Davis Lake
Fly fishing in Oregon · Intermediate · Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
Target Species
Rainbow Trout
About This Water
Trophy rainbow trout fishery. Fly fishing only with large fish possible.
Fishing Recommendations
Davis Lake is widely considered the "crown jewel" of Central Oregon fly fishing. Located in the Deschutes National Forest at an elevation of roughly 4,400 feet, this is a unique, shallow, and incredibly productive volcanic lake. It was formed when a lava flow from Davis Mountain dammed Odell Creek.
As your guide, I’m excited to walk you through how to tackle this technical but rewarding fishery.
🎣 Location Overview
Davis Lake is a "Fly Fishing Only" destination, which creates a quiet, focused atmosphere that purists love. It is a highly productive, eutrophic lake, meaning it is rich in nutrients and supports a massive biomass of insects and crustaceans.
The lake is famous for its "Lava Beds" on the eastern shore—stark, black volcanic rock that drops off into the water. Conversely, the north and west ends are characterized by vast bulrush stands and submerged weed beds. It is a shallow lake; much of it is less than 10 feet deep, making it a paradise for sight casting and specialized Stillwater techniques.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
Rainbow Trout: The primary draw. These are primarily wild or "naturalized" rainbows that grow at an astonishing rate due to the high protein diet available.
- Behavior: These fish are nomadic. They roam the vast "flats" of the lake looking for Callibaetis and Damselflies.
- The "Lava Wall" Move: In the heat of the day, trout often hug the shadows of the lava rocks or retreat to the cooler, deeper channels near the original creek bed.
- Note on Bass: Though you asked for Trout, it’s worth noting that Davis has an illegal introduction of Largemouth Bass. While controversial, they grow to trophy sizes here (6-8 lbs) and provide a great secondary target on topwater poppers.
📅 Best Times to Fish
- Spring (Late May – June): This is the Prime Window. As the ice melts and the water warms, the Damselfly migration begins. This is some of the most exciting Stillwater fishing in the Western US.
- Summer (July – August): Fishing becomes more technical. You must fish early mornings or late evenings. Water temperatures can rise, pushing fish toward the cool springs at the bottom of the lake or the mouth of Odell Creek.
- Fall (September – October): A fantastic time for trophy hunters. As temperatures drop, the trout become aggressive again, feeding heavily on leeches and baitfish to bulk up for winter.
- Prime Windows: The "Magic Hour" is the last 90 minutes of daylight when the wind typically dies down and the "spinner fall" (Callibaetis) occurs.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
The Damselfly Migration (June)
This is what Davis is famous for. Thousands of olive nymphs swim toward the reeds to hatch.
- Fly Patterns: Sheep Creek Special (Size 10-12), Braided Butt Damsel, or any Marabou Damsel Nymph in Olive.
- Technique: Use an intermediate sinking line or a "hover" line. Cast toward the reeds and use a short, rhythmic "twitch" retrieve to mimic the swimming motion of the nymph.
Callibaetis Hatch (All Summer)
- Fly Patterns: Parachute Adams (Size 14-16), Harrop’s CDC Callibaetis, and Pheasant Tail Nymphs.
- Technique: Look for rising fish in the "slick" water. If no rises are visible, hang a Pheasant Tail 4-6 feet under a small indicator.
Chironomid (Mid-Lake)
- Fly Patterns: Ice Candy, Zebra Midges (Red/Black), and Bloodworms (Size 12-16).
- Technique: Static nymphing under a long leader and indicator. This is most effective in 8-12 feet of water.
Streamer Stripping
- Fly Patterns: Balanced Leeches (Olive/Black), Wooly Buggers, or a Rickards’ Seal Bugger.
- Technique: Fish these along the lava rock edges on a Type 3 or Type 5 sinking line.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- Odell Creek Inlet: The north end where Odell Creek enters is a consistent hotspot. The moving water brings oxygen and food. However, be careful—the mud here is "bottomless." Don't try to wade; fish it from a boat or tube.
- The "Wind Drift": Davis is often windy. Use a "drift sock" on your boat or pontoon to slow your movement, allowing you to cover massive amounts of the flats while keeping your fly in the strike zone.
- Watch the Water Levels: Davis Lake has no surface outlet; it drains through the porous lava. In drought years, the lake can shrink significantly. Always check the ODFW water levels before making the drive.
- Stealth Matters: Because the lake is shallow, these fish are "spooky." Long leaders (12–15 feet) and quiet approaches in a float tube are much more effective than roaring around in a motorboat.
⚠️ Important Information
- Regulations: Fly Fishing Only. Barbless hooks are highly recommended (and often required—check the current ODFW Central Zone synopsis as rules can change annually).
- Access:
- Lava Flow Campground: Best for accessing the deep water and eastern lava beds.
- West Davis Campground: Better access to the weed beds and Odell Creek mouth.
- Boats: A float tube, pontoon, or small skiff is almost mandatory. Shore fishing is extremely difficult due to the reeds and soft mud.
- Caution: The lava rocks are razor-sharp. If you are in a raft or inflatable, keep a wide berth from the eastern shore to avoid punctures.
Guide’s Final Word: Davis Lake isn't about catching 50 fish a day. It’s about the quality of the fish and the beauty of the "Fly Fishing Only" environment. If you time the Damselfly hatch right, you will experience some of the best Stillwater fly fishing of your life. Tight lines!
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Callibaetis (Speckled Duns) Callibaetis ferrugineus | mayfly | June, July, August, September | Late Morning/Afternoon | #14-18 | Parachute Callibaetis #14-16, Callibaetis Cripple #14-16, Hare's Ear Nymph #14-18 |
| Chironomids (Midges) Chironomidae | midge | April, May, June, September | All Day | #12-20 | Ice Bud Chironomid #14-16, Zebra Midge #16-20, Chan's Frosty Midge #14-18 |
| Damselflies Enallagma | terrestrial | June, July | Late Morning/Afternoon | #10-14 | Marabou Damsel Nymph #10-12, Adult Damsel (Braided Body) #12-14, Swimming Damsel #12 |
| Cinnamon Caddis Ceraclea | caddis | July, August | Evening | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis (Cinnamon) #14-16, Soft Hackle Hare's Ear #14-16, Pupa (Cinnamon) #14-16 |
| Hexagenia (Great Olive Wing) Hexagenia limbata | mayfly | June, July | Dusk/Evening | #6-10 | Hexagenia Paradox #6-8, Hexagenia Cripple #6-8, Burrowing Hex Nymph #6-10 |
| Dragonflies Aeshnidae | terrestrial | June, July, August | All Day | #4-10 | Carey Special #6-10, Gomphus Nymph #8-10, Dragonfly Adult #6-8 |
| Traveling Sedge Banksiola crotchi | caddis | June, July | Late Afternoon/Evening | #8-12 | Mikulak Sedge #8-10, Goddard Caddis #10-12, Deep Sparkle Pupa #10-12 |
| Water Boatman Corixidae | terrestrial | September, October | Afternoon | #14-16 | Water Boatman #14-16, Prince Nymph #14-16 |