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Lake Creek

Lake Creek, a major tributary of the Siuslaw River near Swisshome is renowned for its excellent steelhead and salmon fishing opportunities. The lower four miles of Lake Creek down to Swisshome offer some of the best winter steelhead fishing in northwest Oregon, with the peak season typically occurring from January through early March.

Quick Info

Location
Lake Creek is a 40-mile-long tributary of the Siuslaw River, joining it at Swisshome, Oregon. 

Fish Species
The creek supports populations of steelhead, Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and cutthroat trout. 

Fishing Seasons

  • Winter Steelhead: Peak runs occur from January through March.
  • Chinook Salmon: Fishing is permitted below Deadwood Creek during the fall season.
  • Cutthroat Trout: Fishing is allowed along the main stem during the open season.

Access Points
Public access is available near the confluence with the Siuslaw River at Swisshome and along Oregon Route 36, which parallels much of the creek. 

Facilities
The Bureau of Land Management oversees the Lake Creek Falls recreation site downstream of Triangle Lake, offering picnicking, swimming, and fish viewing opportunities. 

More Fishing

Access Points Near Swisshome

Lake Creek offers several access points near Swisshome for anglers targeting steelhead and salmon:

  • Deadwood: A popular spot located below Green Creek, which is a smolt release site. This area provides good bank access for steelhead fishing.
  • Swisshome: The lower four miles of Lake Creek down to Swisshome offer prime fishing opportunities, especially for winter steelhead.
  • County Road 4390: Also known as Siuslaw Road, this route provides access to various pull-offs along Lake Creek as it flows towards its confluence with the Siuslaw River.

Anglers should note that while Green Creek itself is closed to fishing, Lake Creek below its confluence is open and productive. The best fishing typically occurs from December through March, with peak steelhead runs in January and February.

 Access is primarily via roadside pull-offs, so anglers should be mindful of private property and use designated access points where available.

Steelhead and Cutthroat Trout

Lake Creek is renowned for its excellent steelhead and cutthroat trout fishing opportunities. Winter steelhead runs typically peak from January through early March, with the lower four miles down to Swisshome offering some of the best fishing. Hatchery winter steelhead are released near Green Creek, making the area below Deadwood particularly productive. Cutthroat trout fishing can be good year-round, with fish spread throughout the river system. Anglers targeting cutthroat should focus on the cooler months when water temperatures are lower. Both steelhead and cutthroat can be caught using various techniques, including:

  • Bobber and jig/bait fishing
  • Drift fishing
  • Casting spinners
  • Fly fishing (especially effective for cutthroat)

Remember to check current regulations, as catch limits and gear restrictions may apply. The scenic beauty of Lake Creek, with its forested banks and clear waters, adds to the fishing experience.

MAPLETON

Scenic Lake Creek Views

Lake Creek offers stunning views that showcase the natural beauty of Oregon’s coastal range. The creek winds through dense forests of Douglas fir, Western red cedar, and Big Leaf maple, creating a lush green backdrop for anglers and nature enthusiasts. In autumn, the surrounding deciduous trees burst into vibrant colors, reflecting off the clear waters and creating a picturesque scene.Notable scenic spots along Lake Creek include:

  • Lake Creek Falls: A series of small waterfalls and natural rock slides popular for summer recreation
  • Triangle Lake: Located upstream, this scenic lake is surrounded by forested hills and offers opportunities for boating and fishing

The best time to enjoy Lake Creek’s scenery is during late spring through early fall when water levels are lower and the weather is more favorable. However, winter can offer dramatic views of swollen rapids and mist-shrouded forests for those willing to brave the elements.

Sources:

Oregon Waterfalls, ODFW, myodfw.org, Best Fishing in America

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