Thompson Lake, Oregon: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Thompson Lake lies in Benton County, Oregon. It stands 830 feet above sea level. With some 29 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Size puts it in the front rank of our Benton County list. For supplies, Philomath is 10 miles out. Then Corvallis, 16 miles, and Toledo, 18 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Thompson Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Across Benton County, recorded fish include largescale sucker, bluegill, cutthroat trout, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. On Thompson Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 39°F to 61°F. Spring and autumn are the strongest, but nothing is truly closed. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Thompson Lake. The first warm days of the year bring fish shallow quickly.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Failing this one, try North Fork Reservoir, 4.7 miles away. Check the current arrangement for Thompson Lake.