Central Oregon Lakes Update – July 4, 2025

Central Oregon Lakes Update – July 4, 2025

Cool mornings and warm, breezy afternoons are making for classic summer lake conditions. Fish are active early, and feeding windows are stretching longer on calmer days.

Hosmer Lake is fishing well in both the upper and lower sections. Callibaetis and Damsel nymphs are reliable producers right now, especially when suspended off drop-offs or stripped along weed lines. Red PT Jigs, soft hackles, and a few early-traveling sedge sightings have anglers keeping an eye on surface activity for potential skittering opportunities soon.

East Lake is showing consistent action, particularly in 8 to 12 feet of water. Chironomids, Scuds, and Callibaetis are working well under indicators, and stripping small nymphs or soft hackles is also turning fish. On calmer days, ant and beetle patterns have been getting attention up top, especially in the mornings.

Paulina Lake is fishing well for both rainbows and browns. Balanced Leeches and Red PTs fished under indicators near shoals and along deeper edges have been producing steadily. Stripping Damsel nymphs or small baitfish patterns continues to be a go-to tactic when fish are cruising. Surface eats on ants and beetles are definitely in play when the lake lays down.

Little Lava Lake continues to be a solid choice, with reliable dry fly windows during Callibaetis hatches and consistent subsurface action on Chironomids—especially olive and red patterns. Red Holographic Jigs, Spicy Squirrels, and Blood Worms remain go-to patterns for both hatchery and wild fish, including some nice brookies.

Crane Prairie Reservoir has been mixed, with off-colored water in some areas due to early algae. That said, the Quinn and Cultus arms are fishing better, with clearer water and active fish. Indicator rigs with Callibaetis, Damsels, Chironomids, and Balanced Leeches are producing best during the cooler parts of the day. A slow drop-off in activity mid-day is expected but evenings can still be productive when the wind dies down.

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