Drano Lake Fishing Guides
Drano Lake is a sight to behold
Drano Lake is the perfect spot for anglers looking to hook a Chinook Salmon.
Drano Lake is a tributary of the Columbia River just downstream of Hood River, Oregon. It is located on the Washington side of the river and is fed by the Little White Salmon River. Drano Lake is a very popular destination for Salmon and Steelhead anglers. In the spring we fish Drano Lake for Chinook Salmon. To learn more check out our Drano Lake Fishing Report page.
Because of a local hatchery program located on the Little White Salmon, Drano Lake has one of the highest returning stocks of the prized spring Chinook salmon. Despite the entire Columbia River drainage being a one-fish limit, Drano Lake has always remained a two-fish limit.
During this fishery, we troll herring or prawns behind flashers. When the fish are in it is an easy catching fishery. Because this is such a popular destination coupled with a relatively small area to fish, boat control and placement are key to success. It is a very good idea to hire a guide here. Reel Time Fishing has spent many years perfecting this fishery and has dialed in our bait recipes conducive to this environment.
Drano Lake is a truly stunning natural wonder
Anglers flock to Drano Lake in the fall for its abundant Salmon and Steelhead – a fisherman’s paradise!
In the fall our Drano Lake fishing guides also fish here for Chinook and Steelhead. This takes place in September. During this time, the fall runs of salmon, including Chinook and coho, migrate upriver, providing excellent angling opportunities as these fish enter Drano Lake. The style of fishing is fairly similar to our spring fishery here except that we use ProTroll flashers and super baits or spinners.
In the summer, Drano Lake is considered a “cold water refuge.” By August and September, the Columbia River has warmed up to 70+ degrees. Drano Lake stays cool by being fed by the Little White Salmon which is mountain-fed. The Salmon and Steelhead push into Drano Lake to cool off, allowing anglers a better shot at catching them.
Steelhead fishing here takes place in the fall as well. We target the Steelhead that pushes into Drano Lake for the cool water. Night fishing is best. We often see great catch rates with a lot of big B-run fish coming aboard.
Location and Accessibility
Drano Lake sits at the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, making it one of the most accessible and sought-after fishing destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Nestled just a few miles upstream from the Bonneville Dam on the Washington side of the Columbia River, Drano Lake is perfectly positioned for anglers looking to experience world-class salmon fishing, breathtaking scenery, and the thrill of landing a prized Chinook.
Getting to Drano Lake is straightforward, whether you’re coming from Oregon or Washington. From Vancouver, Washington, simply follow Highway 14 east along the Columbia River, passing through the scenic gorge. If you’re traveling from Oregon, you can cross the river via the Bridge of the Gods or the Hood River Bridge, then continue east on Highway 14. After about 30 miles, turn north onto Highway 141, which leads directly to the lake. The nearby towns of Stevenson, Washington, and Hood River, Oregon, offer plenty of amenities, making them great basecamps for your fishing adventure.
Drano Lake is fed by the cold, clear waters of the Little White Salmon River, with the Wind River and White Salmon River also nearby, creating a unique fishery that draws anglers from across the region. The lake’s proximity to these tributaries, as well as its location just upstream of the Bonneville Dam, means you’ll find plenty of salmon and steelhead making their way through these legendary spawning grounds.
For those planning their first fishing trip to Drano Lake, there are several convenient access points. The Drano Lake Boat Launch and the Wind River Boat Launch are the most popular, offering ample parking and easy access for boats. Shore anglers will find good spots at Drano Lake Park and the Wind River Recreation Area, both of which provide excellent views of the Columbia River and the surrounding gorge. Early mornings are the best time to secure a prime fishing spot, as the lake can fill up quickly during peak salmon and steelhead seasons.
Boat control is crucial at Drano Lake, especially during busy times when the water is dotted with other anglers and fishing guides. If you’re new to the area or want to maximize your chances of catching Chinook, coho, or steelhead, consider booking a trip with one of the experienced Drano Lake fishing guides. These local experts know the best techniques, from trolling herring and prawns to using the right flashers and gear for the season.
The fishing seasons at Drano Lake are legendary. Spring salmon runs typically kick off in April, with the action peaking in May, while the fall brings another wave of salmon and steelhead from August through October. Always check current fishing regulations and secure the necessary permits before heading out.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or planning your first fishing trip, Drano Lake is a must-visit destination. With its easy access, abundant salmon runs, and the expertise of Reeltime fishing guides, it’s no wonder Drano Lake is considered one of the top fisheries in the world. Plan your next fishing trip to Drano Lake and experience the best of the Columbia River, the Pacific Northwest, and the thrill of catching salmon in one of nature’s most beautiful settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions about our fishing trips
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I BRING ON MY TRIP?
The legal max boatload is six anglers, but with six full time guides available we are able to accommodate large groups of more than six people.
IS LUNCH/DRINKS PROVIDED ON MY TRIPS?
Lunch and drinks ARE NOT provided on any of our fishing trips anymore.
HOW MANY HOURS ARE WE ON THE WATER?
Look forward to at least 8 hours of fishing unless you book a half day trip, then look forward to 4 hours of fishing
DO YOU PROVIDE ALL THE GEAR WE NEED TO FISH?
Yes, each guide is fully equipped with top-notch rods, reels and bait to ensure success on your trip.
DO I NEED TO PRE-PAY OR PLACE A DEPOSIT DOWN TO HOLD MY SPOT?
We require a 50% deposit at the time of booking, final payment must be made in full 10 days prior to your trip. We do not offer refunds for cancellations or head-count changes made inside 10 days of your trip.
DO YOU CLEAN AND FILLET OUR CATCH?
Yes, all of our guides will clean and fillet your catch unless otherwise specified.