Wahtum Lake in Hood River County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Wahtum Lake belongs to Hood River County, Oregon. The land about it is mixed woodland. With some 65 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Around 1.2 miles of margin, front to back. Size puts it in the front rank of our Hood River County list. The closest town, Cascade Locks, is 7.6 miles away. Stevenson lies 9 miles off, Carson another 10 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Wahtum Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Records held for Hood River County cover Coho salmon, Chinook salmon, largemouth bass, bluegill and black crappie. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. On Wahtum Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical August readings run about 60°F; by January the average is down near 31°F. The season stretches long at both ends here. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Wahtum Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Parking within half a mile means no long carry with tackle. You can camp about half a mile away, going by the mapping. A toilet block sits half a mile away. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. If the gate is shut, Scout Lake at 0.8 miles is the nearest alternative. For Wahtum Lake in particular, ask before you travel.