Every Boat Ramp on Detroit Lake

About Detroit Lake

Detroit Lake is a stunning 3,580-acre Cascade mountain reservoir nestled in the Willamette National Forest along the North Santiam River corridor in Marion and Linn counties. With 32 miles of forested shoreline and an impressive maximum depth of 400 feet, this high-elevation lake is surrounded by towering Douglas fir and western red cedar and offers some of the best still-water fishing in western Oregon. The small mountain communities of Detroit, Gates, and Idanha provide rustic lodging, campgrounds, and services for visiting anglers.

Rainbow Trout and Kokanee Salmon are the primary targets at Detroit Lake, with stocked Rainbow Trout providing consistent action for trollers and bank anglers alike. Kokanee fishing is particularly popular from late spring through summer, with anglers trolling small dodger-and-fly rigs in the deeper water to fill their limits of these landlocked sockeye salmon. Landlocked Chinook Salmon grow to impressive sizes in the lake's deep, cold waters, and warm-water species including Largemouth Bass and Bluegill inhabit the shallower coves and arm areas during summer months.

Detroit Lake State Recreation Area and several U.S. Forest Service campgrounds provide excellent boat ramp facilities with paved launches and ample parking. The lake is conveniently located along Oregon Highway 22, making it an easy day trip from Salem or the Willamette Valley. Whether you are trolling for Kokanee on a summer morning with the Cascade peaks reflected in the still water, casting for Rainbow Trout from the shore at the state park, or exploring the lake's numerous coves and arms for bass, Detroit Lake delivers a quintessential Oregon mountain fishing experience.

Nearest towns: Detroit, Gates, Idanha