Fishing at South Twin Lake, Deschutes County, Oregon

• Overview

  Look for South Twin Lake in the Deschutes County part of Oregon. The country here is farm and woodlot. Around 103 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The bank runs about 1.4 miles all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. Few waters listed in Deschutes County are bigger. You are 13 miles from La Pine. Three Rivers lies 17 miles off, Sunriver another 20 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on South Twin Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Across Deschutes County, recorded fish include rainbow trout, brook trout, mountain whitefish, brown trout and largemouth bass. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. The shape of South Twin Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 60°F at the top of summer and 28°F at the bottom of winter. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. Plan around that when you fish South Twin Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. A launch point is recorded some half a mile off. A campsite is mapped about half a mile away, which makes an early start easier. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. If the gate is shut, North Twin Lake at 1 mile is the nearest alternative. Rules at South Twin Lake are worth checking on the day.