Oregon · Fishing
Fishing in Lakeview, Oregon
Lakeview sits in Oregon's high desert at the south end of Lake County, and the fishing around town is almost entirely stillwater — lakes, reservoirs, and marshes spread across a wide, open landscape.
9 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 9 spots
Lakeview sits in Oregon's high desert at the south end of Lake County, and the fishing around town is almost entirely stillwater — lakes, reservoirs, and marshes spread across a wide, open landscape. The nine fishable spots in and around Lakeview are all lake or reservoir fishing, so if you're coming expecting river runs or fly-fishing pocket water, adjust your plans accordingly. Lake Abert is the largest and most distinctive water body in the area, a shallow alkaline lake that dominates the valley north of town. Drews Reservoir, Renner Reservoir, and White Rock Reservoirs offer more typical warmwater and coldwater reservoir fishing. Twin Lakes and Mule Lake are smaller and worth checking if you want a quieter outing with less competition for bank space. White Pine Marsh rounds out the list with a different kind of access and atmosphere. Most of these waters sit at high desert elevation, which means cold mornings well into spring and early fall, afternoon winds that can make casting awkward, and shoulder seasons that are often more productive than midsummer. A valid Oregon fishing license is required at all of these locations.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of fishing is available around Lakeview?
All of the fishable waters near Lakeview are lakes, reservoirs, or marshes — there is no stream or river fishing in this listing set. Expect bank fishing or small-boat fishing on stillwater, with spots ranging from large reservoirs like Drews and White Rock to smaller waters like Mule Lake and Twin Lakes.
Can you actually fish Lake Abert?
Lake Abert is a highly alkaline lake and is not a productive fishery in the traditional sense — its chemistry supports brine shrimp and alkali flies rather than game fish. If you're driving out to Lake Abert specifically to fish, recalibrate your expectations and focus your time on Drews Reservoir or Renner Reservoir instead.
When is the best time of year to fish near Lakeview?
Spring and early fall tend to be the most productive seasons at high desert reservoirs in this region. Summer afternoons bring strong winds off the surrounding rimrock that make casting and boat control difficult, and water temperatures in shallower spots like White Pine Marsh can push fish into less accessible areas. Early mornings are consistently the most productive time of day regardless of season.
Do I need a boat, or is bank access reasonable?
Most of these waters have fishable bank access, and smaller spots like Mule Lake and Twin Lakes are manageable without a boat. A small kayak or float tube opens up more water at Drews Reservoir and White Rock Reservoirs, where bank angles and vegetation can limit where you can effectively cast from shore.
What license and gear should I bring?
You'll need a valid Oregon fishing license before you fish any of these waters — pick one up in Lakeview before heading out. For reservoir and lake fishing in this area, medium-action spinning gear handles most situations well. Bring layers regardless of the forecast; temperatures at this elevation drop quickly in the morning and after sundown even in summer.
