Drano Lake Fishing Guides

chinook fising
view of drano lake

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. 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.

Our Amazing Fishing Guide Reviews

Excellent
Based on 99 reviews
Jennifer Busby
Jennifer Busby
June 16, 2023
The best guides around!
Elliot Thomsen
Elliot Thomsen
June 5, 2023
Great trip. Jeff, our guide, is highly competent and exceeded all of our expectations. Professional and I highly recommend this company to anyone who wants to have a great experience and a successful fishing adventure.
Bonnie Willis
Bonnie Willis
May 4, 2023
This was our first time out with Reel Time Fishing, guide Travis Wendt was an excellent guide/host/cook! We booked a trip on Dworshak Res. for bass fishing and were very successful. It wasn't just the fish that made the trip successful it was the total package! We had great company on the boat, including Denali the boat host. All was so perfect that we have already scheduled another trip with Reel Time and Travis. Thanks for the experience and look forward to the next trip out. Scott & Bonnie Willis
Steven Gentry
Steven Gentry
March 13, 2023
Travis made room for my brother and I after our original guide service had boat problems. We had an amazing experience with him. Our boat caught 11 steelhead with 4 of them being keepers. The next trip will be with Reel Time Fishing.
Kimberly Kempton
Kimberly Kempton
January 27, 2023
I had the best time steelhead fishing on the Clearwater with Captain Jim from Reel Time Fishing. He put us on the fish and we were able to bring in all that we caught. He was very professional and accommodating in every way. He made us a great hot lunch each day. We back trolled and side drifted and had so much fun bringing in all those beautiful fish. We stayed at the Lenore Lodge which was 3 mins from the launch. The lodge had 10 beds and an awesome game room. It was very clean and comfortable. I do suggest Reel Time Fishing for an epic trip and I will definitely return for more fishing.
J RAND LOTHSPEICH
J RAND LOTHSPEICH
January 27, 2023
Just spent the last two days fishing with Jim our guide- fantastic time!!! I have caught in the neighbourhood of 40 steelhead in my life time and I caught the two biggest on this trip 37” 14lbs- perfect boat great equipment- we also stayed at the lodge in Lenore perfect

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?

We do provide a BBQ lunch and drinks on all Clearwater, Snake, and Dworshak trips. Lunch and drinks ARE NOT provided on any of our Columbia River or Grande Ronde river trips.

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.