Rob DeHarpport’s outdoor report: Decent catches reported on high lakes, as well as some whoppers

By ROB DeHARPPORT/For The Herald — Fishing in the Cascade lakes has been pretty good for some determined anglers who have braved the various weather in recent days. Thunderstorms, rain, hail and even extreme heat have all factored into keeping many from fishing recently.

Nearly all lakes have been producing decent catches — some with spectacular trophy fish.

A few worthy of mention are a 33-pound lake trout caught last Saturday at Odell Lake by Trever Nelson of Bend. The fish was caught in the annual Odell Lake Resort Mackinaw Tournament. The behemoth won Mister Nelson a $2,000 prize for the largest fish in the tourney.

Several other Mackinaw fishermen took home great monetary prizes for fish in the 12-to-22-pound range.

Trever released the giant Mac unharmed after Odell Lodge officials weighed the fish.  Odell Lake Resort has encouraged these trophy fish to be released during the tournament. They make the release of these fish successful by having anglers call in their location on the lake and then quickly locating the boat from the resort’s boats. Tournament contestants are issued an orange flag to assist in locating them after the angler calls in the location on the lake.

It’s great to know this fish and other large Mackinaw are released unharmed to continue prowling the lake!

KTVZ, Bend’s TV Channel 21, reported another whopper of a fish, a possible state record rainbow trout caught at Wickiup Reservoir. The beautiful rainbow weighed 39 pounds. It was caught by Bend angler Mick Craven.

Congratulations to Trever and Mick for these fish of a lifetime!

Lava Lake has also produced a few whoppers early this season, including a 13-pound and 9-pound rainbows.

Crescent Lake, Paulina Lake and Wickiup anglers have also caught a few dandy German browns so far this year.

In other fishing action, South Twin, North Twin and Crane Prairie have been steady for rainbows. Cultus has also been decent for Mackinaw. Diamond Lake has been good along with most rivers and streams. Odell Lake seems to be improving for kokanee for those who stay out trolling. Kokes are being caught from the 30-foot range down to 50 feet at Odell. Paulina has also been consistent for kokanee.

A friend and I were able to go halibut fishing last week out of Newport and did very well. The fishing and recreational opportunities are endless within easy range of our Highway 58 corridor. The good weather is returning, so get out and enjoy when you can!

Rob DeHarpport, former mayor of Westfir, moved to the Crescent Lake community in 2015 shortly after retiring from a 31-year career in the trucking industry.