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Odell Lake
Diamond Peak stands as a sentinel over Odell Lake, one of the blue giants of the Deschutes National Forest. This large lake is 3562 acres, 6 miles long and 1 1/2 miles wide, and reaches a depth of 282 ft. The average depth is 132 ft. which makes it ideal habitat for lake trout (Mackinaw) and bull trout. Rainbow trout, kokanee salmon and whitefish also naturally reproduce in this lake. Odell Lake is managed as a trophy lake trout fishery and has the distinction of the last two state record lake trout being caught here. The current state record is a 40 lb 8 oz 45.5 inch long giant caught in 1984 by Kenneth Erickson. Bull trout is listed as a threatened species with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and is thus closed to angling.
Odell Lake also offers beautiful campsites tucked away in thick forests and some excellent wind surfing. Boats are the most effective way to fish this lake but be aware of afternoon winds; the lake can get dangerously rough.
Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on this body of water.
For boat launch information see Princess Creek Boating Site, Sunset Cove Boating Site , Trapper Creek Boating Site, Odell Lake Resort and Shelter Cove Resort.
Activities
Campground Camping
Lake and Pond Fishing
Odell Lake is open from late April to October 31. There is no fishing within 200 ft of the mouth of Trapper Creek from September 1 to October 31. Be sure to always check the Oregon Department Fishing and Wildlife (ODFW) Regulations for the most current regulations, and catch limits.
What To Expect
- Vehicle Access: From Crescent, 12.2 miles west on Rd. 61, then 5.4 miles north on Hwy. 58 and take the East Odell Lake access road.
- Fishing Access: Campgrounds and resort area.
- Boating Regulations: See boating regulations.
- Fish Species Present: Kokanee, lake trout, rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, and bull trout
- Physical Characteristics: Size: 3600 acres; Depth: 80'-305'; Elevation: 478
- When/How to fish: Get a weekly fishing report from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- Popular Fishing Methods: Trolling, jigging, still-fishing, fly fishing, casting spinners or lures
- Bait/Lure Fishing Method: Corn, worms, crawfish, eggs, plugs or flat fish in red fluorescent colors, blue, or green, and wedding rings.
- Fly Fishing Methods:
- Insect Hatch/Flies to Use:
- Camping Information: Sunset Cove Campground, Odell Creek Campground, Trapper Creek Campground, Princess Creek Campground
- Resort Information: Odell Lake Resort, Shelter Cove Resort
Viewing Wildlife
Boating - Motorized
Motor boats for water skiing are allowed on Odell Lake. Season for boating: Late May – mid October.
Alerts & Warnings
- West Bend Area Trail Closures (Nov. 19, 2024)
- Bachelor Complex Fires Emergency Closure (November 15, 2024)
- Red Fire Area Emergency Closure (Effective October 22, 2024)
- Firestone & Flat Top Fires Emergency Closure (October 11, 2024)
- Blue-Green Algae Information (Summer 2024)
- Recreating in the Cedar Creek Fire Burned Area (June 2023)
- Willamette NF Fire Closures
Related Links
Location
