Tucked into the southern Oregon Cascades at 4,950 feet elevation, Lake of the Woods sits just west of Mount McLoughlin and offers one of the most productive—and underappreciated—October fisheries in the state. While most anglers are chasing chinook on the coast or elk in the high country, a small contingent of locals and savvy visitors are hauling kokanee and fat rainbow trout from this 1,147-acre gem between Klamath Falls and Medford. October is prime time before the snow locks the road and the crowds of summer vanish entirely.
Why October Is the Sweet Spot
Kokanee salmon—the landlocked cousin of the sockeye—begin their spawning run by late September, pushing into shallower water and feeding aggressively before they turn and color up. Water temps drop into the high 40s and low 50s Fahrenheit through October, which pushes fish activity higher in the water column and makes trolling dramatically more effective. The rainbows, meanwhile, are in full fall feeding mode, packing on calories ahead of winter. You'll find both species actively chasing baitfish along the north and east shorelines.
The lake sits within the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest, accessed via Highway 140 east of Medford (about 35 miles). The resort at the northwest corner offers year-round cabin rentals and a boat launch, though you'll want to confirm late-season hours before making the drive. A Forest Service boat launch is also available at the north end.
Trolling Setup for Kokanee
Lake of the Woods kokanee aren't huge—expect fish averaging 10 to 14 inches—but they're hard fighters on light gear and make exceptional table fare. The classic setup here is a lake troll (Ford Fender or Wedding Ring with a string of blades) trailing a size 8 or 10 hook tipped with shoepeg corn or a small piece of pink Power Bait. Keep your trolling speed between 1.8 and 2.4 mph and work depths between 20 and 40 feet using a downrigger or lead-core line.
- Top lure colors for October: pink/orange, chartreuse/silver, red/white
- Downrigger depth: 25–38 feet along the north shore and mid-lake humps
- Best trolling passes: North shore east-to-west, and the deep channel running southeast toward the dam
- Rod setup: Light spinning or trolling rod, 6–8 lb monofilament, small ball-bearing swivel to prevent line twist
If you don't have a downrigger, a simple 1- to 2-ounce crescent weight dropped 8 to 10 feet above your lure on a three-way swivel rig will get you into the strike zone. Cover water until you mark fish on your sonar, then slow down and work the area in tighter passes.
Rainbow Trout: Casting the Shoreline
While kokanee draw most of the trolling crowd, the rainbow trout fishery at Lake of the Woods is equally compelling in October. ODFW stocks rainbows through the season, and resident fish from prior year classes can reach 16 to 20 inches. The fall chill activates these fish, and shore anglers working the rocky northern and western banks consistently pick up limits.
From a boat, work floating Rapalas and Kastmasters in silver or rainbow patterns along the weed edges and drop-offs. The transition zone from the shallow, weedy flats (8–12 feet) down to 20-plus feet is a consistent producer. From shore, a simple slip-sinker rig with PowerBait or a night crawler works well off the rocky points near the resort and at the campground area on the west side.
Fly Fishing the Flats
Fly anglers shouldn't overlook Lake of the Woods in October. The shallow north flats hold feeding rainbows that will take a well-presented Woolly Bugger, Carey Special, or leech pattern stripped slowly along the bottom. A 5- or 6-weight rod with a sink-tip line puts you in business. Early morning is the prime window—look for surface activity near the weed margins and work your fly on a slow, erratic retrieve.
Regulations and Licensing
Lake of the Woods falls under standard ODFW statewide trout regulations. The limit is five trout per day, with no size restriction for hatchery fish. Kokanee are classified as trout and count toward the combined limit. A valid Oregon fishing license with a Combined Angling Tag is required. Check the current ODFW regulations booklet or the MyODFW app for any updates before heading out, as regulations can change between seasons.
Getting There and Logistics
From Medford, take Highway 62 north to Highway 140 east. The lake is approximately 40 miles from Medford. GPS coordinates for the resort and main boat launch: 42.3939° N, 122.2014° W. Cell service is spotty—download offline maps and the ODFW regulations before leaving town.
- Nearest fuel: White City or Klamath Falls
- Boat launch fee: Varies by season; bring cash
- Camping: Sunset Campground (USFS) on the southwest shore; reservations recommended through September, walk-in likely available in October
- Elevation note: Snow is possible any time in October; check road conditions at TripCheck.com before heading up
A Fall Day Worth the Drive
Lake of the Woods doesn't make many "best of Oregon" lists, and that's exactly why it's worth going. On a calm October morning with Mount McLoughlin reflected in the water and a stringer of bright kokanee in the livewell, you'll understand why the locals keep this one close to the chest. Plan a two-night stay, bring your trolling gear and a fly rod, and leave time to explore the surrounding Cascade lakes—Fourmile Lake just up the road offers wild brook trout that see almost zero pressure after Labor Day. This corner of southern Oregon rewards the angler willing to look past the obvious runs.
