Has anyone ever fished Badger Lake by Mt Hood

[deefly]

In late July I am taking a group into Badger Lake by Mt Hood. I am not sure just what to expect? I do expect clear weather! Boy, I hate that! Any suggestions? graemlins/1zhelp.gif

[fishinbuddy]

The lake is clear and can get windy in the afternoon. I would suggest bringing your float tube. There are lots of brookies and some rainbows. The brookies are normally small, but they are sure pretty. Lots of fun, but a long haul on dirt roads to get up there. :wink:

[drbfish]

I have heard great things about the lake. I have TRIED to fish it twice, both times the road was still snowed in (I can't remember but I think I tried in late june). Even with out snow it is hardly a nice road.

[ampersat]

boy, that road is a bear. bathtub sized potholes on the last stretch in. i was up there a few years ago and saw everything from sport sedans to minivans go down it though. just take your time and don't let anyone rush you. take a good map and your gps to make sure you get there on the first try (i didn't). there are signs but they can be hard to see sometimes.

can't say how the fishing is though. i wasn't fishing yet when i was up there. morning and late evening are your best bets. midday might be more suited to bobber or spinners.

[sinktip]

I fished Badger 2 yrs ago, in July and had a great time. Bring your float tube, we also fished from a canoe. Lots of action in the evening after the wind died down.
The road is fun and a challenge with 4wd.

[ampersat]

badger is on the stocking list so you can count on a good number of 8" fish provided your timing is right. if you work your fishiest senses, you might find a few holdovers hiding out. it does get some considerable traffic despite its location and the condition of the road, so you probably won't find many of the big ones.

[birdhunter]

I've fished Badger Lake for many many years during the summer. Most of the fish are near the East side along the dam. There are a few up on the West side but it gets pretty shallow. The biggest fish I've caught out of there was a 18" brookie. Quite the rarity. Virtually all the other brookies are stunted. There are a lot of rainbows in there. Nothing too huge. The biggest I've caught was about 14". They bite great in the evening though. I mainly fish spinners so I can't help you on flies. I'm sure you'd kill them with bugs too.

I remember one night fishing from the bank in September, the bite was sooo great I caught a fish on every spinner I had in my tackle box. That was probably over 50 different roostertails of assorted sizes and colors. Just for the heck of it I threw one out there without a hook. In the short time it took to retrieve it, I had it slammed 16 times!

Definately bring a float tube. The road in can be really bad. I've seen all kinds of vechiles make it, but I wouldn't go if I didn't have 4 wheel drive. Haven't seen it this year so I don't know how it looks.

If you want a change of scenery Badger Creek flows out of it, and is C&R now. Farther down there are some BIG fish in it. Good luck.

[Eric W.]

Rough Drive down into. But well worth the drive. Make sure you have a good spare! Not very many people down there during midle of week. I always fish the creek that flows out of Badger lake. And I ALWAYS catch fish! There is a trail that follows along side of it as it flows there past the camp ground. There is also a little lake just (I think north) of badger lake. Can't remember the name, but worth the effort to get into. Late June is usaully the earlist you can get in there. Expect snow year round up there. I've had snow up there in Early september!!!! Go prepared it is rough country!

SleepGUY

[deefly]

Thanks you folks! Are the fish of any size?

[deefly]

Thanks again Everyone! I feel like Ive already been there! Great info. I could never figure out how you could drive into a "wilderness lake"....hm.....If this is a party lake, thats too bad. (like so many other places!) I just hope we dont come across any bodys. They seem to pop up all over out there these days. (only joking) I really appreciate this board and your help with this information. If we dont get lost, we may just make it!