LAKE REPORT - 10/30/26

The Cascade Lakes are entering their final stretch of October, with cooler weather bringing changing conditions across Crane Prairie, East, and Paulina. Crane Prairie has reportedly offered some improved fishing recently, although low water and submerged hazards remain important considerations. East continues to provide opportunities for shoreline anglers, while Paulina has become a little less consistent as colder weather settles in. October 31 is the final fishing day at a number of of the cascade lakes before the seasonal closure begins November 1. Make sure to check regulations by lake.

Dry-fly opportunities are becoming more limited as the lakes move toward winter. Beetles and other terrestrials may still provide occasional opportunities around the shorelines at Paulina. Subsurface presentations are becoming the more consistent approach, particularly at East where fish are moving closer to shore.

Leeches, scuds, chironomids, smaller nymphs, and baitfish patterns remain worth having in the rotation. Crane Prairie has been producing some good rainbow fishing on leeches, while shoreline fishing with streamers and smaller subsurface patterns continues to be a good option at East. Paulina's weed beds, ledges, and shorelines remain worth exploring, with balanced leeches and streamers offering opportunities as the season progresses.

Recommended Flies

• Foam Beetle (#12–16)

• Flag Ant (#14–16)

• Red Two Bit Hooker (#14–18)

• Olive Scud (#14–18)

• Chromie Chironomid (#14–18)

• Red Ice Cream Cone (#12–16)

• Balanced Leech – Olive (#10–14)

• Balanced Leech – Watermelon (#10–14)

• Kreelex Minnow (#4–8)

• Olive Woolly Bugger (#6–10)