Surrounded by Lakes

Oh, the beauty of God's creation. We are so blessed to be surrounded by over 4000 lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and other fishing bodies of water to choose from and to enjoy. Freshwater lakes are nestled in the hills in many areas here in Oregon.

Eel Lake is a large, deep coastal lake south of the mouth of the Umpqua River. Fishing is popular with native cutthroat trout, stocked rainbow trout, steelhead, coho salmon, smallmouth bass, and panfish present. A boat launch, picnicking, hiking trails and restrooms are provided at William M. Tugman State Park on the southwest shoreline.

Eel Lake is surrounded by steep timber covered slopes characteristic of the foothills of the Coast Range. Eel Lake is 355 acres in size and consists of two long narrow arms in the shape of a U. The state park has a trail that goes partially around the lake but the brushy shoreline makes bank angling difficult.

Fishing Methoods ~ Fly, Spin, Bait. Angling season ~ Spring, Summer.

Tugman State Park is located at Eel Lake and has 115 tent/trailer sites, water, flush toilets, showers, boat ramp, day-use area, and accessible fishing pier.

I take our grand children camping and fishing at Eel Lake for our "Grammy Camp" time in the summer. Resently, our grandson's come over and we spent a day out in the boat fishing.

Lake Marie ~ This small 5 acre lake is a great place for camping, swimming, and some fishing in the spring. The Umpqua Lighthouse is within walking distance and has a great view of the mouth of the Umpqua River and the Pacific Ocean.

Stocked annually with rainbow trout. Fishing methods: Spin, Bait. Angling season: Spring

Umpqua Lighthouse State Park is located at Lake Marie and has 64 tent/trailer sites, water, flush toilets, showers, paved trail, and swimming beach.

Paulina Lake ~ The fishing is GREAT! Located in the Deschutes national Forrest, sits a lovely Summer and Winter family resort. This rustic lodge is set on the shore of Paulina Lake. Paulina Lake inside world famous Newberry Crater is a lake formed by ancient volcanic activity in the caldera of Mt. Newberry.

A recreational paradise for fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, or just kicking back! There is so much that awaits you at Paulina Lake. The deep cool waters give you a great abundance of fish and a diversity that is sure to make any angler happy. Minerals from hot springs, raindrops, and snowflakes feed the rich food chains of Paulina, making the fishing some of the best in the West!

The early, mid or late season is an excellent time to fish for rainbow trout. In the early part of the season they are found in large numbers along the ice's edge until the lake has completely thawed. Rainbow trout can be brought in using any of your favorite still-water techniques: trolling, still fishaing, wet and dry fly fishing, and spin casting.

These freshwater landlock salmon thrive on abundant zooplankton, and are very popular game fish. The red meat is delicious, especially when smoked. Kokanee reach maturity at 3 to 4 years, after which they spawn and die. At maturity Paulina Lake kokanee average between 13-17 inches in length. Kokanee occupy the large deep area of the lake and provide great mid-summer angling when fishing for other species ia slow. Knoanee fishing is very exciting, as they fight hard, but with very soft mouths it takes skill to land one. By mid-summer, the kokanee will be deep, sometimes 40-50 feet below the surface. To reach that depth, one must troll with up to four ounces of lead, and stick to the parts of the lake where the depth exceeds 80 feet.

Jigging with a Slammer or Buzz Bomb can be especially good, though most people prefer to troll with flasher type lures. As usual, having a fish finder will increase your chances of landing a great fish.

We love to fish Paulina, we never go home without fresh fish and we always have a wonderful time with the family fishing and camping!

Angling Ethics

* Know and follow all state angling rules and regulations.

* Protect Oregon's waters from pollutants and waste. Dispose of all trash, including fishing line and tackle, at collection stations or disposal sites.

* Ask first! Do not trespass on private land.

* Be courteous to other anglers, boaters, hikers and campers.

* Remember the warm water conditions can stress salmon, steelhead and trout. Seek cooler waters during summer months, especially early in the day.

* Clean angling equipment and boats. disinfect wading boots to prevent the spread of aquatic hitch hikers such as weeds and disease.

* Avoid actively spawning fish.

* Teach future generations how to enjoy and conserve Oregon's fish and their habitats.

* Report angling violations to the State Police.

Remember, poachers are nothing more than wildlife thieves whose actions can affect Oregon's fish and wildlife populations and future angling and hunting opportunities.

Get a friend hooked on fishing. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife offers Oregon residents and visitors a full weekend to fish, crab and clam without a license usually in the month of June. You can find out more about it at http://www.dfw.state.or.us

Do remember, while you are in a boat...Don't sit on your life jacket...WEAR IT! Not wearing it could cost your life.