Oregon lakes to visit

B

bshillam

Member
To all the brats out there,
I'm starting the process of planning a few weekends this summer and would like some feedback. I would like to find some nice lakes to visit in the Oregon area. We live near Portland so finding a few within a two hour range (or close) would be great. :thup I'd like to find a few lakes that are larger to anchor in a corner and enjoy the night and some good fishing. :smileo I found one through Oregon Parks and Rec, DETROIT LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA. Any other suggestions would be fantastic!~ :teeth
 
Bryrick,

One of Diana and my favorites is Waldo, which is just below Willamette Pass on the west side. There is a speed limit on the lake (which is good, and it keeps the jet skis, also known as "instruments of satan") off of it. It's about 8 miles long, maybe 2 wide, deep and very clear. Early season it is very, VERY buggy, but late August and beyond is great. Cold mornings.

Typically, we take a canoe, kayak or our Montgomery 15 when we go, but the CDory would be fine up there. Recently there has been some discussion about length of stay for moored boats, plus a bit of talk about banning combustion engines. I believe the LOS is in effect, but not sure where the motor ban is.

The west side of the lake gets quickly into a wilderness area. The lake has very little aquatic insect life, so the fishing is not particularly good, but the scenery makes up for it.

In the same area are Cresent and O'Dell lakes, both of which have commerial resorts, etc..

Steve
 
We've only boated on one lake in Oregon, Diamond Lake down south near Crater Lake. It is huge, gorgeous, lots of amenities, campgrounds and fish etc, but probably 5-6 hours south.

North, in Washington, we've enjoyed Lake Merwin (a reservoir on the Lewis River upstream/east from Woodland); and Mayfield and Riffe Lakes both reservoirs on the Cowlitz River SE of Chehalis. Mayfield is not far from I-5 and is where the state record Tiger Musky (32 lbs.?) was caught. All are scenic, surrounded by forests with mountains nearby. Riffe and Merwin can get windy and choppy at times. Being reservoirs behind dams, there are some cut off tree tops to avoid in places.... inquire and use maps. Kokanee are easily caught trolling pop gear and worms. They all have clean, refreshing water & some water skiers in places seasonally. C.W.
 
Violates the 2 hour rule but Paulina Lake and East Lake used to be favorite spots -- camp grounds, boat ramps and good fishing.

Bill Uffelman
Pining for the old days
Las Vegas NV
 
Hey Bill.....Have you ever been in Pirimid Lake just north of Reno.... My son tells me that it is kinda shallow and that they catch some sort of monster trout out of there in the winter.... He sid they just wade out with step ladders... and sit on top of em and fish... Nevada Lakes sure have a charistic look to them.....
I always enjoy Eagle Lake by Susanville Ca..... nice lake...huge

Joel
SEA3PO
 
I have been to Pyramid Lake and yes they have their own brand of fish Lahontan Cutthroat Trout http://plpt.nsn.us/slideshows/wildlife_files/frame.htm

and fishing styles. http://plpt.nsn.us/ for the tribe which controls access.

Nevada lakes except Tahoe have virtually no vegetation around them despite the water contained therein. Probably a result of the highly alkaline and rock hard soils.

Notably Lake Mead has a bathtub ring because of low water. http://www.nps.gov/lame/launchramp.htm

Bill Uffelman
Las Vegas NV
 
I remember fly fishing there in the late 70's. Most anglers stood on those step ladders or on milk crates because the slope of the beach was so shallow. They fished side-by-side and heaved sinking lines out as far as they could. I didn't have a milk crate, so I sort of sidled up to the end of the line and tossed out wooly buggers. I think I did best on purple ones.

Pretty country but the fishing is as dull as a sports talk show on ESPN.

Pat
 
bshillam - a very nice like at the upper end of the Lewis River is Swift Reservoir. It is about 34 milse east of I-5 but there is only one boat ramp on the lake and it is another 12 miles farther east at the NE end of the lake.

I have an album Swift Reservoir in my photo album with pictures of the lake when we were there in 06.
________
Dave dlt.gif
 
Howard Prairie in Southern Oregon is a great place. Good fishing and nice anchorages, and if you like there is a pleasant marina and restaurant. If you decide to come down let us know.
Best
Eric
 
CW":204xswam said:
We've only boated on one lake in Oregon, Diamond Lake down south near Crater Lake. It is huge, gorgeous, lots of amenities, campgrounds and fish etc, but probably 5-6 hours south.

North, in Washington, we've enjoyed Lake Merwin (a reservoir on the Lewis River upstream/east from Woodland); and Mayfield and Riffe Lakes both reservoirs on the Cowlitz River SE of Chehalis. Mayfield is not far from I-5 and is where the state record Tiger Musky (32 lbs.?) was caught. All are scenic, surrounded by forests with mountains nearby. Riffe and Merwin can get windy and choppy at times. Being reservoirs behind dams, there are some cut off tree tops to avoid in places.... inquire and use maps. Kokanee are easily caught trolling pop gear and worms. They all have clean, refreshing water & some water skiers in places seasonally. C.W.
Click to expand...

I prefer the next lake/reservoir up from Merwyn, Yale Reservoir. Calmer waters with lots of no wake inlets, often un-occupied. Swam in the old birthday suit without incident. Also there are less people and a stunning view of St. Helens

Can't comment on the fishing.

Diamond Lake might be in the process of chub removal. If not, then it's a terrific place to fish and sightsee. Many fond memories there in my youth, catching big trout.

Lake Billy Chinook is a great lake on the other side of the Cascades, where the summer weather is superior. Three different rivers form it and it's fun to travel upstream in them, especially the scenic Metolius.

Finally, the Columbia river reservoirs offer fine boating. A favorite of mine is Hat Rock near Hermiston. Great weather....and solitude.

-Greg
 
Paulina and East Lakes are great. And you can combine some fantastic hiking if you are into that recreation. Odell and Crescent are rapidly becoming my favorites because driving to them from the Salem area is easier than driving to Paulina or East. Freeway or fast highway all the way, and a really pretty drive up there. And the fishing in Odell and Crescent is really good. I have fished and camped around detroit since it was built in the 50's and it is an okay lake for boating, except for the outrageous jet skis and big ski boats every morning during the summer. Fishing has actually been pretty good the last couple years. There are a few places to anchor in detroit but not many, not like the central oregon lakes. Why not look at the coastal lakes. They can be great. Siltcoos is a good one with good fishing and you can anchor just about anyplace.
 
I used to have a book called the "Oregon Atlas of Lakes." It was pretty good because it gave depth readings as well as other information about quite a few lakes. If it's still available, you might want to take a look at it.

Pat
 
It is like a lake on the Columbia when it is not windy. Lots of corners to hide, lots of fish when they are running and boat ramps and facilities up and down the river.

Best of all two hours puts you in new water wether by the ocean or in Washington Idaho area.

Jeff
 
Back
Top