Trout Fishing At Barnes Butte In Central Oregon
General: I am admitted newcomer to pay-to-fish fishing opportunities. After fishing Barnes Butte Lake though, I’m counting the days to my next trip to Central Oregon and this exceptional fishery.
The lake’s owner, Roger Hudspeth is an inviting host that began stocking and managing the lake 4 decades ago. This wonderful body of water has evolved from a warmwater lake with ample populations of big bluegill and largemouth bass to a dynamite trophy trout fishery.
And I do mean dynamite. The trout hit with an uncommon ferocity that’s followed by radical leaps and runs that are nearly impossible to control. There are also some truly huge fish in this lake. Most of the fish we hooked were from 14” to 20” with weights that might tip the scales to 4 pounds. But trout lurk in this rich lake that will grow to 8 pounds or more and over 2 feet in length!
It’s a flyfishing only show, and you’re well-advised to do your homework before setting out. We used a double fly presentation with a large size 6 wooly bugger on top with a 4’ leader that was tied to a size 20 chronomid or brassie nymph pattern. Nearly all the fish came on the tiny trailing nymph. Float tubes are a necessity, although small paddle boats like drift boats or canoes can be launched on the lake.
Roger’s done an excellent job of managing this lake. Access is by reservation only. The lake is yours for the day and it’s all catch and release with barbless hooks.
The lake is located just a couple miles out of downtown Prineville in Central, Oregon. From Portland it’s an easy 2 ½ to 3 hour drive that’s filled with spectacular scenery.
Gear: 9 ½ ’ to 10’ - 6 weight fly rods for casting distance Floating and intermediate sinking lines Size 6 or 8 Wooly Buggers and Size 18 and 20 Chronomids and Brassies. 6X Fluorocarbon tippets
| Show#: |
4003 |
| Host: |
Trey Carskadon |
| Guide: |
Roger Hudspeth |
| Email: |
barnbute@teleport.com |
| Phone: |
541-447-4400 |
| Location: |
www.barnes-butte-lake.com |
| Species: |
Trophy Trout, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass |
| Date: |
10/10/00 |
| Equipment: |
Gear: 9 ½ ’ to 10’ - 6 weight fly rods for casting distance Floating and intermediate sinking lines Size 6 or 8 Wooly Buggers and Size 18 and 20 Chronomids and Brassies. 6X Fluorocarbon tippets |
| Tips: |
Final Thoughts: Probably the single most important piece of advice I can convey is to use the smallest fluorocarbon tippet you can get away with. We noticed a difference in how many fish we hooked by whether or not we used light fluorocarbon tippet material. |
