Skip to content

Lake Billy Chinook – Bull Trout Fly Fishing

When people think of trophy bull trout opportunities in Oregon, Lake Billy Chinook is the conversation. This canyon reservoir—formed where the Deschutes River, Crooked River, and Metolius River meet—offers one of the most unique predator fisheries in the state.

Prime bull trout season: March 1 to mid-April

Our bull trout trips are highly seasonal, and the best window is typically March 1 through mid-April, while water temps are still ideal and these fish are most likely to feed aggressively in the lake before shifting their behavior later in spring.

This is not “dinky rods and tiny flies” fishing. Expect to throw big streamers on 6–8 weights, cover water, and hunt the bite.

What you’ll do on a Billy Chinook bull trout trip

This is a boat-based, mobile day built around finding active predators. We’ll work proven zones—cliff edges, points, bait-rich pockets, and deep structure—until we connect. Once we’re on the right water, it can turn into the kind of streamer fishing you remember all year.

Call Now To Book

Gallery

Your Next Great Fishing Experience Awaits!

We’re excited to get you out on the water. Our guides run top-of-the-line lake boats with comfortable seating, making your day on Lake Billy Chinook both relaxing and highly productive. We’ll safely navigate you to the lake’s best water, match flies to conditions, teach effective techniques, and coach you through the eat, the fight, and the landing.

Fly & Field Outfitters offers full-day guided trips on Lake Billy Chinook, with a special focus on bull trout season from March 1 through mid-April. This full-day excursion includes an on-the-water lunch and gives you the best opportunity to cover water, adapt to changing conditions, and put yourself in position for the kind of streamer eats Billy Chinook is known for.

If you’re looking for a different experience, explore our other guided options—like Walk & Wade trips or half-day adventures on the Cascade Lakes.

Located over an hour from Bend, Lake Billy Chinook sits in the heart of Central Oregon where the Deschutes, Crooked, and Metolius come together in an incredible canyon setting. Depending on the season and your goals, you can target bull trout, smallmouth bass, and rainbow and brown trout—all with big scenery and a true “explore and hunt” day on the water

Call Now To Book

FAQ's for Lake Billy Chinook Trips

Your trip price does not include your Oregon fishing license, your required tribal angling permit, or flies. Our guides will choose the flies for the day based on conditions and have them ready to go—flies are purchased separately but yours to take at the end of the day.
Our prime bull trout window is March 1 through mid-April. That’s when we’re most consistently able to hunt aggressive fish with streamers and cover water efficiently.
Meet-ups are typically at a major access point on the lake (often around Cove Palisades State Park launch areas), based on the day’s plan and which arm we’re targeting. Cove Palisades has multiple day-use/boating areas along the lake.
Dress for Central Oregon conditions and plan for a full day outside—especially in early season. We recommend layered clothing (warm base + insulation + shell), a rain jacket just in case, hat, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and a small daypack. Bring a water bottle, any personal snacks/drinks you like, and a camera/phone for photos. If you have a favorite fly rod or gear you love, you’re welcome to bring it—otherwise we’ll have everything you need.

Know Before You Go

LAKES REPORT - 6/26/26

Jun 26, 2026

LAKES REPORT - 6/26/26
Central Oregon's lakes continue to provide consistent fishing opportunities as water temperatures climb into early su...
LOWER D REPORT - 6/26/26

Jun 26, 2026

LOWER D REPORT - 6/26/26
The Lower Deschutes continues to fish well, with opportunistic activity throughout the day.  Golden Stones, PMDs, and...
UPPER D REPORT - 6/26/26

Jun 26, 2026

UPPER D REPORT - 6/26/26
The Upper Deschutes has been fishing well since the season opener.  Focusing on structure, undercut banks and deeper ...

We're Ready When You Are!

We offer a variety of guided fly fishing trip packages to ensure that each angler gets the highest quality experience available to them. If the Diamond Lake guided trip doesn't sound like the perfect fit, check out our other options including Lower Deschutes Day Trips, Crooked River Guided Trips, Steelhead Fishing Trips or our Walk and Wake Trips. We look forward to seeing you on the water! Fly & Field Outfitters is here to ensure that your experience chasing fish in our local waters will not soon be forgotten. If you have any further questions about a guided fly fishing trip on Diamond Lake, please don't hesitate to call the shop at 541-318-1616 or email us at info@flyandfield.com.


POLICIES
Early season reservations will allow you to secure the dates desired. A 50% deposit is required to secure dates, refundable if cancellation is received no less than thirty (30) days prior to trip date. Trips proceed regardless of weather conditions. We reserve to right to cancel in the event of unsafe conditions or other circumstances beyond our control. If we cancel your trip, your deposit will be refunded or applied to a future date that is mutually acceptable.