Stormy Lake in Deschutes County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  The Deschutes County end of Oregon holds Stormy Lake. Height above sea level is 6,093 feet. About 3 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Compared with other Oregon water on our list, it sits high. Three Rivers lies 25 miles from the water. Beyond it, Oakridge at 26 miles and La Pine at 26 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Stormy Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Survey and observation records for Deschutes County include rainbow trout, brook trout, mountain whitefish and brown trout. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. The near bank of Stormy Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August to average close to 55°F, with December the cold end at about 28°F. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Stormy Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. 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. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. If the gate is shut, Blaze Lake at 0.3 miles is the nearest alternative. The position on Stormy Lake is worth confirming on the day.