As fall progresses, the lakes across Central Oregon are moving into prime conditions, with cooler nights spurring active daytime feeding. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect across the regions.
Hosmer is showing great action lately, with red ice cream cones, scuds, and water boatmen bringing in steady results. The brook trout here are starting to show their vibrant spawning colors, making for a scenic outing as well. Focus your efforts around channels and drop-offs, where fish are feeding more actively as temperatures drop. Keep a variety of flies on hand, as the fish are responding to a mix of subsurface and surface patterns this time of year.
Cooler nights have triggered more feeding around the East Lakes edges, especially in the mornings and early afternoons. Ants, beetles, and olive leech patterns are producing good results, particularly around shorelines where fish are moving in close to feed. Wading is effective along the banks—look to areas like East Lake Campground to the White Slide for some of the best access points. Though docks are limited, anglers working along the edges are still finding good success.
While Paulina has been a bit slower, fish are still biting for those who focus on structure and are willing to work the water. Purple chubbies and beetles are pulling in rainbows, and October is a great time to target the lake’s big browns as they move closer to shore. Fish under an indicator with balanced leeches and minnows, or try dries such as Red Aero Legs or Red Chubbies for surface action. Look for browns patrolling near the boat ramp area and along the eastern shoreline, especially in deeper pockets. Weather can shift quickly here, so check conditions before heading out.
With the fall conditions settling in, each of these lakes offers unique fishing opportunities. Pack for changing weather, and be ready to move along the shorelines or try different water depths, as the fish are adjusting with each day’s cooling temperatures.