through an unexpected night in the forest.
- Dress in hunters’ safety orange to ensure that you are distinguishable to other hunters. This includes your furry friends—please ensure your dog wears an orange vest, leash or bandana.
- Don’t rely on your cell phones. While they can be great tools, you may not get service. Bring a detailed map and compass.
- Treat your fire arm as if it is loaded at all times, even if it isn’t.
- Be certain of your target before firing to help avoid accidents and injuries.
- Be mindful of other recreationists using the forest.
- Understand hunting rules and regulations before heading out. If you aren’t sure about something you can visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website to learn more.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have a question about hunting on the Deschutes National Forest? Check here!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Check current weather conditions for the Deschutes National Forest.
Check Oregon road conditions.
Watch the video "Recreational Shooting: Shooting Safe on your Forest" to prepare.
Lake and Pond Fishing
Enjoy fishing on the many lakes in Deschutes National Forest.
River and Stream Fishing
Numerous rivers and streams provide great fishing opportunities.
Hunting
Learn more about hunting with tips and FAQs found here.
Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities
Pioneer Ford Campground
Site Open
Pioneer Ford Campground is located next to the Metolius River and this site provides access to fishing and hiking trails.Find a map of this campground here.
Point Campground
Site Closed
Located next to Elk Lake, this campground provides access to fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.Find a map of this campground here.There is a boat launch area within this campground.
Princess Creek Boat Launch
This site provides accessible day use picnic tables and fire rings. It also offers fishing access for a variety of fish species including large lake trout.See also: Princess Creek…
Pringle Falls Campground
Site Open
Offering campsites on the Wild and Scenic Deschutes River, the campground is just north of a reserved section of woodland that has been set aside as an experimental forest.Boat fishing or drift…
Quinn River Boating Site
Home of the famous “cranebows,” Crane Prairie Reservoir is one of the top-producing rainbow trout fisheries in Central Oregon. This site has a boat ramp and a gravel parking lot for trailers.…
Quinn River Campground
Site Closed
Quinn River is adjacent to Crane Prairie Reservoir offering opportunities for fishing, bird watching and hiking.For a map of this campground please click here.There is a boat launch area adjacent…
Reservoir Boating Site
This is a primitive boat ramp, located within the Reservoir Campground next to Wickiup Reservoir, and may become inaccessible in autumn when water levels recede.No overnight camping allowed in…
Reservoir Campground
Site Closed
This campground is next to Wickiup Reservoir and provides great bird watching opportunities. This site offers beautiful scenery and is a great place to go during the summer for easy access to…
Rock Creek Boating Site
Site Closed
Crane Prairie Reservoir is surrounded by young pine forests and low rolling hills. There is a boat ramp, boat docks and a fish cleaning station at this site with a small parking lot for…
Rock Creek Campground
Site Closed
Located at Crane Prairie Reservoir, this campground offers excellent fishing and bird watching opportunities. Almost all the sites are large and isolated from the other sites.Find a map of this…