Happy fishermen at Crane Prairie Resort. Photo courtesy of Crane Prairie Resort
By ROB DEHARPPORT/for The Herald — As Memorial Day and the holiday weekend approach, it’s a time to remember and honor those who lost their lives while serving our country.
I believe too many of us forget the true meaning of not only Memorial Day but other holidays as well as we are busy with our families and making a living in this crazy world.
A happy angler at Paulina Lake holds up his 17lb. German Brown. Picture courtesy of Paulina Lake Lodge.
As Memorial Weekend approaches
That certainly doesn’t mean that recreating outdoors and honoring loved ones are mutually exclusive. We can do both. Many of our friends and family who we lost while serving in the military enjoyed nothing more than being outdoors with family and friends. I don’t believe it’s a stretch to say that many of them would want us to continue these outdoor pursuits, and the freedom that they fought for allowing us our leisurely outdoor recreation.
Call ahead if you are looking to camp
As of this Memorial Day weekend, nearly all High Cascade resorts will be open for business. With Crescent Lake, Elk Lake and Paulina Lake Resorts opening for summer visitors. East Lake may still be dealing with snow, it’s a good idea to call ahead if planning to go to There. The campground at Paulina remains closed due to snow. However, the boat ramp is open with parking limited due to snow.
Most Campgrounds will be open on the Deschutes National Forest. Unless the deep snow is lingering as is the case at Paulina, East Lake and Trapper Creek at Odell Lake. Other Campgrounds may be closed until dangerous trees are mitigated. Check the US Forest Service Deschutes National Forest Facebook page for updates. Princess Creek Campground opened recently, and the boat docks have been installed.
The Mule Deer have migrated back from their winter in the desert as seen in this picture provided by Twin Lakes Resort.
The USFS and the campground concessionaires are working to get the dangerous trees removed and the boat docks in place at most all Campgrounds. The Cascade Lakes Highway will be completely open tomorrow May 21st. Many high elevation trailheads remain buried with deep snow, which is not unusual for Memorial Day.
Fishing success is improving across the High Cascades. However, the typical cool and windy spring weather has kept many anglers gathered around their campfires waiting for the winds to calm down. For those who have been on the water fishing has been worthwhile. Kokanee anglers may be struggling as water temperatures slowly rise. A few large Mackinaw, German Browns have been boated along with some sizeable catch and release Tiger Trout at Diamond Lake.
“You can’t catch a fish from camp”
The old saying holds true, you can’t catch a fish from camp. Bundle up and get out on the water as long as it’s not too rough for you and your boat. Safety first. High winds can not only take much of the fun out of fishing, but it can also make it downright dangerous to be on the water. No one will survive long in 45°-60° water.
The 7–10-day weather forecast looks to be in the 50s to 60s with nighttime temps around freezing. It’s been 22° – 24° the last few mornings here at Crescent Lake with 5-10 mph winds and gusts up to 20mph at times.
Cultus Lake Resort’s annual Mackinaw Tournament was a success this past weekend as was the 2nd Annual Two Rivers Store Tournament. Odell Lake Resort’s annual Mackinaw Tournament is always on the first weekend in June.
Fun times at the Cultus Lake Mackinaw Tourney. The husband-and-wife team Adam & Jessi Brenneman hold up their 13 and 12lb first and second place fish. Darrell Carter was a close 3rd Place at 10lbs. Pictures courtesy of Cultus Lake Resort.
It’s a great time of year to get out and enjoy the outdoors. If conditions are too cold and unpredictable, pack a picnic lunch, fishing gear and take a drive; get out and explore. Or, visit one of the many lodges and resorts for a meal and/or stay in a cabin. Resorts will appreciate your patronage as we all awaken from wintery weather and look forward toward summer!
Rob DeHarpport was a long-term resident and former mayor of Westfir. Rob now lives in the Crescent Lake area and is The Herald’s reporter for the Outdoor Report. Rob DeHarpport photo
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
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