Detroit Lake, OR
Detroit Lake Situated in the Willamette National Forest, east of Salem, Oregon's capital city. It's approximately 50 miles east of Salem. The lake was created by the Detroit Dam on the North Santiam River. It serves as a reservoir for flood control, hydroelectricity generation, and recreation.
Recreation: Detroit Lake is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking. The area offers several campgrounds and day-use areas for visitors.
Size and Depth: The reservoir covers approximately 3,500 acres when full, with a maximum depth of around 400 feet near the dam.
Access: Access to Detroit Lake is primarily via Oregon Route 22, which runs along the northern shore of the lake. The town of Detroit, after which the lake is named, is located nearby.
Activities: Popular activities on the lake include boating (both motorized and non-motorized), fishing for species like kokanee salmon and rainbow trout, and enjoying the scenic views of the Cascade Mountains.
FISH SPECIES: Detroit Lake in Oregon is known for its variety of fish species, making it a popular destination for anglers. Some of the main fish species found in Detroit Lake include:
Kokanee Salmon: Kokanee are landlocked sockeye salmon and are highly prized by anglers for their fight and taste. They can be caught throughout the year but are especially targeted in the spring and fall.
Rainbow Trout: Rainbow trout are abundant in Detroit Lake and provide excellent sport fishing opportunities. They can be caught using various techniques including trolling, bait fishing, and fly fishing.
Brown Trout: Brown trout are another species found in Detroit Lake, known for their wily behavior and challenging fight. They are typically caught by trolling deep waters or fishing near submerged structures.
Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth bass are present in Detroit Lake and are popular among bass anglers. They prefer rocky habitats and can be caught using artificial lures and live baits.
Largemouth Bass: Largemouth bass can also be found in Detroit Lake, although they are less abundant compared to smallmouth bass. They are often found around vegetation and submerged structures.
Cutthroat Trout: Cutthroat trout can occasionally be caught in Detroit Lake, especially near the inflows and in cooler, deeper waters.
Whitefish: Mountain whitefish are native to the area and can be found in Detroit Lake as well, offering an additional fishing opportunity.
POPULAR LURES AND BAIT: Kokanee Dodgers and Spinners: These are often used for targeting kokanee salmon. Dodgers create a flash and vibration, while spinners imitate small fish or insects.
Flatfish and Kwikfish: These diving plugs are effective for trout and kokanee, especially when trolled at different depths. Casting and Retrieving Lures:
Spoons: Silver or gold spoons can mimic small fish and are effective for trout and kokanee.
Spinners: Inline spinners like Mepps or Rooster Tails are versatile and can attract a variety of fish species.
Jerkbaits and Crankbaits: These lures imitate injured fish and are effective for bass and trout.
Fly Fishing: Streamer Flies: Woolly Buggers, leech patterns, and minnow imitations are popular for targeting trout and bass.
Dry Flies: Mayfly and caddis fly patterns are a favorite when fish are feeding on the surface.
Natural Baits: Nightcrawlers and Worms: These are versatile baits and are effective for trout, bass, and panfish.
PowerBait: Specifically formulated dough baits that are scented and colored to attract trout.
Salmon Eggs: Particularly effective for trout and kokanee. Artificial Baits:
Soft Plastic Worms and Grubs: Rigged on jig heads, these can be used for bass and trout.
Spawn Sacs: Sacs filled with salmon or trout eggs are effective for targeting various species.
Corn: Canned corn kernels can be used as bait for trout and kokanee.
Tips: Adjust the depth and speed of your presentation based on the fish species you're targeting and the time of year.
Match the Hatch: Use lures and baits that mimic the natural prey of the fish species in the lake.
Experiment: Try different colors, sizes, and presentations until you find what works best on any given day.
By using a combination of these lures and baits, anglers can enhance their chances of success when fishing.
CAMPING: Camping around Detroit Lake in Oregon offers a variety of options, from developed campgrounds to more rustic settings. Here’s a breakdown of the camping opportunities you can find:
Developed Campgrounds: Detroit Lake State Park Campground: Located on the north side of Detroit Lake offers RV and tent camping with amenities such as showers, restrooms, and picnic tables. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Piety Island Campground: Situated on an island accessible by boat only. Provides a more secluded camping experience with basic amenities like vault toilets and fire rings. Suitable for tent camping; limited to 10 campsites.
