Wallowa Lake

Fat Head · 05-29-2009, 06:46 AM

Anyone care to share some info about it? Lodging, fishing, hiking, biking, etc... My wife, dog, and I are looking for something new next month.

Anything would be appreciated.

Grantspastor · 05-29-2009, 07:12 AM

Unparalled scenery..you'll be amazed. Make any reservations early. Places fill up fast, especially during Chief Joseph Days. Do a web search on Wallowa Lake lodging. The State campground is the first to fill up in the system. Fishing can be good, especially for kokanee. The Marina and tackle store can give you good information.

Joseph is where I was born and spent my early years. If you have time, take the loop that goes out to Imnaha and Hat Point. There's nothing like it any where else in the state. There are several Bronze foundrys in the area. Arrange for a tour. Casting bronze sculptures is a fascinating process. In Joseph you'll see a number of permanently displayed pieces that line the street. Several, including one called Attitude Adjustment were done by my Uncle Austin Barton.

Another web search for the Historic Wade Ranch will show you where I grew up. (My Grandfather's ranch) My middle name is Wade

When I lived there Joseph was a small town getting smaller. Now it has been "discovered" and is the darling of thousands of people throughout the year.

Other fishing is available besides the lake. The Wallowa, and Imnaha rivers can at times be very good

I love Joseph, and would return there to live except for one big reason. My Grandkids don't live there. They all live in Grants Pass. Maybe a family vacation home....? But I digress

Enjoy your stay there

norwegian · 05-29-2009, 07:23 AM

Loved our times we have spent there. Depends on what your looking for but, I would highly recommend there cabins on the lake. One little hint though, close your doors or the deer will join you for dinner. Make your reservation early and don't miss taking the tram. Keith

Rusty Psoadman · 05-29-2009, 07:45 AM

Try the berry cobbler at the Mountain Air Cafe.

Ghost hunter · 05-29-2009, 08:09 AM

Lots & lots of people if your not into crowds it isn't so much fun. Sunriver of camping

Just Fish · 05-29-2009, 08:16 AM

I just got back from there on the long week end I rented a cabin had a blast with the wife and kids.caught some nice rainbows and kokes.Its one of my favorite places.

Fat Head · 05-29-2009, 09:45 AM

Are the rental boats decent? I don't know if I want to pull mine all the way from Beaverton. Hopefully, it's not too crowded Monday through Thursday...

5-Cents · 05-29-2009, 10:52 AM

I know there are HUGE kokes there - didnt the Oregon state record come from this lake?

CHROME CATCHER · 05-29-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5-Cents

I know there are HUGE kokes there - didnt the Oregon state record come from this lake?

Yes it did, I believe it was over 6 pounds!!

Grantspastor · 05-29-2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5-Cents

I know there are HUGE kokes there - didnt the Oregon state record come from this lake?

Last year my brother and I caught some nice ones including one just under 22"

nwsoftball · 05-29-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grantspastor

Last year my brother and I caught some nice ones including one just under 22"

Salmon, Kokanee
6 lbs. 12 oz 2001 Wallowa Lake Pamella Fahey

That's a monster Kok!!!!

Just Fish · 05-29-2009, 01:52 PM

I heard there was a huge koke caught over the memorial week end.

onstep · 05-29-2009, 02:34 PM

A couple big ones from the Memorial Weekend...

[/IMG]

onstep · 05-31-2009, 03:42 PM

Try this again.

nwsoftball · 06-01-2009, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onstep

Try this again.

Holy moley!!!! Fish like that would make the 6 hour drive tolerable!

Dullhook · 06-01-2009, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nwsoftball

Holy moley!!!! Fish like that would make the 6 hour drive tolerable!

How does the koke fishing hold up later in the summer?

StickFish · 06-01-2009, 11:36 AM

There must be real good grub in the lake for those fish to reach that size - wow! So do big kokes like that live more than three years?

CHROME CATCHER · 06-02-2009, 09:08 AM

How does the koke fishing hold up later in the summer?[/QUOTE]

They go deep late in the summer. you can still get to them but they will be 100' or deeper.

can you say downrigger!!

bwild · 06-02-2009, 09:46 AM

I'm heading there in about a month. I'll let you know how I do. Never fished it before. But I'm going more for the Macks, but will definitely target some kokes, especially if they're this size.

Just Fish · 06-02-2009, 10:13 AM

You guy are giving up my koke spot

BrushApe · 06-02-2009, 11:33 AM

Going to be there 3rd and 4th. Start work again full time on the 8th so wife good with buddy and I going. Just dropped $50 at Bi-mart on Gibb's Minnows, 3/0 dodgers, hooks, P-line squid, 6 lb line, 1/2 oz trolling sinkers, wal-mart for shupeeg corn, lets see, what am I forgetting..................

Here fishy fishy, come and bite my hook.

Got to get out and start tying up some double hook setups, getting pumped, can you tell.

BA

MarlinMark · 06-02-2009, 06:42 PM

BrushApe,

I would by the Kokanee special scent...Mike's I think is the company. Scent a small portion 5-6 table spoons in a small tupperware container and put the rest of the can of corn in a larger tupperware container and back in the cooler. You can make a fresh batch of scented corn when you start to get low. Anise scent too.

Mark

valleygems · 06-04-2009, 04:51 PM

My family live up there and my brother fishes it regularly. He was fishing Memorial day and supposedly a 28" was caught but the person didn't realize it might be a record so didn't weigh it. My brother gave his 2 smallest fish to Mom & Pops (18" ea)