Which Lake??

[Kokaneegal]

This year we want to go to a different Lake for camping and fishing for Koks. We usually go to East and Paulina Lakes but we are tired of the 11 and 12 inchers. What about Odell, Wikkiup, or someplace else. We want camping and some decent size fishing. Any suggestions? Not Wallowa as we already have a trip planned for there. Thanks, Kokaneegal
101chromefish101

 

[Kokaneegal]

I forgot to say we are looking to go June or July.

 

[DLM]

I would say Wickiup or Odell. Pros and cons to both.

Wickup should have larger fish, nice beaches to pull the boat up onto simular to East Lake. 25 fish limit, nice campground and ramps. The wind can come up, just like on East and you have to be able to stay in the channels or you will get into shallow stump infested waters very quickly. Also, you can always fish the Deschutes arm for Browns if it's too windy to get out on the main water.

Odell also has a 25 fish limit and the fish are easier to catch than at Wickiup at time, but not as large. Probably better tasting but Wickiup fish fight harder. Odell can get windy. It's a great lake to anchor up and jig also. I have not camped there (we camp but it is at Shady Cove Resort) but the shoreline is very rocky so you would have to moore your boat out a bit, pull it out each trip, or keep it at a marina. Shady Cove is a great place, nice campground and moorage and in the correct end of the lake to catch fish.

Of the two, we prefer Wickiup.

We will fish both this summer. We are going to be at Wickiup from June 11-17 (derby there on the 16th). If you end up there let us know.

I left Crescent out because it only has a five fish limit. Larger fish than Odell, but only 5...101thumbsdown101

 

[mrmike]

Kokaneegal DLM is right on the money with his comments I just finish making reservations at Twin Lake Resort for the opener on the 28th for Wickiup and double up also for the 16th of June for the Kokanee tournament at Wickiup camping at the lake is absolutely great, and big fish and plenty of them. The lakes a shallow lake and it gets warm, (water) by the 4th of July. will switch over to Odell deeper colder water and the fish are numerious. There are no electricial hook up at Wickiup but nice camp sites directly on the lake. Twin Lake resort has RV site with hook ups just motor up the Deschutes arm to the RV site and park your boat. Don't be afraid to ask if you have a problem getting dialed in.

 

[Kokaneegal]

Thanks, great information DLM and mrmike.
How far is the boat ride from Twin Lake Resort via Deschutes river to Wickiup? We need a place to bring the boat up on shore. How is Gull Point campground or West South Twin Campground? Also would be interested in any fishing/camping information on Crescent Lake. We were so stuck on East and Paulina and never ventured anywhere else. Sorry about all the questions. Thank you again. Kokaneegal

 

[mrmike]

Kokaneegal The Deschutes arm to the RV site is about a little over a mile or so, pararelles the road that you come in on. You can moore or park at the shore line at RV site and walk up to your site. Gull Point camp ground are great there are two boat ramps on Wickiup. Cresent has a nice lodge, nice boat ramp, really nice place only problem is the catch limit of 5 fish. Really nice camping also my first visit was the Kokanee tournament last year. really enjoyed my stay.

 

[Kokaneegal]

DLM/Mike,
Did you mean Shelter Cove at Odell?
How deep is Wickiup? Which side of Wickiup to fish for Koks in relation to Gull Point Campground?

 

[DLM]

Yes, Shelter Cove, please excuse the senior moment.

To describe where to fish on Wickiup is nearly impossible. Wickiup is a reservoir of channels. To see this go to Google earth and look at the lake, the main channels are easy to see. You can also use Bing maps but you need to click on the "Birds eye view". You can be in the channel in 60 feet of water, and 30 yards further and you are out of the slot and in 20 feet of water.

A fishfinder is pretty important on Wickiup, not only to find fish, but to monitor your depth.

I have chart plotting now, but prior to this I had a handheld gps, the type hikers use. I would follow trollers that did have chart plotting through the channels marking weigh points as I went. This gave me a safe course through the channels.

We caught our largest fish last year along the south side of the Deschutes Channel between the two boat ramps.

 

[mrmike]

Kokaneegal Its not that hard just follow some one that "THINKS HE KNOWS WHAT HE DOING" FOLLOW THE BOATS

 

[Kokaneegal]

tooexcited
Thanks guys. We just made reservations at Gull Point National Forest Campground. We will be the boat following the other boats!!!!!

 

[mrmike]

Kokaneegal Hope to see you on the lake. I'll be there on the opener (28th) I have this lake very much zero in. the go to bait is (CHICKEN NECKS) ha

 

[smokin' Kokes]

map of some of the favorite trolls and jigging holes on Wickiup. expect lots of weeds in the shallows out of the channels later in year.

http://nwoutdoorwriter.com/Oregon_Lakes/Wickiup_map.html

rotten tuna guts and carcasses my hot Wickiup tip.nananana

and real tips from the east side wickiup pros
http://www.bestfishinginamerica.com/OR-wickiup-reservoir-kokanee.html