General Info:
We are extraordinarily lucky in the Wallowa valley (Wallowa means "Land of Winding Waters in the Nez Perce language) to have many large and small streams, lakes, and ditches. Most of which are home to rainbow trout. Even though none of our water sees that much fishing pressure respectively, an adventure to a little known or personally never fished body of water is most always rewarding. Here we will try to provide reports on some of those water ways with the frequency that we have them available. These streams and lakes might include, Hurricane Creek, West fork of the Wallowa, Eagle Creek, Catherine Creek, Looking Glass Creek, Minam River, Marr Pond, Kinney Lake, Big Sheep Creek and others. Remember, if you have had recent success on a local waterway please provide you own reports on the comments section of the Angler's Log.
Kinney Lake General Info:
This is a great little fly-fishing lake only 15 minutes from Joseph. HOWEVER, unlike most Oregon lakes/ponds it is only open during the stream trout fishing season (Memorial Day weekend to October 31), and you CANNOT use boats or tubes. It is a irrigation reservoir that is stocked by ODFW. In low water years it does not fish well in late summer. It can be a good fishing lake for young kids using bait, as well as a great place for casting practice.
Wallowa , Grande Ronde , Imnaha , Lostine, Other Local Waters , Wallowa Lake , Eagle Cap Wilderness
Fish Data
Kinney Lake Reports:
6/25/2017: Still fishing great. The biggest fish are being caught from float tubes/pontoon boats/etc. Fish with intermediate sink lines with green streamers, or chironomids near the bottom. If fishing from shore try to use an intermediate sink line, or a weighted streamer that will get near the bottom before you strip in.
6/15/2017: Great fishing so far this spring! ODFW has done a great job turning this into a serious trout fishery. Their objective is nothing less than a "trophy" trout lake. If you hook one of their thick, angry 18" bows you will realize they are well on the way to success. You can fish from the shore, wade out in your waders, or fish from a non motorized craft. I went up there after work last week and had a ball hooking fish on sz 18 red humpies. Otherwise troll or strip buggers - green, or something with red in it.
Hurricane Creek Reports:
6/15/2017: Too early/too high. Perhaps the Valley's best hiking trail for short to median hikes. Fishing along the creek is fairly tough, but some people seem to figure it out. Brookies and bows and some bull trout.