Rob DeHarpport’s outdoor report: Remember, we’re not in charge of the weather, but it’ll improve

By ROB DeHARPPORT/For The Herald — As snow flurries come and go today, May 21, we are reminded that Mother Nature is in charge of the weather and she decides just how loosely defined the four seasons truly are.

Highway 58 at Willamette Pass and portions of Odell received a 2-to-4-inch winter coat of snow in the past 24 hours, as did many other areas of the Cascades. Near Crescent Lake we’ve received only several light skiffs of the white stuff.

Much like the fickle spring weather in Oregon, so goes the fishing success rate at various lakes in the Cascades. For several years kokanee fishing at Odell Lake was absolutely “on fire” in early May, especially for anglers using jigs.

Not quite so “red hot” last year and certainly again not so hot this year. Many experienced Odell anglers speculate the reasons why. Only Mother Nature knows.

That’s why we call it fishing rather than catching. Hopefully, the “catching” improves for Odell kokanee anglers soon. It’s not that the fish have disappeared. They are very active trying to evade the hungry Mackinaw and moving about all over the lake.

Perhaps that is one reason they’re more elusive this spring. Can it be that the bull trout that were planted three years ago factor into the equation as well?

Is it possible the “habitat improvement” for bull trout in Trapper Creek has been detrimental to kokanee reproduction?

Speculation aside, Odell Lake is still one of the finest fisheries in the west. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and keep chasing them!

If the kokes aren’t biting, focus on the big Macs. Enjoy the good days on the water regardless of success.

Trapper Creek, Sunset and Princess Creek campgrounds remain closed to camping pending hazard tree mitigation and snow at Trapper. Boat ramps and camping is open at Sunset and both resorts.

More reports from Cascade Lakes accessible from our Highway 58 corridor:

CRESCENT LAKE — No kokanee reports. Browns and Mackinaw success is still good. Spring Campground should be open for Memorial Day although the boat ramp at Spring CG is unusable due to low water. Crescent Lake CG is open as is the “secondary boat ramp” at the campground. Crescent Lake Resort will be open on May 27 after being the only Cascade lake resort that was closed by the COVID-19 virus for the entire year.

DAVIS LAKE is producing a few nice bass for the few who venture out. No reports of trout success.

WICKIUP — Kokanee are essentially gone. Kaput, nearly extirpated from draining the lake two successive years. Anglers trolling for browns are having some success pulling Rapalas. Sheep Bridge and Reservoir campgrounds remain closed for hazard tree mitigation.

NORTH and SOUTH TWIN — Still producing nice catches of trout to both shore and boat anglers. Recently planted fish as well as holdovers. Twin Lakes Resort and restaurant are open and can provide tackle and tips

CRANE PRAIRIE — Decent catches of rainbows to those bait fishing, trolling. Also a few nice sized kokanee showing up occasionally. Bass fishing should improve as the weather warms. Rock Creek, Quinn, Cow Meadows campgrounds remain closed to camping due to hazard tree removal. Rock Creek and Crane Prairie Campground boat ramps are open.

Crane Prairie Campground has closed until at least June 11 due to a massive ant invasion, as reported by the KTVZ television news and Deschutes National Forest. The infestation or “super colony” includes two ant mounds that are four feet high and nine feet long. These nests may hold literally millions of these aggressive biting ants. Additionally, there are nearly 150 more small mounds that the USFS is trying to deal with. Each nest could house 10,000 to a million ants. It will be a long-term project to mitigate these pests with most of the work to be done during their dormant stage next fall and winter.

According to USFS Entomologist Rob Flowers, “The sheer numbers of colonies closely together like this is kind of a unique situation.”

Such a “super colony” as this Flowers has “only seen one other time.” He said some campsites could reopen soon.

Education is key to alerting recreationist as to where these are located and to leave them alone as the bites can be painful.

Crane Prairie Resort and RV Park are open and not affected by the ant situation nearby. The resort sells the always effective Dragonfly nymphs when available.

LAVA LAKE is producing nice Rainbows (even up to 13.5 pounds, as I reported last week) to early spring Anglers.

CULTUS LAKE Resort opens this weekend and is again hosting its annual Mackinaw Tournament this weekend, after canceling due to the pandemic last year. Entry fee is $75.

Register online or prior to the 6 a.m. start on Saturday. There’s $1,000 to the angler with the biggest Mackinaw, and more cash prizes available for runners-up.

HOSMER and ELK LAKES should be accessible for Memorial Day weekend as the entire Cascade Lakes Highway should be open for the holiday weekend.

PAULINA LAKE –Nice limits of 9-to-14-inch kokanee are reported from Paulina Lake from folks trolling as well as jigging, a few lunker browns up to nearly 12 pounds have been verified at Paulina Resort; trolling was to ticket for catching the big browns.

EAST LAKE — Resort is open and taking cabin and RV and tent site reservations. The lake is low, with the lake level below the ramps. Launching is said to be possible using caution. No fishing report.

DIAMOND LAKE continues to produce nice trout to anglers trolling and bait fishing.

I attempted to drive to Waldo Lake this afternoon, May 20. Turned around near the Bobby Lake trailhead due to snowdrifts. There are several large trees partially blocking the road below these snow drifts. Access to the Waldo area and many other hike-in high lakes should soon be clear as the warmer weather returns. Gold Lake remains gated at Highway 58.

Trout streams open in the Central Fishing Zone on Saturday May 22. Be sure to check the rules and regs for each river and lake.

The cold, snowy weather should subside later next week. It’s always good to be prepared for any sort of Oregon spring weather. Be safe driving as roads can be surprisingly slippery.

Remember, the forest is tinder dry for this time of year, so make sure your campfires are dead out.

Support our Highway 58 businesses and our Cascade resorts! Tips up! Tight lines!

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