Fishing at Town Lake Near Pacific City: A Hidden Gem for Anglers

By /

You'll find an angler's paradise at Town Lake, a hidden gem tucked away near Pacific City, Oregon. Surrounded by towering dunes and lush greenery, this tranquil haven offers an ideal escape for fishing enthusiasts. The lake is stocked with trout regularly, promising exciting catches and rewarding days on the water. Regulations guarantee a sustainable experience, with specific gear and licensing requirements. Each season offers unique opportunities, from spring's rainbow trout bounty to autumn's trophy fish. Whether you're using a light fly rod or classic lures, the lake accommodates all techniques. There's more to uncover about this remarkable spot.

Key Takeaways

  • Town Lake in Pacific City offers a tranquil fishing experience with stocked trout and scenic surroundings.
  • Anglers can catch up to 5 trout daily, following gear and licensing regulations.
  • The lake is stocked with legal-size and trophy trout from March to August.
  • Fishing opportunities include rainbow trout in spring and coho salmon in autumn.
  • Nestucca Adventures provides maintenance and access to enhance the fishing experience.

Discovering Town Lake

Nestled just over the bridge at Woods, you'll find Town Lake at the north end of Pacific City, Oregon, a hidden gem that offers a serene escape. Despite its modest size, Town Lake captivates with its stunning surroundings. Enveloped by large dunes and lush greenery reminiscent of a rainforest, it's a tranquil haven away from the sea breezes. This picturesque setting makes it an ideal spot for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike. The lake is renowned for its fishing, thanks to regular trout stocking by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. From March through August, several thousand legal-size trout are introduced, creating perfect conditions for both novice and seasoned fishermen. Anglers should be aware that the use of bait is prohibited in designated catch-and-release areas to preserve the lake's ecosystem. As you cast your line, the peaceful environment offers an invigorating break from the hustle and bustle. Caution is advised so as not to exceed the catch limits, ensuring a sustainable fishing experience for all visitors. Beyond fishing, Town Lake's proximity to other outdoor activities enhances its appeal. You can explore nearby boat launches on the Big Nestucca River or embrace the beauty of surrounding nature reserves like Bob Straub State Park. Whether you're there for the fishing or the scenery, Town Lake delivers a delightful mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a must-visit destination.

Fishing Regulations Overview

While Town Lake enchants with its stunning landscapes and abundant fishing opportunities, guaranteeing the understanding of the fishing regulations is key to making the most of your visit. Begin by familiarizing yourself with Oregon's general fishing regulations, as Town Lake likely falls under the Northwest Zone rules. – Daily Catch Limits: You're allowed to catch up to 5 trout per day in lakes. For streams, the limit is 2 salmon or steelhead per day, with an annual aggregate limit of 20. – Gear Restrictions: From May 22 to August 31, streams above tidewater require artificial flies and lures, while bait is permissible year-round in bays and tidewaters. Remember that released trout, salmon, and steelhead must be unharmed and not removed from the water. – Licensing Requirements: Each angler must have a valid fishing license, which is available in various types, including annual, daily, and combination options. Special rates apply for youth, seniors, and disabled veterans. Ensure that anglers who are residents or nonresidents alike are aware of the pricing differences in annual angling licenses, with residents paying $44.00 and nonresidents paying $110.50. – Endorsements and Tags: For fishing salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon, verify you have a Columbia River Basin Endorsement and a Combined Angling Tag.

Seasonal Fishing Opportunities

Why not explore the diverse seasonal fishing opportunities at Town Lake and its surrounding waterways? Springtime, from March to May, offers a bounty of hatchery rainbow trout, with peak action in April. Regular stocking schedules keep the lake teeming with fish, and using olive and black buggers on the strip can amp up your success. You might even encounter occasional bass and steelhead during your spring adventures. While the trout are numerous, some may be small due to the poor water conditions at the hatchery.

As spring shifts to summer, late May and June become prime for snagging summer steelhead. While the river levels are ideal between 4 and 5.5 feet, you'll find leftover spring trout and occasional bass throughout the season. Fly fishing and casting lures work wonders during this time.

