De-Skunked at Big Cliff

18406ej · 01-05-2007, 11:02 PM

I headed up Highway 22 today for one last shot at catching a trout at Big Cliff Reservoir. The weather was overcast and 32 degrees with snow on the ground which was not a great sign, but made for some good scenery. I decided to fish at the rock outcropping along the highway, which is split into two sides by a small stream. I started out fishing the upstream side of the tributary, and pitched all manner of lures and bait for three hours without any luck.

I then moved to the downstream side of the tributary and cast out into the stream, letting the current take my bait out into the lake and then toward the bank. After just a few casts at about 4' deep with a sliding bobber and Powerbait I finally felt a tug and saw my bobber dive under. I brought to shore a good 15" trout, which made it as far as the bank before it gave a last jump and threw the hook. I tried again, and brought in a measured 16" trout. The third fish was also a 16" trout, which lends credence to the rumor that there are good-sized fish in Big Cliff. Unfortunately, it took four visits to this lake to get any results, but this spot seems to have promise if any of you want to try it. All of the fish were released, and are waiting for your visit.

EJ

Anatoliy · 01-05-2007, 11:07 PM

Thanks for the interesting report, EJ!

I added the Big Cliff Reservoir in my "I'm going to go fishing there" list.

18406ej · 01-06-2007, 10:47 AM

Anitoliy, I think you would enjoy it, espescially in light of your camera skills. I don't know if you have made it up to Detroit yet, but Big Cliff is a lot prettier, if harder to fish, with lots of nice waterfalls and plenty of wildlife to enjoy. I saw Great Blue Herons, ducks, eagles and otters on Friday-I definately think this should be on our list. If you go, PM me, and I will reveal better directions to my secret spot!
EJ

Troutski · 01-06-2007, 11:26 AM

Is it right below Detroit ? I have never been to either one, just so many places to try, even if retired one doesn't have enough time. I can't even keep up with the water around my lair.

Good job sticking with it, tough to go back after a skunk, way to hang in their.

Chuck

18406ej · 01-06-2007, 11:35 AM

Chuck,

Big Cliff is a re-regulation reservoir directly beneath Detroit Dam. Detroit spills into Big Cliff, which then spills into the river. Since it is a re-regulation reservoir the water levels can fluctuate quickly (usually within about 6' or so). You have to keep an eye on your gear or it can be in the water before you know it. This constantly changing level could be partly responsible for the difficulty of the water, but a lot of big fish have been taken from this lake. Boats are allowed, but the ramp is small and unimproved.

EJ

Troutski · 01-06-2007, 11:40 AM

Thanks EJ, there are a couple of places around my area that area the same, Lookout/Dexter and Greenpeter/Foster. All though the water doesn't fluctuate that much that quickly. Must be a pucker factor of about 9 if your in a boat !!!

Anatoliy · 01-07-2007, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 18406ej

If you go, PM me, and I will reveal better directions to my secret spot!

Thanks for your offer. I will definetely contact you when I'm ready. But right now I feel like I need to practice in a local pond.

18406ej · 01-08-2007, 07:44 AM

Some of you might be wondering "why no trout pictures?". A good question. I take my photos with my cell phone, and in my excitement I forgot to hit the "save" button after taking photos of the fish next to the tape measure. I am going back out on Tuesday to get some pictures so that none of you will have any doubts about the 16" fish. Hopefully the fish will cooperate, now that I know where they live.

EJ

Troutski · 01-08-2007, 08:40 AM

Good luck on Tues. EJ, you know of course that now that you have said that, the fish will ignore you......

that is just the way it goes. Now if you wear something else, someone else's shirt or hat so the fish don't recognize you then you will probably have a banner day.

Tight lines EJ.

Chuck

Anatoliy · 01-08-2007, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Troutski

Now if you wear something else, someone else's shirt or hat so the fish don't recognize you then you will probably have a banner day.

