ABOUT WICKIUP RESERVOIR

This is one of central Oregon’s best wildlife viewing sites because it attracts such a variety of nesting and/or migrating birds. The relatively shallow reservoir was dammed to store irrigation water that is managed by the North Unit Irrigation District. The water level often lowers dramatically by October. The easiest access for shoreline viewing is at recreation sites or along the 2.6-mile earthen dam.

The reservoir covers an area on the Deschutes River which was known as the Wickiup’s. It was a camping area for Native Americans during the fall. The construction of Wickiup Dam was started in 1939, but was not completed until 1949. Wickiup Reservoir is very rich, highly productive, relatively warm water and cooler deep channels generate some of the finest fishing in Central Oregon.