Wickiup Reservoir is a great place for anglers in Oregon, USA. The reservoir is located in the Deschutes National Forest, near the town of La Pine. It is the second-largest reservoir in Oregon and covers over 10,000 acres. The area is known for its diverse fish population and scenic beauty.
Prevalent Fish Species: Wickiup Reservoir is home to several fish species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, brook trout, and largemouth bass. The reservoir is also known for its trophy-sized brown trout, which can weigh up to 20 pounds.
Nearby Activities: Aside from fishing, Wickiup Reservoir offers a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The area is also popular for hunting, boating, and water sports.
Fishing Tips: Anglers can use a variety of techniques to catch fish at Wickiup Reservoir. Fly fishing is a popular choice, and anglers can use a variety of flies, including wooly buggers, nymphs, and streamers. Trolling with spinners or plugs can also be effective, especially for kokanee salmon. Anglers should also pay attention to water temperatures and depth, as fish tend to move to deeper and cooler waters during the summer months.
Best Time of Year to Visit: The best time to visit Wickiup Reservoir for fishing is from late spring to early fall. The weather is mild during this time, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. June and July are great months for fly fishing, while kokanee salmon fishing is best in August and September.
Overall, Wickiup Reservoir is a great destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in Oregon. With its diverse fish population, scenic beauty, and nearby activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Featured Fish - Apache Trout
iving in lakes and streams, this fish will eat insects, invertebrates and small minnows. They are typically targeted using very light spinning or fly tackle using nymphs, wet or dry flies, worms or salmon eggs. These fish may also strike small spinner baits or spoons but some areas where these fish can be found have enacted policies where anglers may only use artificial lures so check all regulations before targeting these fish. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:
The body coloration is golden-yellow or olive yellow, with a golden belly, and Parr marks (vertical bars) can be seen on juveniles, but these marks typically disappear in larger individuals. Spots can be seen in an even distribution of pronounced, moderate-sized, rounded or oval black spots on the sides of the body and on top of the head. These spots may sometimes extend below the lateral line and onto the dorsal and caudal fins. The top of the Apache trout’s head and back is typically dark olive to brown and a black stripe appears to go through each eye because of the presence of two small black dots on either side of the pupil. Below the lower jaw, there is a dash of color that will range from yellow to darker gold. The dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins are tipped with a white to orange color and the adipose fin is usually bordered with a black margin.