Outdoor Report: Wherever you go, fishing is good right now

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Fly anglers enjoying the quiet waters of Gold Lake Rob DeHarpport photo

By ROB DEHARPPORT/for The Herald — I hope everyone survived the Fourth of July and enjoyed celebrating our country’s freedom. This mixture of thunderstorms along with some rain and sunshine made the weekend interesting for sure.

The fishing continues to be good at Odell Lake for Mackinaw and Kokanee. Fish are being caught at a fast clip to those trolling at first legal daylight (1/2 hour before sunrise). The early bite is at a water depth of 20-40′. As soon as the sun hits the water, they are going deeper into the 60′ range. Nothing new as this has been the norm for many years at Odell.

Pond Lily’s blooming in a north Waldo pond. Rob DeHarpport photo

Big ones coming out of Odell Lake

What IS unusual is the size of the mature 3-year-old fish this season. We’ve caught several that measure a nice, fat 16″. Beautiful and tasty fish for the smoker, BBQ, or skillet.

Other high lakes worth noting are Diamond Lake and Paulina with steady catches reported. Hills Creek and Lookout Point are as full as they’ve been in years. Good reports are coming from both lakes.

When venturing out, be prepared for mosquitoes. Rob DeHarpport photo

The Coast is providing good fishing also

Silver Salmon are being caught off the coast. Crabbing has been great along with bottom fishing. A couple of charter boats reported nice catches of tuna far from shore.

The snow has melted off significantly in the high country. Opening access to the Waldo Lake Basin as well as Gold Lake and other lakes. Snow can be expected in the shady areas as well as on northern slopes. Along with hungry hordes of mosquitoes in many areas. Be prepared with bug spray, head nets and long sleeves when venturing out and about.

Summer is in full swing with another streak of hot weather being predicted. Be safe and enjoy the outdoor activities that are available. Remember water temperatures in our rivers and lakes are still quite cold. Get out and enjoy the wonderful areas within easy reach of our Highway 58 Corridor!

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

A large family of Red Headed Merganser on Gold Lake. Rob DeHarpport photo

George Custer

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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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