Outdoor report: Spring is around the corner but there’s still lots of snow for those who enjoy it

By ROB DEHAPPORT/for The Herald  —  Looking out my window as I write this Outdoor Report, I’m watching light snow fall gently to the ground. I doubt that any snowfall will add to our snowpack at this time. Here at Crescent Lake, we received 2-3″ of fresh powder last night. Currently the Snotel Snow Guages at Crescent Lake and Summit Lake report 30″ and 97″. Thanks to our late winter storms that arrived in early January snowpack levels and water content levels across most of Oregon and California are at or above normal. This marks the second consecutive year! Shasta and Trinity Lakes are both nearly full in Northern California.

With fishing season opening at Odell Lake and other Cascade Lakes on April 22nd, access will be limited due to deep snow. I tried to access the Cascade Lakes Highway a few days ago via a road that had been plowed for logging activity all winter. I made it to the paved Cascade Lakes Highway only to turn around and return the same way I went in due to snow that was too deep.

South Twin Lake and North Twin are accessible from Lapine. Both are ice free and open all year for fishing. At Diamond Lake the slushy ice is breaking up and the boat ramp at the resort should soon be accessible. Odell Lake will likely have limited boat launching ready by opening day. Campgrounds are snowed in, but Shelter Cove and Odell Lake Resort will have boat ramps open on the 22nd. A nominal fee is charged at both resorts to launch.

Skiers are enjoying spring skiing at Willamette Pass with great deals on lift tickets. It’s been an exceptionally

great ski season at Willamette Pass! Snowmobilers are still enjoying good conditions at higher elevations. Lower elevation areas such as the east side of Davis Lake will greet snowmobiles with spots of bare pavement. Not recommended. Check with the Walker Rim Snowmobile grooming report for latest conditions.

After what seemed to be a long winter many of us are itching to get out and camp, fish, and explore. It won’t be very long before more access is available to reach all of our favorite locations. Use caution when driving as nighttime temps remain below freezing in many high elevation areas. Likewise, caution is urged to avoid traveling in snow covered roads. Every Spring we read about someone getting stuck and stranded on snow-covered back roads. It’s not worth the risk or the tow truck bill to push the limits. I will have an updated access report as “Fishmass” season approaches.

Fishing at the coast has been good for Lingcod and seabass. A few healthy Spring Chinook are being caught on the Rogue and Columbia Rivers.

 In the meantime, get out and enjoy the outdoors whenever and wherever you can. It’s a great time to check and replace fishing line and prepare boats and camping gear.

The countdown to opening day continues… See you on the lake soon!