Fishing Detroit Lake

[tomkat]

Detroit Lake seems to get few posts with regard to fishing success or lack thereof. I'm wondering if any members have fished there since the middle of September and if so, any success and how deep are they? I live close (Mill City) and want to take my boat up for the day but if they fish are still really deep, I probably won't go. Anyone?

 

[troutdude]

I'm betting that they are coming up nearer to the surface, now with cooler water temps. The stratification affects, should be disappearing. But, I'd like to know how the fishing is now too. Am contemplating, a shore attack (unless there's an open seat, on board a "sea-worthy" vessel).

opcorn:

 

[tomkat]

troutdude, I've been thinking the water is getting colder and the fish should be coming up so we're in agreement. I did real well before the water got warm and want to go back. My boat is "sea-worthy" and I can have an open seat just about any time I want. My weatherbug station is showing next Wednesday to be a pretty good day so maybe that's a good day? Where's home for you?

 

[troutdude]

TK, my home base is the Albany/Corvallis area. Although, I was spotted in Mill City yesterday! (I'm an "outside" sales dude, with a fairly large turf). However, the only days I have available are Saturdays, and Sunday afternoons.

Anywho, thanks for the seat OFFer. Hope you bag n' tag 'em but GOOD!

 

[tomkat]

Troutdude, during the summer late spring and summer months I never go out on the weekend (I'm retired) but real early and late in the year, I do. Maybe???

 

[fish face]

Tomkat, this is your lucky day. The family went to Detroit yesterday and we did quite well. A lot of small ones but we did get a fair amount of 12 inches or better. Anything bigger? Good luck. But if you are looking for just catching fish, then you should do okay. I (we) used a 1oz banana weight, dodger, and a max wedding ring (I like the double whammy). The bright colors seem to be the ticket. The only problem I had (other than forgetting the drain plug for the first time ever) is that the weight, dodger, and lure would get tangled up. Does any body know if there is solution, or is it something that goes with the territory?

 

[FishFinger]

The only problem I had (other than forgetting the drain plug for the first time ever) is that the weight, dodger, and lure would get tangled up. Does any body know if there is solution, or is it something that goes with the territory?

Tangled you say... Perhaps your letting your line out too quickly, putting your gear into free fall, leaving you tangled before you even begin trolling. When using a spinning reel I click it into reverse, let out line and count the number of revolutions the handle makes; each turn is about two feet, until I'm at the desired "depth". All the while I keep enough tension on the line to feel the pulsing of the dodger, pop, or gang troll gear. That helps to ensure your gear is hunting.

 

[tomkat]

Tomkat, this is your lucky day. The family went to Detroit yesterday and we did quite well. A lot of small ones but we did get a fair amount of 12 inches or better. Anything bigger? Good luck. But if you are looking for just catching fish, then you should do okay. I (we) used a 1oz banana weight, dodger, and a max wedding ring (I like the double whammy). The bright colors seem to be the ticket. The only problem I had (other than forgetting the drain plug for the first time ever) is that the weight, dodger, and lure would get tangled up. Does any body know if there is solution, or is it something that goes with the territory?

Fish face, it sounds like you had a great day on the water and I really appreciate you letting me know of your success. The weather guy is saying Wednesday will be a pretty good day so I will plan on going up then if I can find a partner. I also use banana weights up to 3 oz (depending upon time of year) and I find the only time I get tangled is when I let it out too fast. Follow the advise from fish finger and you should have no problem. Thanks again for your response.

 

[tomkat]

Tomkat, this is your lucky day. The family went to Detroit yesterday and we did quite well. A lot of small ones but we did get a fair amount of 12 inches or better. Anything bigger? Good luck. But if you are looking for just catching fish, then you should do okay. I (we) used a 1oz banana weight, dodger, and a max wedding ring (I like the double whammy). The bright colors seem to be the ticket. The only problem I had (other than forgetting the drain plug for the first time ever) is that the weight, dodger, and lure would get tangled up. Does any body know if there is solution, or is it something that goes with the territory?

Forgot to ask fish face; what size dodger were you using?

 

[fish face]

I used a smaller dodger as you would kokanee fishing. As for the week-end there was hardly anybody there. The water level was low but you still can use the Mongold (sp?) boat ramp. Good luck to you Tomkat and thank you fishfinger for the non-tangle advice. I’ll know better next year.

 

[tomkat]

I used a smaller dodger as you would kokanee fishing. As for the week-end there was hardly anybody there. The water level was low but you still can use the Mongold (sp?) boat ramp. Good luck to you Tomkat and thank you fishfinger for the non-tangle advice. I’ll know better next year.

Do you mind if I ask where you were fishing. It's a big lake.

 

[fish face]

The East side of the island (I’m not sure of the name). I have heard of fisherman have good luck drifting into the island trolling nothing but a worm. With the water level so low you should have good luck just about anywhere. Let me know how you did.

 

[Raincatcher]

The East side of the island (I’m not sure of the name). I have heard of fisherman have good luck drifting into the island trolling nothing but a worm. With the water level so low you should have good luck just about anywhere. Let me know how you did.

Trolling around the island is almost always productive.

 

[tomkat]

Trolling around the island is almost always productive.

Agreed. Also have had much success in the Santiam Arm.

 

[tomkat]

The East side of the island (I’m not sure of the name). I have heard of fisherman have good luck drifting into the island trolling nothing but a worm. With the water level so low you should have good luck just about anywhere. Let me know how you did.

Hey Fish Face. A friend and I went to Detroit today and fished for about 2 1/2 hours. Turned loose probably 6 small rainbows, lost 4-6 keepers and both of us ended up with a limit of fish between 12 and 14 inches. The wind was blowing pretty hard so we fished the lea sides of the island. Kind of tough getting the boat on the trailer with the low water and wind but we had a good time. Thanks again for your input.

 

[fish face]

Not a problem. That is what OFF is all about—sharing the knowledge and experience. Sounds like you a good and productive time. For me I can’t wait to smoke my fish on my traeger. Now all I need is a good trout brine.

 

[troutdude]

This is a great thread. Good shared advice, etc. Sounds like you had a really good day TK. Well done. Enjoy your catch.

 

[fish face]

Tomkat, I have to ask. What did you use? Did you use a dodger? Where did you troll?

 

[tomkat]

Tomkat, I have to ask. What did you use? Did you use a dodger? Where did you troll?

One rod was set up with a 1 1/2 oz banana weight, small dodger, wedding ring and night crawler. The other was a 2 oz banana weight, Les Davis type spinner assembly, wedding ring and night crawler. The wind was blowing quite hard from the east so we fished about 2/3 of the back side of the island (trying to stay out of the wind) and maybe a third of the highway side.

 

[rogerdodger]

Hey Fish Face. A friend and I went to Detroit today and fished for about 2 1/2 hours. Turned loose probably 6 small rainbows, lost 4-6 keepers and both of us ended up with a limit of fish between 12 and 14 inches. The wind was blowing pretty hard so we fished the lea sides of the island. Kind of tough getting the boat on the trailer with the low water and wind but we had a good time. Thanks again for your input.

tomcat- were they all rainbows? or did you get any kokes in the mix? roger