Wallowa Lake

Anglers know Wallowa Lake as one of the lesser-trafficked lakes of Oregon, United States. The standard playbook on a lake this size is to start shallow at first light, work outward toward deeper water as the sun climbs, and circle back to the shallows before dusk. Surface activity at Wallowa Lake is a useful tell — boils, swirls, and rising baitfish point straight at the predator zone.

Location

45.3093, -117.2113 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species at This Spot

Rainbow troutKokanee salmonLake charSockeye salmonLargescale suckerSteelhead

Fishing Techniques

• For Rainbow trout

  Vary your retrieve speed when using spinners to find what triggers a strike; sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times a faster, erratic retrieve is more effective.

• For Kokanee salmon

  Use a dodger ahead of your lure to add flash and vibration, attracting kokanee from a distance.

• For Lake char

  Target lake trout in deep, cold water during the summer months, focusing on areas with structure or drop-offs; use a fish finder to locate schools of fish and baitfish.

Recommended Gear

Tackle commonly used to target the species at Wallowa Lake.

Plan Your Trip

Before fishing Wallowa Lake, make sure your licence covers Oregon, United States and that any species-specific seasons are open. Local regulations change year to year, so check the current rules rather than going from memory.

Nearby Spots in Oregon

See all fishing spots in Oregon →

Other Fishing Regions in United States