“Odell Lake in Central Oregon has produced the last two Oregon State record Lake Trout (Mackinaw). I have seen evidence that the next state record lake trout is currently swimming in the lake, and I have learned the tricks and tactics to specifically target the trophy sized fish. Every year we hook fish that approach the record, and I’m confident it will fall soon.“
Nestled in the center of the Cascade Mountains is Oregon’s premier trout fishery – Odell Lake. Odell is the current home of the Oregon state record Lake Trout, and is also one of the most popular Kokanee fisheries in the state.
If you’re located in Bend, or Eugene it as about an hour and half drive. From Medford it is roughly two and a half hours, while Portland is a three hour trip.
With a maximum depth of 282 feet, Odell lake is extremely nutrient rich. This allows the Kokanee population to always remain stable, which then become the primary food source to sustain large numbers of trophy Lake Trout. Odell is also home to Rainbow & Bull Trout, as well as Mountain Whitefish.
Our guided fishing trips on Odell Lake generally start just before sunrise and last about 8 hours.
We provide all the necessary gear, bait, and tackle you’ll need, as well as processing any fish you’ve kept at the end of the day.
Throughout the day we’ll teach you the different techniques we use to catch fish, so you don’t have to have any prior experience fishing.
As long as conditions allow, we will jig for the trophy Lake Trout that inhabit Odell Lake. Our clients often tell us this is one of the most exciting ways they’ve ever fished, as it’s very hands on and interactive, which is rewarding and fun for the angler.
When fishing for Kokanee on Odell Lake, our primary method is trolling. This is often the most effective way to catch the tasty fish.
I have hand-picked all of my guides, and we strive to always provide an upbeat and stress-free atmosphere, so you can relax and have fun catching fish with your friends, family, or co-workers.
You’ll want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible on your guided fishing fishing trip, and that means coming prepared.
Odell Lake is known for its afternoon winds, and mornings can often be cold even during the summer months. Layering your clothing, and having a waterproof outer shell will help ensure you have a great time no matter the conditions.
Below is a checklist that will help make sure you’ve got everything you need.
AirBnB – There are many AirBnB’s available in close proximity to Odell Lake. If you’re looking for a more comfortable stay this is our number 1 recommendation. Be sure to search near Odell Lake, not the town of Odell.
Shelter Cove Resort & Marina – RV and tent camping spots, as well as cabins if they are available. Be sure to make your reservation as soon as you book your trip, as they are often sold out well in advance.
Lake Trout are a very slow growing species, and those in Odell Lake are no exception. They can take 8 years to reach spawning size, and that is when their growth rate really slows down. A trophy sized fish over 20 pounds is likely 20+ years old. This makes them extremely sensitive to overfishing.
Even though the regulations allow their retention, this year we will have a strict catch and release policy on all Lake Trout no matter their size. As stewards of the resource it’s our job to make sure we minimize our impact as much as possible. This will help ensure that every year our clients will be able to experience the amazing fishing that Odell Lake offers.
If you’d like to take home fish to eat, I highly recommend keeping the Kokanee. They are a quick growing species, and also make much better table fair than Lake Trout. The daily limit is 25 per person.
Here are some of the amazing fish our clients have released:
Odell Lake Cancellation Policy
Payment is due in full at the time of booking to reserve your date. We understand things come up, and will do our best to reschedule your trip for another date. If you must cancel the following policies apply:
30 days or more before your trip = Full Refund.
14-30 days before your trip = Reschedule Only.
Less than 14 days before your trip = Forfeit Deposit.
This institution is operated under special use permit with the Deschutes National Forest.
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