Lava Lake, OR
Lava Lake is a beautiful destination in Oregon, known for its scenic views and recreational opportunities. Here's some information based on your interests:
Location: Lava Lake is located in the Cascade Mountains of Central Oregon, near the city of Bend.
Size: The lake covers approximately 116 acres.
Most Popular Fish Species: Lava Lake is famous for its abundant population of Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout.
Fishing Tips/Techniques: Anglers typically have success using trolling with downriggers or flat lines for Kokanee salmon. For rainbow trout, techniques like fly fishing, spin casting with lures or bait, and even fly trolling can be effective.
Fishing Report: Current fishing reports can vary, but generally, spring and fall are prime times for fishing due to cooler water temperatures and active fish.
Top Techniques for Kokanee Salmon Fishing
1. Trolling Most effective method for Kokanee.
Use a downrigger or lead core line to get your lure to the proper depth, usually between 10–60 feet depending on the season.
Speed: 1.0 to 1.5 mph is ideal.
2. Lures & Rigs Popular lures: Wedding Rings, Kokanee Killers, Hoochies, and small spoons (like Dick Nite or Mack’s Lure).
Dodgers/Flashers: Always use a small dodger or flasher ahead of your lure to create flash and vibration.
Tip the hook with white shoepeg corn, often scented with garlic, anise, or tuna oil.
3. Jigging (Vertical) Best when fish are schooled up and holding at a certain depth.
Use small, brightly colored jigs like Buzz Bombs, Gibbs Minnows, or Kastmasters.
Drop to depth, then bounce or twitch gently.
4. Bait Corn (scented) is the go-to bait.
Some anglers also use maggots or worms, though corn is usually more effective.
5. Electronics Use a fish finder to locate Kokanee schools and pinpoint the correct depth.
Kokanee often suspend in the water column and change depths based on temperature and light.
6. Time of Day Early morning and late evening are the best times.
Kokanee tend to stay deeper during bright, sunny conditions.
7. Light Tackle Kokanee have soft mouths, so use light rods and set drags lightly to avoid tearing hooks out.
Camping: There are several camping options around Lava Lake, including campgrounds with facilities for both tents and RVs. It's advisable to check availability and make reservations in advance during peak seasons.
Trails: The area offers scenic hiking trails that provide stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests. These trails are great for both casual walks and more adventurous hikes.
Wildlife Watching: Wildlife enthusiasts can spot various species around the lake, including deer, elk, and a variety of bird species. Early mornings and evenings are ideal times for wildlife viewing.
Boating: Lava Lake allows non-motorized and motorized boating, making it popular for kayaking, canoeing, and small motorboats. There's also a boat ramp available for easy access to the lake.
Lava Lake in Oregon does have a marina. The Lava Lake Resort, situated on the lake's shore, offers a marina facility. This marina provides boat rentals, moorage, and a boat ramp, catering to both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. It's a convenient spot for anglers and recreational boaters to access the lake's waters.
In addition to the marina, the Lava Lake Resort features a general store, cabin rentals, and other amenities to enhance visitors' experiences. The resort is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy fishing, boating, and the natural beauty of the Cascade Lakes region.
It's advisable to contact the Lava Lake Resort directly or visit their official website if planning to rent a boat/etc.