Fishing

Fishing from the Wizard Island research dock was a successful adventure this day.

NPS Photo

There is no evidence that native fish ever lived in Crater Lake. However, between 1888 and 1941 the lake was stocked with seven different species of fish, only two of those species thrive today. It is currently estimated that the lake supports approximately 60,000 kokanee salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka; landlocked sockeye salmon) and rainbow trout.

All streams in the park are open for fishing except Sun Creek and Lost Creek. These two creeks are closed because they are habitats for native bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus). The park is engaged in a long-term project to restore a sustainable population of bull trout, the only fish native to the streams within Crater Lake National Park. Bull trout are a threatened species and are protected by the Endangered Species Act.

 

Regulations for Crater Lake and Park Streams

• No fishing license is required within park boundaries.
• To prevent the introduction of non-native organisms into the lake and streams, only non-organic artificial lures may be used. Organic bait, live or dead, including worms/night crawlers is prohibited within the park.
• There are no size restrictions or catch and possession limits for rainbow trout or kokanee salmon from the lake, or brook trout and brown trout from streams.
• Waders, wetsuits, private boats, and other gear (click here for a complete list) are not allowed in Crater Lake.
• Sun Creek and Lost Creek are closed to fishing.
• Bull trout caught in any stream must be released back into the stream.
• Fishing is permitted from Wizard Island boat docks except when a boat is docked, and when a boat approaches the dock.
• Fishing is prohibited from motor road bridges, and all public boat docks other than Wizard Island.

 

Access to Crater Lake and Park Streams
Lake Access
Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only access to the lake. The trail is typically accessible from late June thru October as long as it is snow free and cleared of any potential hazards. Hiking to the lake from other locations within the caldera is illegal, not to mention extremely dangerous. The Cleetwood Cove Trail is 1.1 miles one direction with a 700 foot elevation change. The trail terminates at the lake where a 0.25 mile (0.4km) of rocky shoreline is available to anglers. Fishing is not allowed within 200 feet of the boat docks. and is not advised where people are swimming.

During the summer when public boat tours are operating, fishing is permitted around the lake shore and from the docks and shore of Wizard Island. Access to and from the island is via scheduled boat tours from Cleetwood Cove.

Stream Access
Fishing is prohibited in Sun Creek and Lost Creek within the boundaries of Crater Lake National Park.

• Annie Creek may be accessed from the Annie Creek Sno-Park just past the south entrance of Crater Lake National Park.
• The safest access to most creeks within the park requires entering the park from US Forest Service land. Maps and road conditions are available from USFS District Offices on OR Hwys 62 and 138, and US Hwy 97.