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Oregon · Fishing
The fishing around Union, Oregon centers on a handful of alpine lakes tucked into the Wallowa-Whitman country east of town.
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The fishing around Union, Oregon centers on a handful of alpine lakes tucked into the Wallowa-Whitman country east of town. Glacier Lake, Lookingglass Lake, Eagle Lake, and Traverse Lake are all lake fisheries, which means you're looking at still-water techniques rather than wading rivers — think float tubes, small inflatables, or fishing from the bank with a longer cast. These are mountain lakes, so access typically involves a trail, and the season is dictated more by snowpack and road conditions than by a calendar date. Most of these lakes don't open up reliably until late June or July in a normal snow year, and they can fish well into September before temperatures drop and the crowds thin out completely. Because you're dealing with high-elevation water that tends to be clear and cold, fish are often spooky and the bite is usually best early in the morning or in the last hour of light. Union itself is a small town, so plan to bring your own gear — don't count on finding a well-stocked tackle shop locally. An Oregon fishing license is required for anyone 12 and older, and you'll want to check ODFW regulations for the specific lake you're targeting before you go, since rules on bait, catch limits, and closures can vary by water body.
The available listing data covers four lake fisheries — Glacier Lake, Lookingglass Lake, Eagle Lake, and Traverse Lake — but doesn't specify stocked or wild species by water body. Your best move is to check the ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife) stocking reports for each lake before your trip, since alpine lakes in this region are commonly stocked with trout but schedules and species vary year to year.
High-elevation lakes in the Union area are typically inaccessible until late June or July depending on how heavy the winter snowpack was. August and early September tend to offer the most reliable conditions — trails are clear, water temperatures are stable, and fish are actively feeding. If you're planning a late-season trip in October, confirm road and trail conditions ahead of time.
Spring Creek Campground
~1h 14m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Eagle Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Lookingglass Lake
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Blue Lake
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Traverse Lake
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Glacier Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Horseshoe Lake
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Steamboat Lake
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Long Lake
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
John Henry Lake
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Green Lake
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Stoddard Reservoir
~25 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
A medium-light spinning rod or a 4- to 5-weight fly rod covers most situations on these mountain lakes. Small spinners, soft plastics, and dry or wet flies all work depending on conditions. A float tube or small packable inflatable gives you a significant advantage over bank fishing, especially on lakes with brushy or rocky shorelines. Pack layers regardless of the forecast — temperatures at elevation can swing hard between morning and midday.
You need a valid Oregon fishing license if you're 12 or older. Beyond that, check ODFW regulations for each specific lake, since some alpine waters in Oregon carry additional rules around bait use, barbless hooks, or catch-and-release requirements. The ODFW regulation booklet is available online and is updated annually.
These are alpine lakes, and most require at least some trail travel to reach. Trail lengths and difficulty vary by lake, so look up each trailhead individually before you go. Glacier Lake, Lookingglass Lake, Eagle Lake, and Traverse Lake are all in mountainous terrain, so expect uneven trails and plan for the elevation gain. A high-clearance vehicle may be helpful for reaching some trailheads after the road opens in early summer.
