Twin Lakes, located in the Deschutes National Forest, are a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The lakes offer a peaceful retreat and are home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, brown trout, and smallmouth bass.
Types of Fish in Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes are known for their diverse fish population. Here’s a breakdown of the different species you can find in the lakes:
| Fish Species | Lake |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | South Twin Lake, North Twin Lake |
| Kokanee Salmon | North Twin Lake |
| Brown Trout | North Twin Lake |
| Smallmouth Bass | Both Lakes |
The rainbow trout in South Twin Lake typically range from 9 to 15 inches in length, while North Twin Lake has a mix of rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and brown trout.
Fishing Techniques
Anglers can use a variety of techniques to catch fish in Twin Lakes, including:
Bait Fishing
The best spots for bank fishing are along the west shore in the deeper holes. Effective bait options include red eggs, power bait, or a combination of marshmallows and worms suspended just off the bottom.
Lure Fishing
Rooster Tails, Panther Martins, and dark flies work well when trolled slowly or cast toward the shore.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is most effective near the shore, as there are good hatches of mayflies, caddis, damsels, and flying ants. A boat or float tube is recommended for fly fishing, as the limited space can make back casts challenging from the bank.
Facilities and Access
Twin Lakes offer a range of facilities and access options for anglers:
- Motorized boats are prohibited on North Twin Lake, but non-motorized boats are allowed.
- South Twin Lake allows non-motorized boats, including float tubes and unmotorized boats for rent at the resort.
- North Twin Campground has latrines and charges a fee, but there is no drinking water available.
- The closest resort is located at South Twin Lake.
To reach Twin Lakes, take U.S. Highway 97 south to the Fall River turnoff 3 miles past Sunriver (County Route 43), then follow Forest Service Rd. 4260 to the lakes.
Costs and Hours
- There is a fee for camping at the North Twin Lake Campground.
- Fishing is allowed during daylight hours, and the lakes are open year-round, weather permitting.
Twin Lakes Oregon Fishing offers a unique and peaceful fishing experience, with a variety of fish species and a range of fishing techniques to choose from. Whether you prefer bait fishing, lure fishing, or fly fishing, Twin Lakes has something to offer for anglers of all skill levels.
References:
– South Twin Lake – Deschutes National Forest. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recreation/fishing/recarea/?actid=42&recid=71999
– Easy angling in the Central Zone. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://myodfw.com/articles/easy-angling-central-zone
– North Twin Lake – Deschutes National Forest. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=71991
– Twin Lakes Oregon Fishing, Camping, Boating – AllTrips. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.allbendoregon.com/lakes_rivers_falls/twin_lakes.php
– Fishing – Twin Lakes Resort, in Beautiful Central Oregon. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://twinlakesresort.net/activities/fishing