Owyhee in the spring?

Wandering Sagebrush

Wandering Sagebrush

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North East Oregon
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2005
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22 Cruiser
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Constant Craving
John's post about Brownlee got me to thinking about a trip that I have wanted to take for years. Anyone interested in taking a cruise up Owyhee Reservoir? It's one of those marvelous places that can best be described as "you can't get there from here". Probably some side trips would be in order, too. Leslie Gulch and Succor Creek. For any of the geology folks (Bill and El) the Honeycombs are reported by Oregon Field Guide to be spectacular. I believe there are petroglphs and other First Nation/Native American attractions.

Fishing is for pan fish, bass and catfish, with an excellent brown trout fishery below the dam.

The reservoir looks to be about 40 miles long. I believe there is fuel at the north end.

Steve
 
Wow Steve...just looked that up on google and I like it!

Would love to get over there and visit as well. When you thinking about going?

John
 
John,

So if springers are done by Aprilish, and the Shad start getting serious in June, let's think about sometime in May. Maybe around Memorial Day.

Now that I have retired, I have a few options, so if there is a date that works best for others, I would be open to that.

Steve
 
That would be nice to have 3 days there and we might take one vacation day to really enjoy it.

Will keep this on the radar for next May.

Thanks,

John
 
The lake is a terrific boating paradise in late spring. Call the State Park before you commit, to get an assessment of the lake level. They draw it down 60 feet or more in the winter, and it fills as snowmelt occurs, which varies considerably from year to year. The ramp at Leslie Gulch provides good access to the upper end, but the road in is often questionable early so I'd avoid that unless you are prepared for it.

The other caveat, at low water, is that the lake has a few spots where keel inspectors (rocks) are common. I don't think there is a chart for it, but topographical maps may be useful there.

Be sure to check out the hot springs uplake a bit on the left side from Leslie Gulch, and the airport downlake a few miles from LG.

Couple side canyons are worth a stroll, taking care about awakening rattlers.
 
Loved the links and the information as well.

Here's another place I now have on "the list"...just need to see if I can purchase some more time at the grocery store!

Sounds like a end of May trip might be fantastic!

Thanks,

John
 
John, et all:

If you google "Owyhee photos", there are a number of different sites out there that cover the area. Most are on the canyon and surrounding territory, but folks will get an idea of the beauty of SE Oregon.

Steve
 
We're on the 'interested' list, for sure. We'll be reading your posts if you put together a trip.
 
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