Hand Lake near Sisters: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Hand Lake lies in Deschutes County, Oregon. It sits in rolling hill. Surface area runs to about 10 acres — small enough to read in one session. The closest town, Sisters, is 14 miles away. Culver is 30 miles away, with Terrebonne at 31 miles. More in the same country: Bone Lake some 0.4 miles off, 0.6 miles away is Link Lake, Dollar Nine Lake some 0.6 miles off, 0.7 miles away is Cache Lake and Meadow Lake some 0.9 miles off. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Hand Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Public occurrence data for Deschutes County names rainbow trout, brook trout and mountain whitefish. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Hand Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 28°F to 58°F. Ice comes and goes from one year to the next. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Hand Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. If the gate is shut, Bone Lake at 0.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the position at Hand Lake before loading the car.