This lake is nutrient rich, and absolutely loaded with insect and minnow feed for trout. Cranebows, as they're called, grow an average of two inches per month during the summer months.
The lake is very shallow, and would warm up way to much for rainbows except for the many springs and old river channels that bring in cool water for them.
This lake is a fly fisherman's paradise. Trollers and still fishers do well too, but the fly fisher has a definite advantage.
And scenery!! OhMyGod scenery! The reservoir was a prairie with margins of pine forest before it was dammed and filled. The old pine trees were left standing, and are now silver spires above their watery footing. On early mornings when the foggy mist is laying low on the water, the view is "other worldly," and utterly breathtaking.
Bald eagles and ospreys make Crane Prairie Reservoir their nesting habitat. Deer frequent the shoreline. The drive to and from the lake is some of Oregon's prettiest.
There are resorts and campgrounds at strategic locations around the lake. Take a look at the Oregon Fish and Game website for more information:
