Crater Lake

[Deluxe]

I took my flyrod down to Crater Lake, and got into a couple nice fish. Has anyone else tried fishing there? I've gone in the past and done pretty decent. Caught 2 fish on a weighted black woolybugger. One was 20 inches and the other 18. A little chop came up on the water but I was able to see both fish strike due to the water clarity. Stealth fishing is a must. I also took another guy down there fishing, and he lost one that we estimated around 25 inches. A beautiful hike, and good fishing. Went to Diamond the next day, but the fishing had slowed. We took two fish wind drifting the southwest end, out by an eagle feeding station. The station had dead fish on it, and a bunch of seagulls, seemed pretty pointless to me. Hopefully the eagles take out some seagulls

[stillwater97]

shhh.... ;)

[stillwater97]

I mean... great job up at CLNP!!

You are one of a few (now many) that know that there are trout to be caught up there. I've fished the island and had similar luck. I'd say keep it zipper lipped, but I seriously doubt its going to be getting much pressure due to its location and the hike it requires. Anyway thanks for your report!

[Deluxe]

I figured if I kept it off of the normal trout fishing thread, some other fly fisherman might get to appreciate the fishing. I've had some amazing days, especially the island, but yes, I will keep it a little hush hush. Most of the people I've seen fishing there, don't have a clue, and usually don't catch any fish. I kinda hope it stays that way. One of the most unique waters in the world. It's too bad the NP has taken it's stance on the fishing as a catch and MUST take fishery.

[stillwater97]

That does suck. given the lack of feed and the cold water, I'm guessing that some of those fish have been around for a decade.

[TrapperJohn]

According to “The Smith Brothers’ Chronological History of Crater Lake National Park,” fish were introduced to Crater Lake in 1888. Here is an excerpt from that document:
1888
August
William Steel plants the first fish in the Lake. Steel started with 200 fingerlings from the Rogue River and ended up planting 37. Steel carried the small tin bucket the entire 49 miles to Crater Lake because the swaying of the wagon dumped the water. The water in the bucket was refreshed frequently whenever he crossed a stream. By 1901, some of the fingerlings had reached a length of two and a half feet.*



*“The Smith Brothers' Chronological History of Crater Lake National Park: Chronological History and Important Event Log Including Significant Crater Lake Records and Area "Firsts." Collected and Edited by:Larry B. Smith (jvsmith@clearwire.net) (jvsmith@clearwire.net)Lloyd C. Smith (lsmith3@adelphia.net) (lsmith3@adelphia.net)


On August 24, 1865, Captain Franklin B. Sprague and a party of civilians visited the lake. Sprague and two of the others descended to the lake itself and reported that “Although no fish were observed in the clear water, the sighting of a kingfisher suggested the possibility of their presence.”**

** “Historic Resource Study Crater Lake National Park, Oregon.” Linda W. Greene. Banch of Cultural Resources Alaska/Pacific Northwest/Western Team Denver Service Center National Park Service United States Department of the Interior Denver, Colorado. June 1984

In spite of Capt. Sprague’s observation of the kingfisher, it is generally accepted that fish were not native to the lake because it has no naturally occurring inlets. Today, park officials report that rainbow trout and kokanee are the only fish that survive there. The “catch and kill” policy would seem to reflect the fact that the fash are not “native” to the lake.

With that said, if you think the lake is blue from the rim road, isn’t it absolutely magnificent at lake level?

A good story, Deluxe, fine fishing, and I doubt many will be competing to hike down to the boat ramp!

[Jeremy]

Next time you are down there wade to the left of the boat ramp there is a big cave over there in the side of the rock face that usually has fish hanging out in front of it

[dubl_t]

Thanks for the report. I'm sure you thought about the publicity before publishing your story, and the proposed turmoil that could ensue by giving away "secret" info; but thank you. I enjoy reading about adventures just as much as living them. And no, you won't see me there.

[Meskel]

Wow as a kid my parents always told me you couldn’t go down to the water. Maybe that was there way of not having to go for a hike. That line will now live on right next to “because I said so”

Not that I am planning on going there anytime soon but that must be some hike. About how long is it and what sort of water access is there? As I remember it was rather steep and then there was water-it is a crater. Of course that was twenty some years ago.

Would love to see some pictures from water level.

Meskel

[stillwater97]

I thought about this being "secret" water, but is there really any true secret waters out there? I say we should do a float tube trip on Crater lake!! Talk about thee coolest thing...

[Masty]

I have stood on the deck at the Lodge and seen fish swinging! That's 700th down to the water! I never knew if the fish was really that big or some kind of water refraction trick.

Back when I worked there, the Park Service would sample the fish each year and would pull 30 inchers. They knew their were bigger fish but their gill nest would not hold em!

Labor day marks the end of the boat tours. That marks the start of the hot XXL trout fishing! I never had to be stealthy, these fish have very few enemies. The Kokes are a July thing.

The park wants the fish out of the lake, has not been stocked in 20 years. NPS seams to think it was a mistake stocking it in the first place! I think the the remaining trout are a Redsides , like you see in the Dechutes. I never seen or landed any other trout.

The Rules are, No license, No limit, No bate & if you are taking the fish home, pack out the guts. And leave the float tubs in the car. BIG no no, no personal boats or floats. I have seen a dude pack his surf board down only to be scolded by the rangers. Reason is no way to rescue anyone. I have seen the waves build to over five feet in under one hour. Also, sorry guys there is no boat ramp. I had to fly a tour boat out and back in with a helo.

These fish are some of the best eating trout in the state! Pink meat, very sweet!

The hike is 1&1/8 mile @15% or 700 vert drop. Cell phones don't work in the crater, and not many areas on the rim. Make sure someone knows you went there! You will be on you own and alone in the fall.

The fishing is great from the shore, so you don't have to hike much once you get down. It is very cool to see a fish coming from 50ft to eat your fly! And man they have a fight in em!

I never thought of it as much of a secret, just to many old fishermen to hike the path back to the car! hehe So go get em!

Good Luck

Masty

P.S. Lloyd and Larry are the Smith Brothers of the Smith Bros cough drops!