Fishing at Borax Lake, Harney County, Oregon

• Overview

  In Oregon, Borax Lake belongs to Harney County. It stands 4,101 feet above sea level. At 9 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. On size it sits at the modest end of our Harney County list. The closest town, Hines, is 89 miles away. Lakeview is 90 miles away, with Burns at 90 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Borax Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Reported across Harney County: rainbow trout, bridgelip sucker, mountain whitefish and common carp. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Take Borax Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 70°F and January near 31°F. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. The season on Borax Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Parking is not close: half a mile from the bank, and no nearer option is mapped. Borax Lake Preserve runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Lower Borax Lake Reservoir, 0.4 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Confirm before you fish Borax Lake.