Getting There: From Lakeview, follow Hwy. 395 north to Valley Falls, then State Rt. 31 to Paisley. A paved road west out of Paisley follows the Chewaucan through BLM land and into Fremont National Forest (Forest Rd. 33).

Fisheries: Wild rainbow trout are abundant, and there are some brook trout in the higher reaches.

Useful Information: The Chewaucan offers quality wild trout angling in a primitive setting. It’s an excellent choice for introducing families to roughing-it-style camping and to stream fishing. Getting here is part of the adventure. Fill up your gas tank whenever you find an open pump, and come prepared with all your camping needs, including water.

Tackle & Techniques: Small Rooster Tails and Panther Martin-type lures work well. Flies can be very effective. Try grasshoppers in summer, stonefly and caddis nymph imitations year-round. A good way for kids to fish is with an artificial fly (such as a grasshopper, stonefly or cadis nymph imitation) and casting bobber (cork is best because it can bounce off rocks and not break).

Facilities: Primitive forest camps (rock fire rings, pit toilets and a few picnic tables); drinking water (hand pumped) at Marsters only; wheelchair-accessible outhouses at Marsters Spring and Chewaucan Crossing; pleasant undeveloped sites along the river; additional forest camps along Dairy Creek and at Deadhorse and Campbell lakes; some supplies and services available in Paisley.

Fees: None.

Alternative Activities: Swim at The Falls (a BLM site about a mile west of Paisley), hike in Fremont Forest; take a scenic drive to alpine lakes Deadhorse and Campbell (accessible July through October).

For More Information:
ODFW Lakeview Office - 541-947-2950
Fremont National Forest, Paisley Ranger District - 541-943-3114