Fishing Reed Lake in Multnomah County, Oregon

• Overview

  Reed Lake lies in Multnomah County, Oregon. Dry hill runs right down to the water. Surface area runs to about 5 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is low-lying compared with other Oregon water we list. The town to know is Milwaukie, 2.5 miles out. Lents lies 3 miles off, Portland another 3.7 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Reed Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Across Multnomah County, recorded fish include Chinook salmon, Coho salmon and rainbow trout. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. At Reed Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 41°F in December to roughly 68°F in August. Warm months push fish deep; cool months bring them back. Shade and hour of day matter more than month. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. That is the shape of the year on Reed Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. You can leave the car about 150 yards from the water. A rest area sits about half a mile from the water. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. If the gate is shut, Crystal Springs Lake at 0.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Treat Reed Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.