Lake Guide
Henry Hagg Lake
Henry Hagg Lake --- located near Forest Grove, Oregon, has a surface area of approximately 1,113 acres when full. It was built primarily for flood control and water storage purposes, serving as a reservoir for the Tualatin River Basin. It's depth is 51ft. to 110 ft. It fluctuates around 22ft. a year.
The lake is an incredible destination located in Tualatin Valley, Oregon. Whether you're looking for a place to fish, camp, hike or just relax with nature, Henry Hagg Lake has these "items" covered.
LOCATION Henry Hagg Lake is located in northwestern Oregon, United States. It is specifically situated in Washington County.
Fishing
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at this lake since there are a wide variety of fish species including trout, bass, catfish and perch. It is known for being a high quality Rainbow trout fishing lake as well as a great place to fish for both Largemouth and Smallmouth bass.(more below)
Nearby cities and towns.
Forest Grove –-- About 10 miles to the northwest, it’s a larger city with a variety of services and amenities.
Hillsboro –-- Roughly 15 miles to the northeast, it’s a significant city in the region with a strong tech presence and many attractions.
Beaverton –-- Around 20 miles to the east, it’s a well-developed city with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Cornelius –-- Approximately 10 miles to the south, it’s a smaller town but has a tight-knit community feel.
Dilley –-- Very close, just a few miles to the south, it’s a small unincorporated community.
FISH SPECIES
Rainbow Trout: These are stocked in the lake and are popular among anglers.
Largemouth Bass: A common sportfish found in the lake.
Smallmouth Bass: Also present and sought after by anglers.
Bluegill: A sunfish species that inhabits the lake.
Crappie: Both black and white crappie can be found.
Brown Bullhead: A species of catfish that resides in the lake.
Yellow Perch: Another popular panfish species.
The Most popular fish species Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are stocked regularly in Henry Hagg Lake by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and are a primary target for many anglers, especially during the cooler months when they are more active.(more below)
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are another popular sportfish in the lake. They are sought after for their size and fighting ability, especially during the warmer months when they are more active near shallow water and structure. The lake offers a good environment for bass fishing due to its relatively warm waters and varied habitat.(more below)
Smallmouth Bass
Though less abundant than largemouth bass, smallmouth bass are also targeted by anglers in Henry Hagg Lake. They are known for their aggressive strikes and can be found around rocky areas and drop-offs.
Crappie
Both black crappie and white crappie are present in the lake and are popular among anglers targeting panfish. They can be found in schools near submerged structures and are commonly fished for their delicious taste.
Bluegill Bluegill
A panfish species in Henry Hagg Lake that anglers enjoy targeting, especially during the warmer months. This is a great fish for those just learning to fish. (more below)
BOATING
Henry Hagg Lake Park provides several boat ramps and launch areas around the lake. These ramps are designed to accommodate various types of boats, including motorized boats, sailboats, kayaks, and canoes. About half of the lake is open to motorized boats, while the upper half is a no-wake zone for non-motorized craft. Some vendors may offer boat rentals at Henry Hagg Lake, providing options for visitors who do not have their own watercraft. Rental availability may vary depending on the season and local regulations.
TRAILS
Henry Hagg Lake Park offers a variety of trails that wind through the scenic landscape around the lake. These trails cater to hikers, walkers, runners, and even horseback riders. (more below)
CAMPING--- THERE IS NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING around the lake itself. Scoggins Park located at the lake has over 100 campsites.
BIRDING
Birding at Henry Hagg Lake in Oregon can be a rewarding experience due to the diverse habitats and bird species found in the area. Henry Hagg Lake Park encompasses a variety of habitats including forested areas, wetlands, grasslands, and the lake itself. Each habitat supports different bird species, making it a rich area for bird diversity.(more below)
Some "NO'S" at Henry Hagg Lake
No hunting,overnight camping, swimming, alcohol, pets off leash or/and fires.Always check for other regulations in the areas you plan to use.
NEARBY CITIES Detroit:
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.
WEATHER Go to www.weather.com. Search for Henry Hagg Lake, Oregon: Use the search bar on the website to enter "Henry Hagg Lake, Oregon" or the nearest town/city. Don’t hesitate to ask local anglers or visit nearby bait shops for the latest tips and information on current fishing conditions and hot spots.
Trout tips
Know the Seasons. -----
Spring: Trout fishing is typically best in the spring when water temperatures start to warm up, and trout are more active. They often move into shallower waters during this time.
Fall: Fall can also be a good time as trout feed more aggressively to prepare for winter.
Basic Fishing Gear for Trout
Rod and Reel:
Use a light to medium-action rod and a spinning reel. Light tackle can make the fishing experience more enjoyable and increase your chances of a good catch. A 4 to 6-pound test line is usually sufficient for trout fishing at Henry Hagg Lake.
