Fishing: Wallowa country is a fishing paradise

A fisher has pulled a kokanee of unprecedented size and weight from the depths of the lake eight times since 1999.

The summer of 2010 capped another historic year at the lake. On June 13, Ron Campbell of Pendleton reeled in the worlds biggest kokanee 27.75 inches and 9.1 pounds. That beat the previous state record, set only a month earlier at the same lake by Bob Both of Lostine. He had taken the honor away from Wan Teece of Enterprise after just six weeks. Her fish had passed a 25-incher caught by Gene Thiel of Joseph on Feb. 25.

Fishing is a year-round attraction. Even during the winter, braving the ice at Wallowa Lake for trout can be successful. But during the summer, the lake is crowded with rainbow trout, lake trout (mackinaw) and kokanee.

Other bodies of water are easily accessible by car. Near downtown Wallowa, Wildlife Pond and Victor Pond are stocked with trout over the summer. Enterprise has Marr Pond. Kinney Lake is about 10 minutes east of Joseph, Salt Creek Summit Pond is another 20 minutes.

When summer warms the water in July and August, fishing is best in the early morning and late afternoon. Another option is one of the lakes in higher elevations of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Those trips include a hike Aneroid Lake is the closest, about six miles and maybe some camping gear, but the lakes have trout.

Guides offer a more certain chance at a trophy catch. They know these waters and others, such as the Grande Ronde River. It features smallmouth bass and steelhead. There is also the Imnaha River to the east. They have boats, loaded with equipment for tracking down fish. Try Mac Huff at Eagle Cap Fishing Guides,  800-940-3688 or www.eaglecapfishing.com. Mark Moncrief is at Tri-State Outfitters, 541-426-4468.

Winding Waters River Expeditions offers daylong flyfishing excursions, complete with lunch. 

Another destination is Snake River with its sturgeon. Its an enormous species dating back to prehistoric times. Fishing for sturgeon is restricted to catch-and-release. Call Paul Arentsen and Morgan Jenkins at 877-426-7238.

Mid-May through June, the season opens in the county with anglers going after rainbow trout and kokanee. The most consistent method for catching kokanee is dragging a baited line along Wallowa Lake. Several times a year, the lake is stocked with trout, which grow to 18 to 20 inches. Mackinaw can be a bit harder to catch. They require fishers to go deep, and many use downriggers. 

Meanwhile, crappie fishing is good in the Hells Canyon Reservoirs.

The only time fishing can be slow is later in the summer, when water levels rise. Hot days in June force mountain snow to melt and run off into the rivers and streams. 

Trout fishing is still strong at?Wallowa Lake, but kokanee require a little more effort because they lay low 40 feet and deeper. By August, water and air temperatures are at season highs and fishing is restricted to early morning and late evening.

However, catch rates climb once the summer tails off. Cooling temperatures in September make for the best fishing of the year. Its pleasant outside, while the trout are eating up in preparation for winter.

At the head of Wallowa Lake, the Marina supplies rods, tackle, bait and ice. You can also purchase fishing licenses and learn the latest conditions and trends. Check out the Marina online at www.wallowalakemarina.com