Oregon · Fishing
Fishing in Camp Sherman, Oregon
Camp Sherman sits along the upper Metolius River in central Oregon, and fishing is the main reason most people make the drive out here.
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Camp Sherman sits along the upper Metolius River in central Oregon, and fishing is the main reason most people make the drive out here. The Metolius is a spring-fed river that runs cold and clear year-round, which makes it genuinely challenging water — the fish are selective, the currents are technical, and the fly fishing section near Camp Sherman is rated hard for good reason. Expect to work for your rainbow, brown, and bull trout at an elevation of 2,850 feet, with the river corridor staying fishable even when higher-elevation lakes are locked under snow. When the mountain lakes do open up, you have real options: Suttle Lake at 3,450 feet holds rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon and is the most accessible of the bunch, sitting right off Highway 20. Dark Lake, Hand Lake, Lost Lake, Duffy Lake, and Upper Berley Lake round out the lake fishing in the area, ranging from roadside pullouts to hikes that filter out the casual crowd. Whether you're a fly angler chasing wild trout on moving water or someone who wants to drop a line in a quiet mountain lake, Camp Sherman has enough variety to fill several days without repeating yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special permit or license to fish the Metolius River near Camp Sherman?
You need a valid Oregon fishing license for all waters in the area. The Metolius River has specific regulations that differ from general statewide rules, including restrictions on bait and gear types, so check the current Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for the Metolius River unit before you go. Regulations can change season to season, and fishing the Metolius without reading them first is a reliable way to make an expensive mistake.
What skill level do I need to fly fish the Metolius River at Camp Sherman?
The Metolius near Camp Sherman is rated hard. The river runs fast and clear, the trout see a lot of pressure and are picky about fly selection and presentation, and wading the faster sections takes confidence. Beginners will find it frustrating rather than fun. If you're newer to fly fishing, start on one of the lake options like Suttle Lake and come back to the Metolius once you have some moving-water experience.
What species can I expect to catch at Suttle Lake?
Suttle Lake holds rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. It sits at 3,450 feet and is the most accessible lake in the Camp Sherman area, with a boat ramp and shoreline access. Trolling is a common approach for kokanee, while the trout can be taken from shore or by boat.
When is the best time of day to fish the Metolius River?
Early morning and evening are generally the most productive windows on the Metolius, particularly during warmer months when midday sun puts the fish down. The river's spring-fed nature keeps water temperatures stable compared to snowmelt rivers, so it doesn't blow out in spring runoff the way many Oregon streams do, which extends the productive season considerably.
How do I access the more remote lakes like Upper Berley Lake and Duffy Lake?
The more remote lakes in the Camp Sherman area require hiking in, unlike Suttle Lake which is roadside. Trail conditions and distances vary, so check current trail information with the Deschutes National Forest before heading out. A Northwest Forest Pass is typically required for trailhead parking in this area.
