Catching Bull Trout in Oregon

Few trout anglers can enjoy the experience of catching a Bull trout. That's because they only exist in 5 U.S. States (in the northwest) and two Canadian provinces.

Oregon is one of the states where you can catch bull trout. And if your catch is at least 24 inches, you can even keep it (one per day).

In Oregon, Lake Billy Chinook is a favorite hot spot for bull trout. Mid-March through April is the best time to fish for bull trout. After April, the weather is warm enough for water enthusiasts which tends to scare the fish away.

Lake Billy Chinook is famous for it's trophy size trout. The Metolius Arm is the preferred area of the lake for catching large bull trout. The Deschutes and Crooked River Arms of the reservoir are also popular spots for bull trout.

The best time to fish for bull trout in Spring is between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fish finders are really helpful in finding them. But they are usually found with one or two other fish. Here's a trout tip - Bull trout prey on kokanee, so find the kokanee and you may find bull trout feeding on them.

As with other larger trout, you'll need some heavier test line to catch them. Try using 10 or 12 lb test. Trolling and casting Rapala lures produce the best results when fishing for bull trout in Oregon.

Some bull trout are tagged by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW). So be sure to note the number on the tag before releasing the fish and then report it to the ODFW. If you're keeping the fish (assuming it meets the minimum size restriction), then remove the tag and turn it in to ODFW. This information helps them keep track of the bull trout population.

Have any other bull trout fishing tips for Oregon?

Spring Break Trout Derby in Medford

On Saturday, the Medford-based International Trouters Society will hold it's 5th annual Spring Break Derby at Takelma Park near the southwest corner of Lost Creek Dam.

The free derby is open to kids 16 years old and younger. The goal is to catch a trout over 16 inches in length. The Grand Prize winner — the first registered under-16 angler to catch a trout over 16 inches — will get his or her choice of prizes. Prizes will be awarded for other categories as well.

Registration is required and participants can sign in between 8:30 am to noon on Saturday. Fishing begins at 9 am and runs to 4 pm.

The regular fishing rules, limits and licenses apply. Anglers aged 13 and younger can fish for free. A $6.75 juvenile license is required for anglers 14-17 years old.

For more information call 245-0568.

The daily trout limit at Lost Creek Lake remains five trout at least 8 inches long, but only one of those can be more than 20 inches long.

Hagg Lake Opens for Trout Fishing Tomorrow!

Hagg Lake in Washington County will be open for the trout fishing season starting tomorrow. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has stocked the lake with 18,000 rainbow trout and 120 larger brood trout (these fish range from 12 - 20 pounds!).

Hagg Lake is located 25 miles southwest of Portland. This 1,200 acre reservoir has an average depth of 51 feet. The deepest part of the lake is 110 feet deep.

In addition to the lake being open for anglers, KUIK Talk Radio will be hosting the annual opening day Bi Mart Lake Hagg Fishing Derby on Saturday. Two hundred specially marked trout have been planted in the lake for the derby. Catch one and you'll win a prize!

The Lake Hagg Fishing Derby will run from 6 a.m. til 2 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the longest trout, heaviest trout, ugliest trout, oldest angler, and the first to catch their limit! There NO entry fee!