By ROB DEHARPPORT/for The Herald — One week until general fishing season opens on Monday April 22nd. We have some good news for anglers who venture into our Cascade Lakes in pursuit of various species of fish.
As of this morning, April 15th the Cascade Lakes Scenic Highway is open. Also, the USFS and or the campground concessionaire have plowed out Sunset Cove campground on Odell Lake. The gate remains closed as of this morning but the boat ramp and parking area have been cleared of snow.
Wickiup Reservoir looked to be about 75% full as of last Saturday. Rob Deharpport photo
Princess Creek campground remains closed as of today along with Trapper Creek at Odell. East Odell Campground and both resorts are open and awaiting anglers.
Access to many Campgrounds and high lakes along the Cascade Lakes Highway will be limited due to lingering deep snow. However, Wickiup Reservoir and Crane Prairie are accessible. Access to Crane Prairie is limited to Crane Prairie Resort and the adjacent USFS campground at this time. Rock Creek Campground and others will remain snow covered for awhile longer. Diamond Lake is pretty much ice free with limited boat launching and camp spots open.
I anticipate a campground status report from the Deschutes and Umpqua National Forest soon. It’s a good idea to check the forest service’s Facebook and websites for campground info.
As mentioned, many campgrounds will be closed for some time as the snowpack lingers. The same is true for many side roads. I have nothing against tow truck companies, but I hate to see folks stuck anywhere that they should know not to try to venture onto snow covered and often remote roads. Play it safe, snow drifts can be deceptively soft under a firm layer of icy snow.
Odell Lake sunset from Odell Lake Resort. Rob Deharpport photo
Be sure to read your 2024 ODFW Fishing synopsis for any rule changes wherever you may be headed out to fish. I know that the limit for Kokanee has increased at several lakes this season from 5 to 10 daily. Paulina and Crescent Lake kokanee anglers can now have a combination of 5 trout and five kokanee or up to 10 kokanee with no more than 5 trout.
This is the week to check out your boats along with fishing and camping gear. Be prepared as we all know Spring time weather can bring most every conceivable type of weather in the Oregon Cascades. Have fun, be safe, enjoy and leave our great outdoor areas in better shape than you found them. Good luck and tight lines to all!
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.
The Highway 58 Herald is your trusted source for all things local, from community events to breaking news. But we need your help to keep delivering the stories that matter most to you. Your generous donation ensures we can continue providing in-depth reporting and vibrant coverage of our community.
Every dollar helps us maintain high-quality journalism and keep you informed. Please consider making a donation today and support the voice of our community. Donate today!
Thank you for helping us keep Highway 58 Herald strong and vibrant!
OFFICE SERVICES AVAILABLE: Copying, Scanning, Emailing & Faxing Services are now available at The Herald’s office in Oakridge.