Southshore Campground: Located on the south side of Detroit Lake. Offers both tent and RV camping sites with amenities such as picnic tables and fire pits. Close access to the lake for boating and fishing.
Cove Creek Campground: A quieter campground with a more rustic feel. Provides tent and RV sites with basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables. Close proximity to hiking trails and fishing spots.
Dispersed Camping: Willamette National Forest: offers dispersed camping opportunities in various areas surrounding Detroit Lake. Allows camping outside of developed campgrounds in designated areas with no amenities; campers must practice Leave No Trace principles. Requires a free permit for camping in some areas; check with the local ranger station for details.
Tips for Camping at Detroit Lake: Make reservations early, especially during weekends and holidays, as campgrounds can fill up quickly.
Facilities: Be prepared for varying levels of amenities depending on the campground chosen; some may have limited facilities.
Activities: Enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching while camping at Detroit Lake.
Fire Safety: Check fire regulations and restrictions before camping, as conditions can vary.
HIKING: Hiking around Detroit Lake and its surrounding areas in Oregon provides excellent opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the Cascade Range. Here are some notable hiking trails and areas you can explore:
Hiking Trails: Detroit Lake Shoreline Trail is a scenic trail that follows the shoreline of Detroit Lake. Offers relatively easy hiking with opportunities for lake views and wildlife spotting.Accessible from various points around the lake.
Stahlman Point Trail: Located on the north side of Detroit Lake. A moderate trail that leads to Stahlman Point, offering panoramic views of Detroit Lake and the surrounding mountains. About a 2-mile round trip hike.
Shellburg Falls Trail: Located northeast of Detroit Lake in the Santiam State Forest.A moderate hike to Shellburg Falls, a beautiful 100-foot waterfall. The trail is about 2.6 miles round trip and features lush forest scenery.
Opal Creek Wilderness: East of Detroit Lake, this area offers various hiking trails amidst old-growth forests and pristine creeks. Trails like the Opal Creek Trail and Jawbone Flats offer opportunities to explore historic mining sites and stunning natural landscapes.
Iron Mountain Trail: Located southeast of Detroit Lake in the Willamette National Forest. A challenging hike that leads to panoramic views from the summit of Iron Mountain. The trail is about 6.7 miles round trip and is known for its wildflower displays in the summer.
Tips for Hiking: Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out, especially in the shoulder seasons. Some areas may require permits for hiking or parking, so check with local ranger stations or websites beforehand. Always carry essentials like water, snacks, a map, and a first aid kit. Be aware of wildlife and know how to handle encounters. Many trail heads around Detroit Lake are accessible via forest roads. Some roads may be unpaved, so check for road conditions, especially in winter or spring.
Seasonal Considerations: Trails around Detroit Lake are generally accessible from late spring to early fall. Winter conditions may limit access to higher elevation trails.
BIRDING: Birding around Detroit Lake and its surrounding areas in Oregon offers birdwatchers a chance to observe a variety of bird species in diverse habitats. Here are some key birding locations and species you might encounter:
Key Birding Locations: Detroit Lake State Park: This park and its surrounding areas provide diverse habitats including forests, shoreline, and open water. Look for waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and sometimes mergansers on the lake. Forested areas can host a variety of songbirds, woodpeckers, and raptors.
Opal Creek Wilderness: East of Detroit Lake, this wilderness area offers old-growth forests and pristine creeks. Look for forest birds such as Pacific wrens, varied thrushes, and northern goshawks. Wetlands and creeks can attract species like dippers and various warblers.
Santiam Pass Area: North and east of Detroit Lake, this area includes higher elevation habitats. Alpine meadows and coniferous forests are home to species like mountain chickadees, Clark's nutcrackers, and white-headed woodpeckers. Keep an eye out for raptors soaring overhead, such as golden eagles and red-tailed hawks.
Bird Species to Look For: Common species include mallards, Canada geese, hooded mergansers, and common loons (in migration).
Raptors: Look for bald eagles, ospreys, red-tailed hawks, and occasionally peregrine falcons.