Bait and Lures for trout
Live bait or those that mimic - such as worms, power bait, or salmon eggs can be effective. You can also use dough balls or cheese. Lures: Small spinners, spoons, and small crank baits are popular choices. Try colors like silver, gold, or chartreuse.
Seasons Fall Can also be a good time as trout feed more aggressively to prepare for winter.
3.Bait and Lures Bait: Live bait such as worms, power bait, or salmon eggs can be effective. You can also use dough balls or cheese. Lures: Small spinners, spoons, and crankbaits are popular choices. Try colors like silver, gold, or chartreuse.
Basic Bass
If you're just getting into bass fishing, a basic rod and reel setup that's both effective and easy to use can make a big difference. Here's a guide to choosing a beginner-friendly rod and reel for bass fishing:
Rod
Length: 6'6" to 7'0" is a versatile length for bass fishing. A rod in this range provides a good balance between casting distance and accuracy.
Power:
Medium to Medium-Heavy power is ideal. This gives you enough backbone to handle larger bass while still offering sensitivity for detecting bites.
Action:
Fast Action Rods
Often recommended. Fast action rods bend mostly at the tip, which allows for better hook setting and improved sensitivity.
Rod Material
Graphite or Composite rods are good choices. Graphite rods are sensitive and lightweight, while composite rods offer a blend of sensitivity and durability.
ReelType - Baitcasting Reels are popular for bass fishing due to their precision and power. However, they can be challenging for beginners. Spinning Reels are generally easier to use and handle a wider variety of lures and baits.
Ensure the reel can handle the line weight you plan to use. For bass fishing, a reel with a line capacity of 10-20 pounds is suitable.
Line
Monofilament or Fluorocarbon Line in 10-15 pound test is a good starting point for most bass fishing situations. Fluorocarbon has less visibility underwater, which can be beneficial, while monofilament is more forgiving and easier to handle.
Combo Reel to Rod Options
Rod and Reel Combos: For beginners, purchasing a rod and reel combo can be a cost-effective and convenient option. These combos are designed to work well together and often come with a balanced setup.
General Tips
Test the Gear-- If possible, handle the rod and reel before purchasing to ensure it feels comfortable in your hand and suits your casting style.
Practice Casting -- Spend time practicing casting with your chosen setup to build confidence and improve your accuracy on the water.
With these basic guidelines, you'll be well-equipped to start bass fishing and enjoy the sport with a reliable and user-friendly setup.
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Flies If fly fishing, try nymphs, streamers, or dry flies. Patterns like the Woolly Bugger or Pheasant Tail Nymph can be productive.
Fishing Techniques
Retrieval Vary your retrieval speed and technique. Trout and Bass can be attracted to both fast and slow-moving lures depending on their mood and the water temperature.
Drift Fishing
If using bait, let it drift naturally with the current, as this mimics natural food sources.
Typical times to fish
Early morning and late afternoon are often the most productive times to fish for trout. Trout are generally more active during these cooler parts of the day.
Boat Fishing: If you have access to a boat, you can reach deeper areas where trout may be more active. Trolling with lures or bait can be effective or casting from a boat to areas where access is challenging if casting from shore.
7. Water Conditions Temperature: Trout prefer cooler waters, so pay attention to water temperature. Early morning or overcast days may offer better conditions.
Clarity: Clear water may require more subtle lures and presentations, while murkier water might call for brighter or noisier lures. 8.Local Knowledge
Ask Locals: Don’t hesitate to ask local anglers or visit nearby bait shops for the latest tips and information on current fishing conditions and hotspots at Henry Hagg Lake.
Catfish A variety of catfish such as channel cats, bullheads and flathead catfish are present in Henry Hagg Lake. Fishing for catfish is best done with live bait such as nightcrawlers or cut bait like shrimp or chicken.
Perch: Yellow perch and white perch can be found in the lake. Fishing for perch can be done using artificial lures such as jigs, spoons and spinners, or you can use live bait like worms or minnows.
Hiking/Biking/Horseback Riding: The lake is surrounded by over 20 miles of trails which make great routes for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The trails vary in lefish.ngth and difficulty level so there's something for everyone no matter your skill level. Horseback riding is also allowed on certain trails, so make sure to check with the park service before you set out.
Birdwatching&wildlife: The lake provides excellent habitat to many species of birds and other wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching. From ducks and geese to bald eagles and ospreys, Henry Hagg Lake is home to a wide variety of avian species. It's also a great spot for spotting other wildlife such as beavers, river otters and deer.
What's Here
- Fishing
- Boating
- RV Sites
- Tent Camping
- Dump Station
- Boat Access
- Docks
- Hunting
- Attractions
Plan Your Visit
- Contact
- Good info on DAILY FISH ACTIVITY
Explore the Region
Henry Hagg Lake is part of the Portland region in Oregon .