Prineville Reservoir bouncing back from drought

Prineville Reservoir has bounced back , much to the delight of fishermen and others,after officials saw the lowest water level in 20 years last October.

Officials from Oregon State Parks say the reservoir reached 100 percent of capacity on Thursday — and water levels could still rise a bit more because of the strong snowpack the state received this past winter.

Joe Wanamaker, a manager with the agency, said Friday his office has received numerous phone calls from people asking about the reservoir being open again.

“The warm weather has increased the traffic to the park, and people have been calling our office to find out what is open,” Wanamaker said.

Just six months ago, the reservoir was only 30 percent full — the lowest water level, park officials say, in 20 years.

Wanamaker said many fishermen are launching their boats, getting their rods ready to catch some trout.

“People come here for the water,” he said.

Officials say visitation slowed down in early July and August because of the very low water levels

They are hoping they can keep facilities open through the end of summer after the boat ramps closed early last year.

One thing is certain: Fishermen are glad they get to enjoy the water again.

“Yeah, it’s going to be a good weekend all the way around, so probably going to be a lot of people out here, but a lot of fishermen mainly said Red Allen. “Water is probably pretty cold for the skiers.”

For more information about Prineville Reservoir State Park, visit: http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=26