Testing the Waters

As a new owner of an Outback, and newbie to the kayak thing, I am looking for a good place to hit the water for the first time.   A few of the options that interest me are the small lake near Clackamette Park in Oregon City, Estacada Lake above River Mill Dam, or Blue Lake Park in Fairview.   Just wondering if there are any preferences or drawbacks to any of these locations.  Also planning on bringing some gear along for a bit of fishing too.   I am getting tired of the sitting in the boat in the basement!!   Might be looking for some places to go fishing around PDX this weekend too that won't be too crazy!!   

Of the options you mention, both Estacade Lake and Blue Lake have easy launches and are stocked with trout by ODFW.  You'll want to check with the stocking schedule about the trout. 

The "lake" near Clackamette Park requires the use of a busy boat ramp and a small upstream paddle.    In the lake there are rumors of bass, but I've never had any luck there in the two trips I tried it.

If you're not looking to actually catch fish and want a scenic paddle, you can also give Smith and Bybee a try.  There's lots of great wildlife viewing but scant fish.

Brian
 

Smith and bybee are a good bet.  I even here there my be a few bass and carp in there. 

Harriet Lake is awesome, but since they have been stocking it lately (http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/trout_stocking_schedules/2012/2012_N_Willamette_Zone.pdf) and it is a holiday weekend, it will probably be a zoo. 

If you want a slow moving river that is peaceful, has wildlife, and has fish (the bass were jumping the last time I was on it) the Tualatin is a great peddle/paddle.  From the City of Tualatin upriver, the likelihood of coming into contact with a power boat is next to null.  Easy to launch from Tualitin City park or Cook Park in Tigard.  Depending on when you go, I would be willing to tag along.

If you want a slow moving river that is peaceful, has wildlife, and has fish (the bass were jumping the last time I was on it) the Tualatin is a great peddle/paddle.  From the City of Tualatin upriver, the likelihood of coming into contact with a power boat is next to null.  Easy to launch from Tualitin City park or Cook Park in Tigard.  Depending on when you go, I would be willing to tag along.

I prefer the Hwy 99W launch. There is limited parking - 2 marked spaces and shoulder parking for a couple more - but there is a nice ramp there, and the river gets more interesting from that point on upstream.

I had to come to work for a bit this AM, so I think that I'll head over to Estacada Lake this afternoon.  A bit closer because I am in Sandy.  Thanks for the input of other places to hit in the city!!  If I have time to get out this weekend...
Looking forward to meeting up with more folks from this forum!! 

Did make it to Estacada Lake, would recommend it to anyone who would like to go out and do some trout fishing.  Also there are some salmon and steelies hanging out in there!!

I'll second that Bugboy.  Estacada Lake is a great east side alternative to Hagg. 

Be aware that Blue Lake is closed to private boats May 1 to October. DAMHIK.


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