My daughters enjoy spending time with their grandparents (my in-laws) each summer while fishing at several of the Cascade Lakes. They make a full day of it, devour junk food snacks and take their boat, so it’s a special occasion that warms my heart.

But I also appreciate the simple approach that others take when it comes to fishing.

Bend has fishing opportunities at ponds and the river for those looking to shorten the commute or want to keep the time commitment to a minimum.

Fishing Ponds in Parks

If you’ve been out to Shevlin Park this summer, you may have noticed the popularity of fishing at the Aspen Hall pond. I’ve visited recently on several occasions and there are always children and accompanying adults casting a line and enjoying the serenity.

The Bend Park & Recreation District offers fishing ponds at Pine Nursery Park and Shevlin Park that are stocked by Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. Current regulations at both ponds allow for a limit of two fish per day, 8-inch minimum length.

Shevlin’s pond is open to youth, 17 years and under and anglers with disabilities. Youth aged 12 to 17 must have a youth fishing license. During events at Aspen Hall, fishing is allowed only on the pond’s east bank, across the bridge from Aspen Hall. You may make it into the background of a wedding photo, but it will be at a distance!

The other pond fishing option is at Pine Nursery Park. It is open to all ages and is stocked with rainbow trout, blue gill and bass.

Deschutes River access

While it’s easy to focus on the highly visible floating activity on the Deschutes River each summer, we shouldn’t overlook the appeal of fishing opportunities year-round.

The Deschutes River is home to many species of fish and some of the best fishing spots are accessible in public Bend parks.

And because of those river floaters, I recommend choosing your location carefully. Until September, it’s best to steer clear of the popular put-in and take-out river access points to keep it safe for everyone.

How to float the Deschutes River in Bend 

Sawyer Park and Riley Ranch Nature Reserve are popular fishing destinations for my friends and colleagues. Both offer breathtaking settings and the ability to get away from the crowd if you pick early mornings or evenings.

For Deschutes River fishing, access is available at the following parks. You can use the website park locator at bendparksandrec.org to filter parks and learn more.

• Drake Park, 777 NW Riverside Blvd.

• Farewell Bend Park, 1000 Southwest Reed Market Rd.

• First Street Rapids Park, 1980 Northwest 1st St.

• Miller’s Landing Park, 55 NW Riverside Blvd.

• Pacific Park, 1236 NW Wall St.

• Pioneer Park, 1525 Northwest Wall St.

• Riley Ranch Nature Reserve, 19991 Glen Vista Road

• Riverbend Park, 799 SW Columbia St.

• Sawyer Park, 62999 O. B. Riley Road

All state angling license requirements apply on park district property, so it’s best to get those in order before packing up the tackle box and heading out for a fishing adventure. Even the most seasoned fishing enthusiasts should check ODFW’s website for the latest and greatest information as regulations may change.

Finally, please consider the health of river habitat and your frequency of fishing to maintain a healthy ecosystem. If all you take home are stories, photos and some peace and quiet, that’s a good day of fishing. And that applies to any fishing spot you choose.