Bentonite Reservoir

Bentonite Reservoir in Crook County is a reservoir in Oregon.

No reliable acreage is listed for Bentonite Reservoir, so begin with visible cover and the first clear change in depth.

Fish and Baits

Fish listed for Bentonite Reservoir include Brown Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Tui Chub.

During a warm summer afternoon near a clean gravel patch under flat light, work a soft plastic, jig, or spinnerbait around weeds and protected cover for largemouth bass.

During a methodical search near the downwind side with a moving bait, use a worm on the bottom in a warm, quiet pocket during low light for brown bullhead.

During a short evening pass near a creek-side turn before changing depth, cast a small spoon, inline spinner, light jig, or fly through cool water for rainbow trout.

How to Read the Water

During the last hour of daylight near the edge of deeper water near visible bait, start where two things meet: weeds and open water, rock and mud, a point and a drop, or clear water and dirty water; fish that edge at more than one depth before leaving it.

Season by Season

During the final pass near the outside weed line with a moving bait, spring runoff can add color and pull fish toward fresh water; green weeds and the first drop become stronger summer targets; in fall, follow bait toward points and shallow flats, while winter rewards a slower search.

A Simple Tackle Plan

During a bright afternoon near a quiet corner after a cold night, a light spinning rod, thin line, a few small spoons, inline spinners, and jigs cover the listed trout; carry one slightly heavier setup when other fish or windy water call for more control.

During a check of nearby water near a creek-side turn in stained water, record the wind, water color, depth that produced twice, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce.