Mt. Hood Lakes

BentMetal · 04-25-2010, 06:45 PM

Looking to get my kids into some fish. I went out and tried Commonwealth and Bethany pond today, but fishing in the middle of the city isn't really what I enjoy doing (especially ones choked full of weeds from all of the yard fertilizer runoff). So, I was looking for information on some of the lakes out of Estacada and Government Camp. Any suggestions are appreciated, but especially any that will be open by next weekend.

Thanks,

capt. slo-mo · 04-25-2010, 08:14 PM

We passed by Vernonia Lake this afternoon. There were a lot of stocker trout coming out (most on worms, it seemed). Couple of nice fishing ramps that would be good for kids.

The paperwork at the ramp said it was being stocked again on the 26th.

RB Drifter · 04-26-2010, 10:05 AM

I assume you don't have a boat. Since you are up a creek with out a paddle

I would suggest N. Fork Reservoir at the end of May when it opens up. Trillium and Frog Lake once the snow melts and Harriet Lake right now. You can also go fishing at Pine Hollow Res. if you want to camp for the weekend in that general area. I suggest camping down the street if you are looking to stay for the weekend as the campground there is not very woodsy. They also rent boats there as well and it is only 2 hours from Portland.

Wild Chrome · 04-26-2010, 10:49 AM

I'd try Harriet or maybe NF Res. The other popular lakes up there are still snowed in.

mkwerx · 04-26-2010, 07:18 PM

Estacada Lake? Access either from Estacada or from McIver Park. Lots of willing, hungry trout, some nice size ones. Deep, cold water, not chocked full of weeds.

Right at the boat launch at McIver, there is a fishing pier (for anyone to use) that puts you immediately adjacent to deep water. I fished there a few times last summer - and it wasn't uncommon for a trout to nail a bait or lure while it was still falling. Great fun! Spinners, mini cranks, or bait - everything worked just about as well as the other.

dubl_t · 04-27-2010, 08:37 PM

Hey Bentmetal,
I'd try Clear lake up on Mt Hood now (on 26 towards Bend). I went up there today, not to fish, and the water was a little low but looked great, the road in is clear, and I didn't see anybody else fishing. May be a little cold, but I think it'd be worth a try. Probably down by the dam area.

Abalone · 04-28-2010, 07:56 AM

Clear Lake ? seriously you can get in there. But the news this morning said snow @2500 feet..

Code4 · 04-28-2010, 08:20 AM

I stopped in there at clear yesterday, saw another guy come in and check it out as I was leaving. Windy and didnt feel like launching the boat so packed it up and kept heading home. Just a 10 feet stretch of snow on the road which has bare pavement tire tracks through it. Looked good, maybe I'll try it next week. It was snowing there yesterday, but nothing sticking.

BentMetal · 04-28-2010, 09:00 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. I do have a drift boat and kicker, but haven't taken my psycho kids out by myself yet (grandpa is always with us before), but I think they are getting calm enough to risk it. I think I have Timothy, Harriet, Clear, Ollallie, Trillium, Pine Hollow and is it Rock Creek, on my list. But in a month or so, I will be taking them to Diamond lake, with the hope of getting them into some 16" or better fish.

dubl_t · 04-28-2010, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abalone

Clear Lake ? seriously you can get in there. But the news this morning said snow @2500 feet..

Oh Abalone...when have the "weathermen" been right this year?

Just kidding. The road's open, drifted over in shady spots with hard pack that's about 8" deep. My 5000# eurotrash floated over the drifts just fine.