By ROB DEHARPPORT/for The Herald — Our recent warmer weather and sunny skies have improved fishing and access to the Cascades high lakes. Resorts are opening or are soon to open. Boat ramps are opening with docks soon to be in place.
Kokes and Macs are coming around
Odell Lake Kokanee prospects are improving. It’s been tough to locate and stay on top of the Kokanee as the Mackinaw are chasing and feasting on them. My friend Clay Jones and I fished for Kokanee on Tuesday morning. After a heavy fog lifted, we were greeted with a beautiful day and flat calm lake. We only managed to land one Kokanee from a school of fast-moving “jumpers”. However, that is a very encouraging sign of better things to come as the lake temperature has warmed to 44° from last weeks 36° temps.
After a few hours we decided to change things up and troll for Mackinaw, aka Lake trout, in the shallower waters along the shoreline. Using Rapala lures, I tied into a Mac after letting out about 200 feet of line within a minute of trolling. I was using a lightweight jigging rod that made the fish seem like a twenty pounder. As it turned out it was a 32″ of around 10-12 lbs. A nice way to end a sunny morning.
Gear up for the Cultus and Odell Lakes fishing tournaments
Mackinaw up to the 40lb. State record inhabit Odell, Crescent and Cultus lakes. Early Spring you can find them in shallow water chasing bait fish. Kokanee anglers are frequently surprised when a “Big Mac” will attack Kokanee gear or a jig in deep or shallow water. Cultus Lake Resort’s annual Mackinaw Tournament is this weekend. $100 entry fee for the possibility of winning a $1200 first prize! Odell Lake Resort’s annual Mackinaw Tournament is the first weekend in June, with similar entry fee and prizes.
Kokanee still in Wickiup
After seeing Wickiup Reservoir being drained for three consecutive years for irrigation and for the “endangered” frogs, and the number of Kokanee seen spawning dwindling each fall, many of the Kokes were flushed into the Deschutes River. It’s been surprising to many that some Kokanee are being caught in Wickiup. Some theories are that these Kokanee have been flushed out through the dam at Crane Prairie Reservoir.
The South boat ramp at Diamond Lake has been opened, though the dock is not in place yet and parking is limited due to snow.
Lava Lake Resort will open on May 19th. Deep snow remains in the area that is restricting a small portion of the access road to one lane.
Elk Lake Resort will soon open along with the entire length of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Highway slated to be opened on May 23rd.
A low Crescent Lake means more beach this summer
The gates to the roads at Crescent Lake have been opened. However, access to Tranquil Cove and Spring Campground are still blocked by deep snow. Simax Beach Day Use area is accessible. Once again, low water at Crescent means the best boat launching site will be the low water ramp at Crescent Lake Campground; it’s clear of snow. I’m doubtful if we ever see Crescent Lake full again.
The demands for irrigation water and the water being demanded for the endangered frogs may very well keep the lake at its natural level with only a trickle going through the dam that was built for irrigation. We can be thankful that even at its natural level its still a nice large body of water. Now with much more beach to enjoy. In other words- make lemonade out of the lemons we are being served!
Halibut are biting off shore
Elsewhere, there are many opportunities throughout Oregon for anglers and recreationist to enjoy. I was able to enjoy a great halibut fishing trip with friends last week off the coast of Newport. We landed three nice fish about 20 miles out. Success has been great for halibut anglers as well as those pursuing lingcod and rockfish.
Always use good judgement when outdoors: stay safe
Use caution on all of our lakes, rivers and the ocean. Don’t become a statistic. Every Spring brings hazardous and deadly consequences to folks who underestimate to powers of the currents, conditions and water temperatures.
This time of year can, and too often does, catch travelers who venture into deep and softening snow drifts with hours of walking out for help or attempting to get unstuck.
It’s been a long winter for most of us. The sunshine and warmer temperatures are very welcome and appreciated! It’s a great time to get out and enjoy the Spring weather. Enjoy and tight lines!
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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