Aerial Lake in Deschutes County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Aerial Lake sits in Deschutes County, out in Oregon. It sits at 5,407 feet above sea level. This is a pocket water of some 3 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Most waters listed here for Deschutes County are larger. The closest town, Sunriver, is 23 miles away. Three Rivers follows at 23 miles, then Deschutes River Woods at 26 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Aerial Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Fish documented in Deschutes County include rainbow trout, brook trout and mountain whitefish. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Fish Aerial Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, August reads 56°F and December reads 27°F. In milder years the surface never sets. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Plan around that when you fish Aerial Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. A camping area sits within 70 yards of here. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. For a change of water, Herb Lake is 0.2 miles distant. Check the current arrangement for Aerial Lake.