One of eastern Oregon's most popular fishing spots. The expansive valley where Chickahominy Reservoir lies is surrounded by foothills, distant buttes and ridges with names like Potato Hills and Dry Mountain — a landscape that provides far-reaching views of the open high desert country. This man-made reservoir was constructed in the early 1950s to manage water irrigation and watering livestock. Modern machinery was used in later years to repair and enlarge the dam, and numerous improvements have been made including paving the access roads, constructing a concrete boat ramp and creating a family camping area. The reservoir was first stocked with rainbow trout in the summer of 1967, and is still stocked once or twice a year with fingerlings and legal-size fish. The water level fluctuates with the amount of spring run off and can be low at times, occasionally affecting the availability of fisheries. In most years, Chickahominy provides outstanding fishing opportunities.
Know before you go:
The fishing season peaks in June and resumes in September as the hot summer weather ends. Ice fishing is popular from December to late February.
Shade is limited and strong winds are common be prepared to tie everything down.
Point of Interest:
Wildlife species common to the area include mule deer, pronghorn antelope, black-tailed jackrabbits, coyotes, and ground squirrels. A variety of waterfowl, raptors and songbirds frequent the area as well.
