The Arthur R. Bowman Dam is an earthen fill structure on the Crooked River that has created the Prineville Reservoir. The main input streams are the Crooked River and Bear Creek with lesser streams (Sanford Creek, Deer Creek, Alkali Creek, Antelope Creek, and Owl Creek) and the output stream is the Crooked River. The reservoir is for irrigation and flood control, which has allowed for all types of water recreational activities in the heart of high desert juniper and sage. The reservoir is open the year round and because of its location it is a great place for ice fishing (Dec-Feb) (using bait such as cheese, eggs, and worms). Angling for trout is productive from the bank using a cheese combination, worms, eggs, or from a boat trolling flashers and worms. Bass fishing has become popular with some of the records being from Prineville Reservoir. Angling is best done in the early spring in the upper end where spawning is occurring in the shallower, brushy, and warmer water. The use of plugs, spinner baits, flies, real and artificial worms, and spinners will certainly catch a bass. The angling for brown bullhead catfish is best in March-June when they tend to be spawning in shallower, warmer water coves. The use of worms will always get some action. Launching from boat ramps around the reservoir is dependent on the amount of water that is used for irrigation and the volume from spring run-off.

Basic Directions