Cullaby Lake review

[Desert Rat]

A few notes on Cullaby Lake (fished 7/8/13). The lake is an excellent spot for a family get together. There are covered structures, manicured lawns, picnic tables, a play structure, and a couple of roped off swimming areas. It was a bit challenging as a bank fisherman because there is limited area that you can get to on foot and there is quite a bit of vegetation in those areas. This was a Monday and there were water skiers pretty close by, and a few people swimming in both swimming areas. In my opinion this is a great place to have a get together that allows you to throw a line in, but I would not target this place if you are fishing from the bank. Boats are able to get to areas that look great to fish in the lake and I imagine the only challenge for them is the water skiers. There were a few salamanders or something that looks like a brownish salamander swimming around. The closest thing to it that I had was a black frog and that was great for sending over the vegetation, but I only had one fish go for it. I saw a huge fish jump in front of me which also attracted one of the boats in the lake. No doubt the fish are in the lake and it really is a beautiful area. There were geese, ducks, an eagle, fish jumping. Maybe a better spot in colder weather because the people would not be in the lake. It was a heck of a lot better than work!

One more thing - The gate to the lake didn't open until 8:00 am so no early fishing.

 

[Raincatcher]

I've never been there, but you sure make it sound like it should be on my list. Thanks for the review.

 

[bass]

Great review! I will have to go check it out with the kayak one of these days. Water skiers don't bother me. I am used to fishing in the Willamette in the middle of the summer surrounded by wakeboats, skiers, the Portland Spirit, etc. You just gotta roll with the punches

I see your location is New Mexico, are you moving to Oregon?

 

[Desert Rat]

I have in-laws in Portland and Cannon Beach so I fish out here once or twice a year. I love fishing, but don't get out enough. I just talked my 9 year old nephew into going about an hour ago so I am going to take him out for a few hours today - I will try and hit another local lake and give a report. This trip will be more of a teaching trip, but I am sure it will pay dividends later in life. You guys are great. I'll report back later.

 

[troutdude]

Terrific and honest review. Thanks for posting. Hope your nephew nabs some fish!

 

[Hawk]

A few notes on Cullaby Lake (fished 7/8/13). The lake is an excellent spot for a family get together. There are covered structures, manicured lawns, picnic tables, a play structure, and a couple of roped off swimming areas. It was a bit challenging as a bank fisherman because there is limited area that you can get to on foot and there is quite a bit of vegetation in those areas. This was a Monday and there were water skiers pretty close by, and a few people swimming in both swimming areas. In my opinion this is a great place to have a get together that allows you to throw a line in, but I would not target this place if you are fishing from the bank. Boats are able to get to areas that look great to fish in the lake and I imagine the only challenge for them is the water skiers. There were a few salamanders or something that looks like a brownish salamander swimming around. The closest thing to it that I had was a black frog and that was great for sending over the vegetation, but I only had one fish go for it. I saw a huge fish jump in front of me which also attracted one of the boats in the lake. No doubt the fish are in the lake and it really is a beautiful area. There were geese, ducks, an eagle, fish jumping. Maybe a better spot in colder weather because the people would not be in the lake. It was a heck of a lot better than work!

One more thing - The gate to the lake didn't open until 8:00 am so no early fishing.

Those aren't salamanders, they are rough-skinned newts. They emit a poison through the pores of their skin. Wash hands good if you touch them

http://www.californiaherps.com/salamanders/pages/t.granulosa.html

Great Review Bro......Well Done....

 

[TimberTodd]

Thanks for posting the review. I have made plans a couple of times to fish it but things have always come up.

 

[Desert Rat]

We had a fun day today. My nephew and I started fishing just west of Cullaby Lake. Right near the golf course there is a place called Sunset Lake. This was a pretty nice place to practice throwing a lure. Not bad for bank fishing and it is open before 8am. In my opinion - if you are fishing Cullaby - start at Sunset Lake at about 6am and then you can move to Cullaby when it opens at 8. Anyway, my nephew practiced for a couple hours and really wanted to try Cullaby. When we arrived at Cullaby there were a few jet skiers at one parking area and a family reunion at the other. We started in the corner by the family reunion and threw in a few times before the reunion finished up. My nephew really wanted to try bass fishing so I got him set up with a lure I had in my tackle box that is a gold and brown minnow with a little rattle to it. It floats when you stop reeling it in so I thought it might avoid some of the salad.To be honest I was hoping he wouldn't lose it because it is one that I use quite a bit and I thought there was little chance of him getting a bass, but what the heck. He caught a bass on about his third throw. Couldn't have been 10 yards out. He's hooked! It was no keeper, but his fish story grows every time I here him tell it. Man that was fun.

Thanks for the info on the newt - I almost did grab one today just so we could check it out- now I know better.

Back to NM soon so it will probably be either Dec or next summer before I get to fish Oregon again. I'll continue to read the posts from home. Thanks again all.