Gander Lake in Lane County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Gander Lake lies within the bounds of Lane County, Oregon. The bank is 4,816 feet above sea level. It runs to roughly 44 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. For a base, Oakridge sits 18 miles out. The nearest city of size is Eugene, 52 miles away. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Gander Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Species logged across Lane County include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, largescale sucker, Coho salmon and Chinook salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. On Gander Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, August reads 58°F and December reads 31°F. Whether it freezes depends on the year. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. The season on Gander Lake follows the weather closely. Barometer swings matter more than a degree or two.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Should this one be busy, Swan Lake is 0.4 miles off. Check the position at Gander Lake before loading the car.