Russell Lake, Oregon: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  In Oregon, Russell Lake belongs to Marion County. The bank is 5,869 feet above sea level. Small at around 8 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. 26 miles away sits Warm Springs, the nearest town. Culver is 32 miles and Sisters 32 miles. Also within reach: Park Lake some 0.7 miles off, Scout Lake 0.7 miles, Rock Lake some 0.7 miles off, Bays Lake 1 mile and Babe Lake some 2.7 miles off. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Russell Lake

  No chart reached our records; the first cast is your sounding. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Species logged across Marion County include bluegill, largemouth bass, largescale sucker, rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Read Russell Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 27°F in December up to 53°F in August. Seasons here are moderate, and the fishing runs most of the year. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. On Russell Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. There is a campsite 130 yards from the water. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Park Lake, 0.7 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. For Russell Lake in particular, ask before you travel.