Bethany Lake No More Yakin

So I went to take the new yak for it's first voyage on the water in hopes to put some bass slime in the boat. I've never been to the lake before but have heard mixed reviews about the lake conditions but it's suppose to have decent largemouth fishing, some large carp and stocker trout (it's only 10 acres). I went all around the lake and I will say that this lake has a terrible weed problem. The only spot that isn't that bad is also the deepest part which is the middle section of the lake. I did a lot of top water and weedless Senko fishing around the lily pads and edges with no luck. After a few hours of no bucket-mouth-luck I decided to throw a rooster tail in the deep section to try my hand at some trout. Threw it out and BAM! First cast trout on! I proceeded to catch and release about a dozen and a half stocker trout (8-12") and decided it was time to pack out.

I paddled over to where I put in and was approached by a Tualatin Hills Park Officer. He asked me how fishing was and then proceeded to tell me that "technically" there's no floating devices allowed on any THPR lakes (He was pretty cool about it and just wanted to inform me). I was a little shocked since noting is posted in the ODFW regs nor on their giant board at the entrance to the park and I've heard people talk about doing it on Oregon fishing forums. But it's understandable, and honestly no loss to me.  I only went there because it was a few mins from the house and easy access. All in all it was a pretty successful day, got to take the new yak out, catch some fish, and now I now my first few mods I want to do to the yak and crate 

I work in Hillsboro next to the stadium and I sometimes take my bass and trout gear out here to throw around some lures on my lunchtime.
I have only ever been able to catch trout out of this little lake. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get any of the bass in there to bite. I've tried Senko's crank baits, you name it. 

Access is tricky per their regulations but I think it you could reasonably make a case that their rules allow non-motorized watercraft.

Per the THPRD District Rules and Regulations:

"7.08 Vehicles and Watercraft
 (A) Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, in-line and roller skates, and other similar devices powered exclusively by humans:
1.Are permitted on District property except in areas that are posted to exclude such activities;
2.Shall not move at a speed that endangers other persons or District property;
3.Shall not be used on any brickwork, ornamental surface, picnic table, tennis court, fountain area, railing, stairwell, doorway access, planter, sculpture, or surfaces not intended for their use on District property; and
4.Shall not be left so as to obstruct pedestrian traffic on a path, trail, disabled access ramp, or building entrance on District property."

That said, if they ask you to leave for any reason, you have to leave.  Doesn't mean you can't come back. 

I really like fishing bethany with my youngest.  There are some huge LMB's lurking there but I have yet to catch one myself.

-Spot-

If you know where the big'uns are, try going small instead of large.
I mean really small: No. 14-16 gold hook with two turns of grizzly hackle with a fly rod. Put on a long leader with maybe a tiny bb of lead for depth and twitch it in front of them... GULP!

I've had a lot of luck with this setup in those highly fished scenarios.

Who wouldda thunk.   

If you know where the big'uns are, try going small instead of large.
I mean really small: No. 14-16 gold hook with two turns of grizzly hackle with a fly rod. Put on a long leader with maybe a tiny bb of lead for depth and twitch it in front of them... GULP!

I've had a lot of luck with this setup in those highly fished scenarios.

Who wouldda thunk.   

Thanks for the advice Skidplate! I know what I'm doing at lunchtime tomorrow.

I fished that place as well a couple times early last spring on foot for short stints because it's close and I wanted to see if it had bass.  I didn't get any to bite either. 

I have read that it's pretty weedy but the fact that 90% of the lake was covered in weeds either all the way to the surface or no more than 6 inches below made it pretty impossible to spot fish. Although I didn't spot any bass I did spot a few decent size carp. I think if I do go back it will prob be to target those golden beauties. I got hooked fishing for carp this summer after I caught a few on the John Day last summer (the one below is 10.5lbs), they are awesome fighters. I'm thinking that I might try my hand at Hagg Lake from the yak next week depending which days i have off.

The last time I cycled passed Bethany there were some serious carp fisherman with the long rods in holders there "practicing" for an upcoming carp tourney somewhere, so I agree, it must definitely hold those.