Masty
08-26-2007, 10:47 AM
If you can hike the path back up with a backpack filled with fish, Crater Lake in late Sep. untill the snow flies is for you!
The Nat'l park fishing rules are, No license, No bate, No limit! No personal boats are allowed on the lake, that includes floats.
In my past life I worked for Crater Lake Co. for five years and fished the lake often. The kokanee in the spring is off the hook hot! I only used two split shot with bare hooks from the dock area. It is very possible to fill two 5 gallon buckets in less than one hour! Best time of year is from the time the path down is opened though mid July. The fish are 10" and taste great!
But the real fun starts after Labor Day when the tour boats are put away . The trout like to chase blue fox, but attack count down Rapalas! Avg. fish is around 18" and the meat is like a cohos! In 2001 we did not get any snow until late in Nov. On my best day I got to make two trips up and down to pack out my fish!
This fishery is a real treat for the family. The fish will bite all summer and if you can hike the rocks on the island give it a try! I have seen more little ones take fish that would make the most seasoned trout fisherman proud!
Take a bag for the guts, the Rangers don't like seeing the remains left behind. The cold water preserves the waste for weeks.
I can't wait to bust a lung this fall!!
Masty
The Nat'l park fishing rules are, No license, No bate, No limit! No personal boats are allowed on the lake, that includes floats.
In my past life I worked for Crater Lake Co. for five years and fished the lake often. The kokanee in the spring is off the hook hot! I only used two split shot with bare hooks from the dock area. It is very possible to fill two 5 gallon buckets in less than one hour! Best time of year is from the time the path down is opened though mid July. The fish are 10" and taste great!
But the real fun starts after Labor Day when the tour boats are put away . The trout like to chase blue fox, but attack count down Rapalas! Avg. fish is around 18" and the meat is like a cohos! In 2001 we did not get any snow until late in Nov. On my best day I got to make two trips up and down to pack out my fish!
This fishery is a real treat for the family. The fish will bite all summer and if you can hike the rocks on the island give it a try! I have seen more little ones take fish that would make the most seasoned trout fisherman proud!
Take a bag for the guts, the Rangers don't like seeing the remains left behind. The cold water preserves the waste for weeks.
I can't wait to bust a lung this fall!!
Masty