Fishing at Big Slide Lake, Marion County, Oregon

• Overview

  In Oregon, Big Slide Lake falls inside Marion County. The ground around here is mixed woodland. About 3 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Some 21 miles away sits Mill City, the nearest settlement. Lyons is 27 miles away, with Molalla at 30 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Big Slide Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Marion County records list bluegill, largemouth bass and largescale sucker among the fish reported. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. On Big Slide Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year August sits at 58°F and January at 32°F. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. At Big Slide Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Bull of the Woods Wilderness covers ground next to the water; its rules will apply on that side. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try West Lake, 0.6 miles away. For Big Slide Lake in particular, ask before you travel.