LAKES REPORT - 5/29/26
Lake season continues to build across Central Oregon and the recent stretch of warm weather has really helped push fish into more active early summer behavior. Water levels across the Cascade Lakes remain in good shape for this time of year. We continue to see improving chironomid activity and more consistent shallow-water movement during warmer afternoons.
Crane Prairie continues to fish really well with indicator and dry-dropper setups producing the most consistent action. Fish are spending more time cruising channels, flooded structure, and emerging weed edges. Balanced leeches, mini leeches, and stripped bugger patterns are all producing.
Warmer afternoons are starting to push more fish shallow and we’re getting closer to more consistent damsel and callibaetis activity. It’s not fully game-on yet, but the next stretch of stable weather should accelerate both hatches.
East and Paulina have also continued producing solid early season fishing. Cooler mornings are still favoring chironomids and leech patterns, while calmer afternoons have started opening up better opportunities around shallow structure and drop-offs.
Water conditions are good, fish are active, and the transition toward prime summer conditions continues with weather stabilizing.
Recommended Dries:
Double Chubbies #12-14, Para Cricket #12-16, Callibaetis Cripple #14-16
Recommended Nymphs:
Balanced Leeches, KJ Diawl, Red Ass, Zebra Midges, Fire Starters, Chironomids, Balanced Damsels, Mini Leeches
