Paulina Lake / East Lake in Bend, OR

Anyone out there fish Paulina or East Lake for Browns that they would care to shed any light on?  I'm thinking of road tripping down on Tues for a couple of days after the holiday.  Heard reports that the fishing is good and it's been on my bucket list to try.

I only fished there a couple of times but the south and east shore usually hold some big browns. I target them with Rapala J-11's or bigger in a rainbow trout pattern. Launch at first light and troll shallow structure and deadfall. Setback 200' or more and paddle quietly. I use 10-12# fluorocarbon line. Use some procure or other scent. Bring a really big net. One of the prettiest lakes in the area. Good luck!

Scott

I only fished there a couple of times but the south and east shore usually hold some big browns. I target them with Rapala J-11's or bigger in a rainbow trout pattern. Launch at first light and troll shallow structure and deadfall. Setback 200' or more and paddle quietly. I use 10-12# fluorocarbon line. Use some procure or other scent. Bring a really big net. One of the prettiest lakes in the area. Good luck!

Scott

Thanks Scott.  That sounds like the same set up I planned on using.  I'll bring a couple of nets.  I'd hate that  to be the reason I lost a trophy.  I'm going to stay on East Lake but will check out Paulina too.

East is awesome for fly fishing.

East is awesome for fly fishing.

Thanks! I booked a cabin at Eastlake Resort Tues through Friday.  I'll be on one of the two lakes if anyone else is fishing out there.

Brad, you'll really enjoy East Lake & the cabins but it does get cold & windy up there at 6,000+ ft elevation. I really love the aggressive surface bite at sunrise & sunset so I plan my day around those times. Troll or cast a frog pattern flat fish or super duper just past where the weeds clear & it starts to get deep. Expect some aggressive canadian hybrid trout that walk on water. Good luck & looking forward to a report!

Hugh

Thanks for the suggestion Hugh.  Sorry I just saw this after the fact. 

After two days I really had East Lake dialed in.  Fish are breaking water all around the lake (brown, rainbows and even kokanee).  I found trolling deeper with lead core line and a jointed Rapala worked best.  I caught some beautiful looking browns.  Nothing huge.  Two to 4 lbs were average. The lake also has a species of rainbow trout that eats the invasive tui chub. They are quite aggressive and fun to catch.  Most power boat guys were targeting the endless kokanee in the lake.  I found a little Cleo Spoon dropped right to the bottom was too enticing for them.  The largest I caught was 14.5" which is a good sized kokanee.  Get down and check these lakes out if you haven't. It's well worth the trip this time of year.  A couple photos here. More posted to the KFW Facebook Page.  Cheers!

Nice job! Good looking fish and pretty country.

Awesome fish and report. I am excited to try these lakes next season!