Odell Lake – Home of a 40-pound Mackinaw Record!

Odell Lake lies 72 miles southeast of Eugene in Deschutes National Forest near Willamette Pass. Surrounded by the thick forests of the Cascade Mountains, this expansive 3,582-acre lake offers endless opportunities for adventure.

With multiple campgrounds, two well-developed resorts, scenic beauty, and lush vegetation—home to towering Douglas Fir and Spruce trees—Odell Lake is the perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts.

The lake is ideal for boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, swimming, and more. In winter, the area transforms into a premier skiing destination—no need for an expensive trip to Switzerland; take I-5 and enjoy the slopes of the Deschutes National Forest.

Odell Lake is one of several nearby lakes, including Crescent Lake, Davis Lake, and Waldo Lake.

Glacial water created the lake approximately 11,000 years ago. Odell Creek drained melted glaciers, but rocks and debris blocked the water flow, stopping it and making a lake.

The consistent west-to-east winds through Willamette Pass keep the water temperature cool, and the lake’s immense size prevents the summer heat from warming it up. On the plus side, this cool temperature means fewer mosquitoes and insects to worry about!

Swimming and Boating

Odell Lake is an excellent destination for various water activities, including swimming. With developed resorts, campgrounds, and day-use areas, there are plenty of spots to swim and launch kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. However, the water remains relatively cold, even during summer, which may affect swimming comfort.

With 3,582 surface acres and 13 miles of shoreline, Odell Lake provides ample space for boating activities. You can launch from multiple locations, including Shelter Cove Resort & Marina, Odell Lake Lodge & Resort, Princess Creek Boating Site, Sunset Cove Boating Site, and Trapper Creek Boating Site.

You can rent a boat on either side of the lake at Shelter Cove Resort and Odell Lake Resort.

Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding

The area around Odell Lake offers many trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The Crater Butte Trailhead and Rosary Lakes Trailhead are both located near the lake, while the Pacific Crest Trail runs along its northern edge.

For a shorter hike, the Odell Lake Trail is a 3-mile out-and-back trail that connects Odell Lake Resort to Sunset Cove.

Fishing

Odell Lake is a fishing paradise known for its record-breaking mackinaw catches. The largest catch was a 40-pound mackinaw caught by Kenneth Erickson in 1984, a still-standing record.

The deepest part of the lake is in the southern half, reaching 282 feet, with an average depth of 120 feet. Fishing from the shore is limited by dense vegetation, but the clear areas near campgrounds and day-use sites are good spots. For the best results, fishing from a boat is recommended.

Common species you can catch include rainbow trout, lake trout (Mackinaw), kokanee salmon, mountain whitefish, and bull trout.

Odell Lake is a trophy fishery for lake trout, attracting anglers from across the state hoping to break the next Oregon record. The southern part of the lake, being the deepest, is the most productive area for Mackinaw fishing.

In addition to Mackinaw, the lake offers decent kokanee and rainbow trout fishing. The north shore near Princess Creek Campground is particularly productive for kokanee. Rainbow trout can be found all over the lake, but a good place to start is near Odell Creek.

Bull trout is a threatened species; any caught must be released unharmed.

The fishing season runs from late April to the end of October.