Goodbye Crater Lake, So Long Trillium: Oregon's Second-Largest Artificial Lake Is A Secluded Fishing Paradise

Central Oregon is renowned for its outstanding array of outdoor activities. Many of these recreational activities are centered around the many lakes that are found in the region. Although water bodies such as Crater Lake in the southern part of the state and Trillium Lake in the northern part of the state may be better known, several Central Oregon lakes offer outstanding opportunities for outdoor recreation. In fact, Wikiup Reservoir, better known as Wickiup Lake, is the second-largest artificial lake in the Beaver State and is roundly considered to provide some of the best angling action in all of Oregon according to AllTrips.

Located just off the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Central Oregon's highway lined with dazzling alpine lakes, Wickiup Lake is inside the Deschutes National Forest. The reservoir was created in 1949 with the completion of a 2.6-mile-long dam across the Deschutes River. Wickiup is one of the lakes along the Deschutes River, several of which lie within the national forest. However, Wickiup Lake's capacity of more than 10,000 surface acres makes it the largest lake in Deschutes National Forest. Since it is completely surrounded by public land, visitors have tremendous access for fishing and a host of other outdoor activities, such as wildlife viewing, birding, boating, windsurfing, water skiing, and swimming.

Although there are plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy, it is fishing for which Wickiup Lake is best known. A combination of outstanding access and excellent angling action makes Wickiup Lake a fishing paradise. Wickiup is considered among the best lakes in all of Oregon to catch brown trout, specifically big brown trout according to AllTrips. Fish over 20 pounds are not unheard of on this reservoir, and the average brown trout is more than 5 pounds.

Wickiup Lake also boasts a good population of impressively sized rainbow trout. Plenty of brown and rainbow trout are found in the main lake, as well as the river and tributaries throughout the season, which lasts from late April through the end of October. Kokanee salmon, another popular target species found in abundance in Wickiup Lake, are caught in the main lake during the summer months. By late summer, the kokanee will begin migrating into the river in preparation for their annual spawn. This usually coincides with the best trophy trout fishing opportunities of the year, according to Fly and Field Outfitters. However, a good number of big trout are caught at the onset of the season as well.

Anglers can fish from shore or boat, as there is ample shore access and seven boat ramp facilities from which both motorized and non-motorized boats can be launched. Additionally, fishermen can launch canoes, kayaks, and float tubes from shore. While shore fishing can be good during the early and late portions of the season, during the summer months most of the best action is enjoyed by boat. Regardless of whether they are fishing from boat or shore, anglers over 18 need a valid Oregon fishing license. Anglers between 12 and 17 are required to have a youth license.

Given the word "wickiup" refers to a traditional type of Native American shelter and the fact the local indigenous people used it as a site for their fall camp, it is only appropriate that there are a number of places to camp around the lake today. There are actually five different campgrounds along the lake shore, primarily located on the west and north. The campgrounds vary in size and amenities. None have water or electric hookups, although every campground has access to the boat launch. Reservations for each campground should be made online.

Gull Point is the largest of the campgrounds, with 80 sites for tent and RV campers. A dump site is available in the campground. Gull Point also features a pair of day-use areas, with boat ramps and fish cleaning stations at each. West South Twin Campground has 23 sites, as well as flush-toilet restrooms and drinking water. Visitors can also access South Twin Lake as well as Wickiup Reservoir from this campground. Both Sheep Bridge, which has 23 sites on the north end where the Deschutes River enters the lake, and North Davis Creek Campground, which offers 14 sites, have drinking water. Reservoir Campground has two dozen sites. However, visitors must bring their own water supply.

Reaching Wickiup Lake is a relatively simple — and scenic — task. The lake is about an hour's drive southwest of Bend, the naturally breathtaking Oregon city. A good portion of that drive is along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. The closest commercial airport to Wickiup Lake, Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), sits about another 20 minutes northeast of Bend. While staying at Wickiup Lake, visitors should consider stopping by Cultus Lake, a haven for boating and fishing located less than 30 minutes away.