I’ve been fishing a lot lately in Southern Oregon, the Coast, and Northern California, but decided it was time to get back to our local high lakes while they are still open. So, yesterday a friend and I went to Crane Prairie to try our luck. If you like a challenge, it’s a good choice right now.

It was a classic Central Oregon fall day, 22 degrees when we launched, with a little ice on the water near the shore in spots, but 82 degrees when we headed home. The water was as calm as it gets, crystal clear, and only 40 degrees about 6 inches below the surface. The lake is very low which made it hard to get to our favorite spots. A few stumps and downed logs were hit. Thankfully, I took my drift boat this time with an outboard outfitted with a prop guard but still had to pull up the motor and use my oars a few times.

We were sight fishing to cruising fish all day in 2 – 4 feet of water under a bright sun. We had to make long, soft casts with 14+’ leaders to not spook the fish we were targeting, but there were plenty of willing fish and we landed many wild cranebows like in the photo. It reminded us of flats fishing. Super challenging and fun. Get out there while you still can.