High Desert Turkey: Fly Fishing and Feasting on the Crooked River
Thanksgiving is often synonymous with cozy indoor gatherings, but for the dedicated fly angler, it can be the perfect excuse to trade the couch for a cozy campsite and the football game for a day on the water. If you're looking for an accessible, year-round tailwater that shines when the air gets crisp, look no further than Oregon's Crooked River.
A trip to the Crooked River—especially the celebrated eight-mile stretch below Bowman Dam—offers fantastic, technical fishing paired with quiet, beautiful high-desert camping, making it an ideal destination for a contemplative holiday weekend.
Late Fall Fishing on the Crooked
The Crooked River, being a tailwater fishery, maintains relatively consistent flows and cool temperatures year-round, which keeps the fish active even as winter approaches. However, late November requires a specific approach.
The Midday Window is Key
Forget the pre-dawn starts. In late fall, the mornings are cold, and the fish are sluggish. The best action happens once the sun has been up for a few hours and the water temperature begins to rise. The prime window is typically from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Focus your efforts on the deeper buckets, slower seams, and soft edges where the Redband Trout and Whitefish conserve energy.
The Small-Bug Nymphing Game
Nymphing is, as always, the most consistent producer on the Crooked River, but you need to size down. The water is often low and crystal clear in late fall, which means the resident trout can be incredibly selective.
Your fly box should be stocked with tiny stuff, mostly in the #16 to #20 range, and occasionally smaller.
Fly Pattern
Size Range
Why it Works in November
Zebra Midge
#18 - #24
The midge is the Crooked's most important insect in the cold months. Black, red, and purple are staple colors.
Scuds (Sowbugs)
#16 - #20
A year-round food source, often drifting in the current. Tan, olive, or gray are best.
Perdigons/Jig Nymphs
#16 - #20
Fast-sinking, sparse patterns are excellent for quickly getting to depth. Try purples, browns, and olives.
Egg Patterns
Small, Bright
Whitefish are spawning in late fall, and trout capitalize on the loose eggs in the drift. A small, bright egg fly is essential.
BWO Nymphs (Micro Mayflies)
#18 - #22
Blue-Winged Olives can still hatch on overcast or slightly warmer days.
The Dry Fly Opportunity
Don't neglect the dry flies, especially if you see fish rising or you have a cloudy afternoon. Midge hatches can be prolific in the midday window. A simple Griffith's Gnat or a small, black Midge Cluster in a size #20 or #22 can often pick off a rising fish. Use 6x or 7x fluorocarbon tippet to ensure a drag-free drift on the wary trout.
High Desert Holiday Camping
The Crooked River Canyon offers some excellent, primitive camping managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that is perfect for a low-key Thanksgiving.
Where to Camp
The most accessible and popular camping is along the Chimney Rock Segment of the Crooked Wild and Scenic River, which follows State Highway 27 south of Prineville. This area features nine non-reservable, first-come, first-served campgrounds open year-round, including:
Chimney Rock Campground
Palisades Campground
Lone Pine Campground
These sites typically offer vault toilets and a fire ring, though you should verify current fire restrictions before heading out. Potable water is usually only available year-round at the Chimney Rock Campground.
Embracing the Cold: Tips for a November Camp
Be Prepared for Freezing Temps: High desert weather in November can swing wildly. Expect freezing temperatures at night and potentially warm, sunny days. Pack accordingly with layered clothing, a zero-degree sleeping bag, and insulated sleeping pads.
Firewood Prep: If fires are permitted, either bring certified heat-treated firewood or use a propane fire pit. Collecting wood in the canyon is generally prohibited.
The Thanksgiving Feast: Since many campgrounds are primitive, simplify your meal. Pre-cook your turkey and sides at home and simply reheat them on a camp stove or over a small fire. A hot dutch oven full of pre-made chili or stew is a fantastic, simple Thanksgiving dinner after a cold day of fishing.
Stay Connected (or Don't): Cell service is often non-existent in the canyon, particularly around the Palisades area. This is a feature, not a bug—use the opportunity to disconnect and enjoy the solitude.
Final Thoughts on the Desert Solstice
A Thanksgiving fly fishing trip to the Crooked River is a perfect way to celebrate the holiday by connecting with the quiet beauty of the high desert. It offers a welcome respite from the usual holiday hustle and a chance to feel truly grateful for a drag-free drift, a soft take, and a warm fire under a sky full of stars. Tight lines, and happy feasting!
Disclaimer: Always check the latest Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) regulations and local BLM fire restrictions before your trip.