Little Lava Lake

Little Lava Lake, near Bend, Oregon, at the headwaters of the iconic Deschutes River, offers a serene and distinct trout fishing experience. This high-elevation lake primarily supports healthy populations of rainbow and brook trout, regularly stocked by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW), ensuring consistent angling opportunities.

Fishing conditions are generally excellent, particularly when the Cascade Lakes Highway is open from late spring through fall. The lake is famous for its prolific insect hatches, including Green Drakes and PMDs, which provide superb dry fly action, even extending to rare spinner falls. Fly fishing is the dominant and highly effective method, with anglers utilizing a wide array of dry flies, nymphs (e.g., Perdigons, Frenchies), and micro streamers.

Access to Little Lava Lake is convenient via the Cascade Lakes Highway, with public boat launches and campgrounds available. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining healthy trout populations and preserving the Deschutes River's headwaters. Anglers must strictly adhere to all ODFW regulations, including bag limits and proper fish handling, to ensure the long-term health of this unique fishery. Little Lava Lake provides a rewarding trout fishing experience, particularly for fly anglers, in a beautiful high Cascade setting.