Public ownership in this stretch of river is primarily a combination of BLM, USFS land, and three state parks. Most of the public land is included in the Deschutes River Recreation Area within the Crooked River National Grasslands, administered by the Ochoco National Forest. In some spots the river is wadable, and in other areas bank fishing is the rule. It is a preferred area for fly-fishing, this section is not open to bait fishing; however, lures are permitted. All fish in the river are wild, including rainbow trout up to 18 inches. Brown trout can be found in all sizes, including a few monsters pushing 8 pounds. Bull trout are present below Steelhead Falls, and profuse numbers of whitefish are available throughout the river. Crayfish are common. Boating is not possible due to low flows and frequent waterfalls farther downstream. The only navigable expanse is in the Deschutes Arm of Lake Billy Chinook.
As the river leaves Bend, it passes the last man-made obstruction for 40 miles and becomes a wild, canyon river. More of the riverbanks are public land. Shorelines vary from flooded, marshy ground to blocky talus with some heavy vegetation of willow and alder. Around Lower Bridge, 25 miles below Bend cattails and sedges dominate. Springs below Lower Bridge help to stabilize water levels, as does inflow from Whychus Creek. The uplands are covered with juniper trees and bitterbrush, and the basalt canyon is of varying depth. Outstanding wild rainbow and brown trout habitat exist from Lower Bridge downstream 10 miles to Lake Billy Chinook. The deepest part of the canyon below Lower Bridge has excellent slots and pools and the best potential for a fishery if flows could be stabilized. Instream structure in the form of rocks, woody debris, and occasional weedbeds are plentiful throughout the canyon. The area is rich in wildlife.
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