Thornton Lake, Oregon: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Thornton Lake sits in Benton County, out in Oregon. The setting is oak and grass. At 15 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Supplies mean a trip to Albany, 1.1 miles off. It is 21 miles to Salem, the nearest city. What else is close: First Lake 2.4 miles, Second Lake (2.6 miles), Waverly Lake 2.6 miles, Wilson Lake (3.2 miles) and Timber-Linn Lake 3.4 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Thornton Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Across Benton County, recorded fish include largescale sucker, bluegill and cutthroat trout. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. The near bank of Thornton Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August to average close to 67°F, with December the cold end at about 40°F. Fish stay active all year, but they move with the heat. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Time your trip to Thornton Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. A boat ramp sits half a mile away, so trailered boats can get on. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. First Lake sits 2.4 miles off and takes the overflow. None of that is settled for Thornton Lake in what we hold.