Odell Lake

odell lake [http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5286682] [http://www.fs.usda.gov/photogallery/deschutes/recreation/fishing/?cid=2890]Diamond Peak stands as a sentinel over Odell Lake, one of the blue giants of the Deschutes National Forest. This large lake is 3562 acres, 6 miles long and 1 1/2 miles wide, and reaches a depth of 282 ft. The average depth is 132 ft. which makes it ideal habitat for lake trout (Mackinaw) and bull trout. Rainbow trout, kokanee salmon and whitefish also naturally reproduce in this lake. Odell Lake is managed as a trophy lake trout fishery and has the distinction of the last two state record lake trout being caught here. The current state record is a 40 lb 8 oz 45.5 inch long giant caught in 1984 by Kenneth Erickson. Bull trout is listed as a threatened species with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and is thus closed to angling. Odell Lake also offers beautiful campsites tucked away in thick forests and some excellent wind surfing. Boats are the most effective way to fish this lake but be aware of afternoon winds; the lake can get dangerously rough. Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on this body of water.  For boat launch information see Princess Creek Boating Site [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recreation/recarea/?recid=39090], Sunset Cove Boating Site  [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recreation/recarea/?recid=39114], Trapper Creek Boating Site [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recreation/recarea/?recid=39122], Odell Lake Resort and Shelter Cove Resort.