Drano Lake Fishing Report

group of fishermen on Columbia River

Written by Toby Wyatt

Toby has been a fishing guide for 32 years. Toby grew up chasing big fish on area rivers. Toby was voted one of the top 25 guides on the west coast by Salmon & Steelhead Journal. He has also been featured in numerous magazine articles, radio programs, T.V. fishing shows on the Columbia River to the Clearwater River.

Posted April 18, 2023

It’s Time to Get the Rods Out, Because Drano Lake is Teeming with Fish!

We will be fishing Drano Lake from April 20 to May 20. A very strong run is predicted WDFW estimates 8,000 Spring Kings to swim into Drano Lake.  Drano is a unique fishery as it is called a terminal fishery meaning there are more harvestable fish.

Currently the limit is 1 spring King but if the run comes in as predicted it is very likely they will raise the limit to 2.  A person can catch and release until they choose to keep one of the Pacific Northwest’s most prized Salmon.

 

Updated | April 14h, 2023

Location | Columbia River, Dalles and John Day Dam

Ready to Cast Your Line Near the Wind River Area Or The Dalles and John Day Dam?

We also fish the Wind River area just down river of Drano and the main stem of the Columbia between Dalles and John Day dams.  If the fishing is better in one of the other areas, we will take you there.   We suggest motels in Hood River or Dalles OR.

This fishery requires a Washington state fishing license with Salmon tag (not provided). We provide poles, bait, tackle and look forward to 8hrs of fishing.

 

Drano Lake

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.