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The fishing regulations for Crater Lake National Park are far
different than most parks. For example, no fishing license is
required whatsoever to fish within the considerable park boundaries.
That is not especially unusual since a few other national parks
allow the same thing. However, at Crater Lake there are no restrictions
on size, number or species taken! Those interested in catching
what they eat will have a field day in this park with one caveat
- many of the streams are incredibly difficult to get to, and
there is only one legal access trail to Crater Lake (Cleetwood
Trail) and it's incredibly strenuous.
Fishing in Crater Lake National Park is open from May 20 to October
31, weather permitting. You can start fishing a half hour before
sunrise, and a half hour after sunrise. No bait is allowed in
Crater Lake National Park, with only artificial lures and flies
permitted. No power bait, no fish eggs, no roe, or any kind of
baitfish. Netting is strictly prohibited. Only hook and line are
permitted.
The Cleetwood Trail will take you to the only legal access on
Crater Lake where a rugged quarter mile of shoreline awaits you.
Fishing from the docks is allowed as long as the official park
tour boats are not within 200 feet. Fishermen also have the option
of taking the tour to Wizard Island and trying its remote and
scenic shores.
Please remember that private boats or other floating craft are
not permitted on Crater Lake - only official park tours.
Cleaning fish n the lake is prohibited. Please pack out any fish
you intend to keep. No one needs to see the entrails of your catch
for the season as they walk the shore.
Crater Lake rim
There are two main species of fish in Crater Lake. They are kokanee
salmon and rainbow trout. Kokanee are a landlocked form of sockeye,
known for populating a body of water quickly. They are strong
fighters but average 8 inches in length, sometimes approaching
18 inches.. Rainbow trout are also know for their outstanding
fight and can grow much bigger, with an average of 10-14 inches
up to 26 inches.
Originally, Crater Lake contained no fish. A century ago, a stocking
program took place of kokanee and rainbow trout. The last time
the lake was stocked was 1937 and 1941. The fish took well to
the stockings and have flourished due to the pristine waters,
abundant food base and lack of angling pressure.
Crater Lake is also dotted with many creeks, affording a wider
range of fish species and backwoods angling adventure. Steep canyons
make some of these streams impossible to access. The creeks of
the park are home to brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and
bull trout. Bull trout are the only native species of fish to
the park and are recommended for protection under the endangered
species act. IF you catch one, please do not kill it regardless
of the park rules. These fish require wilderness to survive, and
are incredibly sensitive to industry and development. Their presence
in Crater Lake speaks to wildness and purity of the land. Bull
trout can grow to enormous proportions and have been known to
eat full size trout of other species. They lurk in the deep pools
and wait for unsuspecting trout to cross, and then surge from
the depths with wide open jaws.
While not a top fishing destination like some other parks, Crater
Lake does offer enough to the fisherman looking for remote creek
fishing and adventure.
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NEW! Crater Lake National Park campground
tours are now available! Includes video tours of Mazama and Lost
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