Fishing at Foster Lake, Linn County, Oregon

• Overview

  Linn County, Oregon, is where Foster Lake sits. The water sits 614 feet up. The water covers around 1,078 acres, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. Around 6.8 miles of bank, which is a long day on foot. On our Linn County list it sits near the top for size. You are 4.8 miles from Sweet Home. South Lebanon is 14 miles away, with Lebanon at 15 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Foster Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Across Linn County, recorded fish include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, bluegill, largescale sucker and largemouth bass. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Foster Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August to average close to 65°F, with December the cold end at about 39°F. Heat sets the pattern from late spring onward. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer squeezes it into the edges of the day. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. The season on Foster Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. If the gate is shut, Willamette National Lumber Company Reservoir at 1.2 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm before you fish Foster Lake.