Cresent Lake
Crescent Lake is a stunning 4,000-acre lake located in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. It is known for its crystal-clear water, deep blue color, and abundant fish populations. Crescent Lake is a popular destination for both anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, and it offers excellent fishing for a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, kokanee salmon, and mountain whitefish.
When to Fish Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake is open to fishing year-round, but the best time to fish is during the summer months (June through September). This is when the water temperatures are warm enough for the fish to be active and feeding. However, good fishing can also be had in the spring and fall, especially for trout.
What We Fish For
The most popular fish to fish for at Crescent Lake are rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. Rainbow trout can grow to large sizes in the lake, with fish over 10 pounds being caught regularly. Kokanee salmon are also abundant in Crescent Lake, and they are a popular target for both anglers and trollers.
Other fish species that can be caught in Crescent Lake include brown trout, lake trout, mountain whitefish, and catfish. However, these fish are not as abundant as rainbow trout and kokanee salmon, and they are not as popular with anglers.
How to Fish Crescent Lake
There are a variety of ways to fish Crescent Lake, depending on the type of fish you are targeting and your personal preferences.
- Shore fishing: Shore fishing is a popular option at Crescent Lake, as there are many accessible shorelines around the lake. However, it is important to be aware of the wind conditions, as the wind can make it difficult to cast and fish effectively.
- Boat fishing: Boat fishing is another popular option at Crescent Lake. Boats can be rented from several marinas around the lake. Boat fishing allows you to access more of the lake and to target fish in deeper water.
- Fly fishing: Fly fishing is a popular way to fish for rainbow trout at Crescent Lake. There are a variety of fly patterns that can be used to catch trout in the lake, such as damsel flies, chironomids, and leeches.
- Trolling: Trolling is a popular way to fish for kokanee salmon at Crescent Lake. Kokanee salmon can be trolled using a variety of lures, such as spoons, dodgers, and spinners.
Popular Fishing Spots at Crescent Lake
Here are a few popular fishing spots at Crescent Lake:
- The Narrows: The Narrows is a narrow channel that connects two parts of the lake. It is a popular spot for trolling for kokanee salmon.
- The Dam: The dam is a popular spot for shore fishing and boat fishing. It is also a good spot to fly fish for rainbow trout.
- Rocky Point: Rocky Point is a popular spot for shore fishing, boat fishing, and fly fishing.
- The Mouth of Fall Creek: The mouth of Fall Creek is a good spot for fishing for rainbow trout and other fish species.
- The Mouth of Sand Creek: The mouth of Sand Creek is a good spot for fishing for brown trout and other fish species.
Tips for Fishing Crescent Lake
Here are a few tips for fishing Crescent Lake:
- Fish early and late in the day: Fish are most active during the early morning and late evening hours.
- Use light line: Fish in Crescent Lake are often light-line shy, so it is important to use light line (4-6 pound test) when fishing.
- Use small lures and flies: Fish in Crescent Lake are often selective feeders, so it is important to use small lures and flies.
- Fish the drop-offs: The drop-offs around the lake are often where the fish will congregate.
- Be patient: Fishing can be challenging at Crescent Lake, so it is important to be patient and persistent.
Additional Tips
- Be aware of the regulations: Before you go fishing, be sure to check the fishing regulations for Crescent Lake. The regulations can change from year to year, so it is important to check them before you go.
- Be respectful of other anglers: Crescent Lake is a popular destination for anglers, so it is important to be respectful of other anglers and to share the resource.
- Be safe: Crescent Lake is a large body of water, so it is important to be safe when fishing



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