Forest Birds: Species such as varied thrushes, Pacific wrens, Townsend's warblers, and pileated woodpeckers can be found in the forested areas.
Shorebirds and Waders: Along the shoreline and in wetland areas, you may spot species like spotted sandpipers and great blue herons.
Wintering Species: During winter months, watch for wintering waterfowl and occasionally northern pygmy-owls in the coniferous forests.
Tips for Birding: Binoculars and Field Guides are essential tools for identifying birds at a distance. Many birds are shy, so patience and quiet observation can yield better sightings. Bird species can vary by season, so different times of year may offer different opportunities for birdwatching.
Additional Information: Consider joining local birding groups or guided birdwatching tours in the area for expert guidance and camaraderie. Always observe birds from a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them, especially during nesting seasons. Birding around Detroit Lake and its surrounding areas provides a rich diversity of habitats and bird species to explore, making it an excellent destination for birdwatchers of all levels.
BOATING: Detroit Lake is known for boating, including motorized boats, sailboats, and other watercraft. There are boat ramps and marinas available for launching.
Hunting: Detroit Lake and its surrounding areas in Oregon is managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), and it offers opportunities for various game species. Here’s an overview of hunting in the region:
Game Species: Deer: Both mule deer and black-tailed deer can be hunted in the region. Deer hunting seasons typically occur in the fall. Elk hunting is also available in nearby areas such as the Santiam Wildlife Management Unit, which encompasses parts of the Cascade Range.
Upland Birds: Grouse: Species like ruffed grouse and blue grouse can be found in the forests surrounding Detroit Lake. Turkey: Wild turkey hunting is available in some areas nearby, although specific regulations and seasons apply.
Waterfowl: Waterfowl hunting is popular on Detroit Lake itself and nearby wetlands during the designated hunting seasons.
Small Game: Tree squirrels such as Douglas squirrels can be hunted in the forests surrounding the lake. Snowshoe hares and cottontail rabbits can also be hunted in the area.
Regulations and Permits: Licenses: Hunters must have appropriate hunting licenses and tags issued by the ODFW.
Seasons: Hunting seasons for different game species vary and are strictly regulated. It's important to check current regulations and season dates before planning a hunting trip.
Hunting Units: The Detroit Lake area falls within specific wildlife management units (WMUs) that have their own regulations and boundaries.
Safety: Always practice firearm safety and be aware of other hunters and recreational users in the area.
Respect Wildlife: Follow ethical hunting practices and regulations to ensure sustainable hunting opportunities for future generations. Know the Area: Familiarize yourself with the terrain and boundaries of hunting units where you plan to hunt.
Additional Information: Visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website or contact local ODFW offices for detailed hunting regulations, maps, and updates.
Local Knowledge: Consider talking to local hunters or visiting outdoor sporting goods stores in nearby towns for advice on hunting opportunities and conditions. Detroit Lake and its surroundings offers a chance to experience the natural beauty of Oregon while pursuing game species in diverse habitats. Always prioritize safety and compliance with hunting regulations to ensure a successful and enjoyable hunting experience.
NEARBY CITIES Detroit: This small town is located right by Detroit Lake itself, providing easy access to the lake and nearby recreational activities.
Mill City: Approximately 15 miles northwest of Detroit Lake, Mill City is a small town along the North Santiam River. It offers amenities such as lodging, dining, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Salem: Salem, the capital city of Oregon, is located about 50 miles west of Detroit Lake. It is the largest city in the region and offers a wide range of services, accommodations, and attractions.
Stayton: Situated about 30 miles northwest of Detroit Lake, Stayton is a smaller city with amenities including lodging, dining, and services for travelers.
Albany: Albany is located about 55 miles northwest of Detroit Lake. It's a larger city than Stayton and offers more extensive amenities and services.
These cities and towns serve as convenient bases for exploring Detroit Lake and the surrounding Willamette National Forest, providing various accommodations, dining options, and access to outdoor activities.
WEATHER: Go to the o www.weather.com. Search for Detroit Lake, Oregon: Use the search bar on the website to enter "Detroit Lake, Oregon" or the nearest town/city.