🌲 Welcome to Timothy Lake
Timothy Lake, nestled within the Mt. Hood National Forest, is a serene and scenic destination for anglers of all experience levels. This beautiful 1,400-acre reservoir is surrounded by dense forests and offers stunning views of Mt. Hood on clear days.
Just under two hours from Portland, Timothy Lake is popular for both day trips and weekend fishing adventures. With peaceful surroundings and calm waters, it's the perfect place to cast your line, relax, and reconnect with nature.
🐟 What Fish Can You Catch?
Timothy Lake is home to a healthy mix of both stocked and native fish species. Anglers will find plenty of action throughout the season, especially during the spring and early summer when the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the lake regularly.
- Rainbow Trout – The most commonly caught species, easy to target and great for beginners.
- Brook Trout – Often found in cooler waters and quiet coves. Beautiful and feisty.
- Kokanee Salmon – A challenging and rewarding catch for those trolling deep.
- Cutthroat Trout – Native and aggressive, usually caught closer to shore or near inlets.
🎯 How to Catch Them
Bank Fishing
Early mornings and evenings are best for shore anglers. Use PowerBait, nightcrawlers, or salmon eggs with a slip sinker rig. Let your bait float just above the weeds or lakebed for better visibility.
Trolling by Boat
Boaters can cover more area and access deeper fish. Use flashers, small dodgers, and hoochies tipped with corn. Kokanee salmon and trout will be deeper during hot summer days, so bring your downrigger or lead-core line.
Fly Fishing
Fly anglers will find success near the creek inlets or shallow coves. Dry flies and nymphs work best, especially during hatches in the early morning or dusk. A float tube or small pontoon boat will help you reach better spots.
📆 Best Times to Fish
Fishing at Timothy Lake is seasonal and depends on water temperature, stocking schedules, and access to different parts of the lake:
- Spring: Great trout fishing with cooler water and frequent stocking.
- Summer: Early mornings and evenings are best; deep trolling during midday.
- Fall: Less crowded and excellent for bigger fish stocking in September.
- Winter: Most of the lake is inaccessible due to snow and road closures.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use fluorocarbon leader line to stay invisible in clear water.
- A small fish finder or depth gauge can help you locate deeper schools of fish.
- Check the ODFW trout stocking schedule for updates before your trip.
- Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and warm layers – weather can change fast.
- Always have your Oregon fishing license and check daily limits.
🚗 Getting There
From Portland, take Highway 26 east toward Mt. Hood. Turn onto Forest Road 57 and follow signs to Timothy Lake. The area is well-marked with several campgrounds, picnic spots, and boat ramps along the lake's edge.
Make sure your vehicle can handle gravel forest roads if you're venturing to the more remote sides of the lake.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned angler, Timothy Lake offers something for everyone. The combination of peaceful scenery, diverse fish species, and easy access makes it a top fishing destination in Oregon.
Pack your gear, bring your camera, and get ready for a memorable experience by the water!