Pay to play lakes??

farofffisher

farofffisher

Steelhead
Forum Supporter
Hello,
This year I would like to visit some "private" water pay to play.
Anyone like a spot they have gone to?
I'M interested on places that did not hold up to the hype as well.

Thanks for any reply.
 
I'm open for a road trip so....My home base is Oregon.
I'd prefer to take short 2-3 day stays unless someone suggests
an really great spot at a great rate.
 
there are more than one kind of 'pay to play' lakes...during the early 90's a buddy and I began to explore remote lakes and reservoirs a full day drive east from our coastal homes, the area waters having been supposedly planted with Eagle Lake trout during the 80's.
We struck out on our first few trips to those 'blue dots', then came across a 100 acre or so jewel full of healthy bow's reproducing via connecting streams.
Those first strong tugs when kicking the float tubes off the shore more than paid off the hours and gas consumed before finding it.
 
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I fished the Justesen Ranch in Grass Valley when the lakes were managed by Deschutes Angler. It was worth the price and I had some great days. During COVID, I had one of the lakes by myself except for when John Hazel checked in on me. Looks like the price for non-guided trips are about the same, with adjustment for inflation. In my opinion, worth the price.
 
Haven't fished it but have heard that Back to the Wall is good. Be a good one to combine with fishing a few central WA lakes.

Sounds like Grindstone Lakes are no longer pay to play. Always wanted to give it a try.
 
dbaken said:
Haven't fished it but have heard that Back to the Wall is good. Be a good one to combine with fishing a few central WA lakes.

Sounds like Grindstone Lakes are no longer pay to play. Always wanted to give it a try.
Click to expand...
Desert Fly Angler books Back to the Wall.
 
Lakes are moody. I’ve spent some $$ on pay to play and sometimes it was worth it. Book multiple days to give yourself better odds of hitting a window with good conditions and willing fish.

Or pick a region with many good public lakes and spend your $$ on gas, lodging and supplies for an extended expedition.
 
If you're looking for bass, @Billy visited this private lake last year:

Fly fishing Hilltop Lake for giant spring largemouth bass

Article 'Fly fishing Hilltop Lake for giant spring largemouth bass'

Recently I had the pleasure of spending a spring day on Hilltop Lake. Hilltop is located just outside of the town of George in Washington State. Access is managed through Red's Fly Shop (509-933-2300) with both a DIY option and a guided option. For this day I would be doing the DIY option...
 
I've been to Wild Billy Lake down in Southern Oregon several times. Beautiful place, cabins with no power, big fish.
 
Do you know about the oregon fishing club? I'm not a member but know some that are. As I understand they give access to a bunch of lakes year round. There's a big sign up fee and quarterly dues but would be a good option if that's what you're into. Look them up. Their website has lots of info. I bet there are some members here that can tell you more.
 
Josh said:
If you're looking for bass, @Billy visited this private lake last year:

Fly fishing Hilltop Lake for giant spring largemouth bass

Article 'Fly fishing Hilltop Lake for giant spring largemouth bass'

Recently I had the pleasure of spending a spring day on Hilltop Lake. Hilltop is located just outside of the town of George in Washington State. Access is managed through Red's Fly Shop (509-933-2300) with both a DIY option and a guided option. For this day I would be doing the DIY option...
Click to expand...
Just for my 2 cents (I'm no Billy, but I usually do OK for bass):
I've done Hilltop three times. Like any lake, it has good days and bad days. The first time (when I first got into bass on the fly) was great! Plenty of bass, some really big! The 2nd time I nearly got blanked, and the 3rd was OK but no better than many public lakes. I did see lots of big fish, they just weren't in the mood to eat, apparently. Really had to work for them.
That said, I'd totally (and probably will) book it again. I know those hogs are in there!
 
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