News briefLake levels · Oregon
Detroit Lake down 18 ft in 29 days
Down 18 ft in a month, Detroit Lake is reshaping its banks.
Detroit Lake reads 1,477.0 ft, 18 ft lower than 29 days ago. That changes the launch and the spots.
The best bet right now: trout. Near the surface and along shorelines.
Why it matters
A falling lake pulls fish off the banks toward points and channel edges, exposes hazards, and can leave the shallow end of a ramp in the mud. Late fall in the North is the last open-water stretch.
With about 3,500 acres and roughly 32 miles of shoreline at full pool, Detroit Lake is a lot of water to cover. At its deepest the lake reaches around 440 ft.
The fish
Expect trout on Detroit Lake to be a solid pick. Trout are comfortable in the 50s and cruise shallow, so shore anglers get their best shot. Kokanee salmon are a fair bet. Kokanee trolling is good in cool water near the surface.
Know before you go
- Go Thursday, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm: the best-rated bite day (good).
- Start at the point drop-off on the map: use spinner or spoon, troll slowly.
- Wear the life jacket: 50°F water takes your breath away if you fall in.
One spot to try
The marked spot on Detroit Lake is a point drop-off. The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed. It suits trout and kokanee; try spinner or spoon, troll slowly.
Detroit Lake today Plan a trip
Detroit Lake every morning
Water temperature, level, wind and bite times on your phone.
Read the guide
Related reports
The list Lake levels · US
20 lakes running low: Lake Powell 43 ft below normal, Lake Mead 31 ft
Of the 64 lakes we follow with a daily level reading, 20 sit 2 ft or more below their usual level for this time of year. The list, lowest first, with how far each is from its lowest reading since at least 2016, which way it is moving and what that does to the ramps and the fishing.
News brief Lake levels · Utah
Lake Powell up 20 ft in 30 days
Up 20 ft in a month, Lake Powell is flooding fresh cover.
By the numbers Lake levels · California
6 numbers that explain Lake Oroville this week
The level, the trend and what they mean on the water: Lake Oroville in 6 numbers.
By the numbers Lake levels · Nevada
Lake Mead by the numbers: 1,039.9 ft, +2.2 ft in 30 days
Everything that matters on Lake Mead this week, one number at a time.