This probably will work

01-05-2007, 11:02 PM	#1
18406ej Master Angler Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Keizer Posts: 473	De-Skunked at Big Cliff I headed up Highway 22 today for one last shot at catching a trout at Big Cliff Reservoir. The weather was overcast and 32 degrees with snow on the ground which was not a great sign, but made for some good scenery. I decided to fish at the rock outcropping along the highway, which is split into two sides by a small stream. I started out fishing the upstream side of the tributary, and pitched all manner of lures and bait for three hours without any luck. I then moved to the downstream side of the tributary and cast out into the stream, letting the current take my bait out into the lake and then toward the bank. After just a few casts at about 4' deep with a sliding bobber and Powerbait I finally felt a tug and saw my bobber dive under. I brought to shore a good 15" trout, which made it as far as the bank before it gave a last jump and threw the hook. I tried again, and brought in a measured 16" trout. The third fish was also a 16" trout, which lends credence to the rumor that there are good-sized fish in Big Cliff. Unfortunately, it took four visits to this lake to get any results, but this spot seems to have promise if any of you want to try it. All of the fish were released, and are waiting for your visit. EJ Attached Thumbnails

01-06-2007, 11:26 AM	#4
Troutski Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Springfield, OR. Posts: 2,339	Big Cliff Is it right below Detroit ? I have never been to either one, just so many places to try, even if retired one doesn't have enough time. I can't even keep up with the water around my lair. Good job sticking with it, tough to go back after a skunk, way to hang in their. Chuck __________________ Can't sleep - going fishing tomorrow....

01-06-2007, 11:40 AM	#6
Troutski Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Springfield, OR. Posts: 2,339	Big Cliff Thanks EJ, there are a couple of places around my area that area the same, Lookout/Dexter and Greenpeter/Foster. All though the water doesn't fluctuate that much that quickly. Must be a pucker factor of about 9 if your in a boat !!! __________________ Can't sleep - going fishing tomorrow....

01-08-2007, 08:40 AM	#9
Troutski Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Springfield, OR. Posts: 2,339	Pictures Good luck on Tues. EJ, you know of course that now that you have said that, the fish will ignore you...... that is just the way it goes. Now if you wear something else, someone else's shirt or hat so the fish don't recognize you then you will probably have a banner day. Tight lines EJ. Chuck __________________ Can't sleep - going fishing tomorrow....

01-05-2007, 11:07 PM	#2
Anatoliy Administrator Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 434	Thanks for the interesting report, EJ! I added the Big Cliff Reservoir in my "I'm going to go fishing there" list.

01-06-2007, 10:47 AM	#3
18406ej Master Angler Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Keizer Posts: 473	Anitoliy, I think you would enjoy it, espescially in light of your camera skills. I don't know if you have made it up to Detroit yet, but Big Cliff is a lot prettier, if harder to fish, with lots of nice waterfalls and plenty of wildlife to enjoy. I saw Great Blue Herons, ducks, eagles and otters on Friday-I definately think this should be on our list. If you go, PM me, and I will reveal better directions to my secret spot! EJ

01-06-2007, 11:35 AM	#5
18406ej Master Angler Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Keizer Posts: 473	Chuck, Big Cliff is a re-regulation reservoir directly beneath Detroit Dam. Detroit spills into Big Cliff, which then spills into the river. Since it is a re-regulation reservoir the water levels can fluctuate quickly (usually within about 6' or so). You have to keep an eye on your gear or it can be in the water before you know it. This constantly changing level could be partly responsible for the difficulty of the water, but a lot of big fish have been taken from this lake. Boats are allowed, but the ramp is small and unimproved. EJ

01-08-2007, 07:44 AM	#8
18406ej Master Angler Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Keizer Posts: 473	Some of you might be wondering "why no trout pictures?". A good question. I take my photos with my cell phone, and in my excitement I forgot to hit the "save" button after taking photos of the fish next to the tape measure. I am going back out on Tuesday to get some pictures so that none of you will have any doubts about the 16" fish. Hopefully the fish will cooperate, now that I know where they live. EJ

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