Autumn brings a change of pace and species. Coho salmon migrate into rivers, and Town Lake gets stocked with trophy-sized rainbow trout in September. This period is perfect for using bait, lures, or fly fishing to land a big catch. Anglers can expect the ODFW to return to the lake in September, bringing a smaller load of significantly larger trophy trout.

In winter, December through April, focus shifts to rivers where winter steelhead are plentiful. The Nestucca River is a notable spot, and for those looking to diversify, sturgeon fishing in Tillamook Bay offers an exciting challenge.

Species to Target

For anglers exploring Town Lake, targeting the right species can make your trip both exciting and rewarding. This hidden gem near Pacific City offers a variety of fish to pursue, with trout being the star attraction. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) stocks these beauties during the spring, with trophy-sized trout occasionally introduced in September, measuring between 14 to 20 inches. Use bait fishing, casting lures, or fly fishing to reel in these catchable-sized trout, generally ranging from 9-12 inches. Fishing at Town Lake is supported by regular stocking efforts as the lake does not support natural fish reproduction.

Steelhead also make an appearance when there's a surplus available, providing a thrilling challenge. These fish are regulated as trout in Town Lake, with a minimum size of 20 inches. To catch steelhead, consider using larger lures or sand shrimp under a bobber, and try sight fishing for an added thrill. Not far from Town Lake, anglers can also explore the productive rivers of the Coast Range Mountains, which offer additional fishing opportunities.

Don't overlook the small population of largemouth bass. They may be less common, but they offer a unique fishing experience. General lake-fishing techniques should work well here.

For those interested in variety:

  • Trout: Stocked regularly, trophy sizes available
  • Steelhead: Occasionally stocked, sight fishing is effective
  • Bass: One-bass limit, use general techniques
  • Perch: Present in smaller numbers

Recommended Fishing Gear

When you're gearing up for a fishing adventure at Town Lake, having the right equipment can make all the difference. Start with a 3-4 weight fly rod, perfect for targeting the lake's trout and steelhead. Pair this with floating lines, which are especially effective for fly fishing. A 5X tippet will serve you well when casting those delicate flies.

For lures, spinners and spoons are your go-to for enticing stocked trout. If you prefer bait, Powerbait and processed pellet food are popular and productive choices. In the fly department, a variety of options await. Size 16 dry adams and foam hoppers work beautifully on the surface, while size 14 brown chironomids and bead head hare's ears excel beneath. Streamers like black and brown woolly buggers offer versatility in sizes 10 to 16, adapting to different species.

Small boats or kayaks provide the best lake access, but if you're shore-bound, a public dock is available. A small fee is required for boat launches at Nestucca Adventures, ensuring proper maintenance and access. Don't forget your fishing license and light tackle for trout! A good net is essential for safely landing your catch. Always check stocking schedules and adjust your gear according to water conditions and local regulations.

Resources for Anglers

At Town Lake near Pacific City, anglers have a wealth of resources to enhance their fishing experience. Understanding the fishing regulations is imperative. You're allowed to catch up to 5 trout per day, but only 3 can be over 15 inches. Fishing for trout is open year-round, but streams above tidewater have gear restrictions from May 22 to August 31. The lake is stocked monthly with legal-size and "trophy" trout from March through August, ensuring ample opportunities for a successful catch. The ODFW Data Clearinghouse provides information that can be crucial for planning fishing trips, such as reports and maps related to natural resources.

Nestled just over the bridge at Woods, the pristine beauty of Town Lake offers a serene and picturesque backdrop for anglers seeking a peaceful fishing experience.

To maximize your fishing trips, utilize these resources:

  • ODFW Website: Find detailed fishing regulations and trout stocking maps to plan your excursions effectively.
  • Local Guides and Charters: Companies like Haystack Fishing and Pacific City Fishing offer guided trips, enhancing your chances of catching something special.
  • Local Knowledge: Visit fishing shops and talk to residents for insights on current conditions and strategies.
  • Fishing Reports: Stay updated with regular reports from local anglers and fishing shops to adjust your plans accordingly.

With these resources at your disposal, you can enjoy a rewarding fishing adventure at Town Lake and beyond, surrounded by the natural beauty of Pacific City.

Related Posts

Scroll to Top