Wallowa Lake
Wallowa Lake
I'm relatively new to fishing Wallowa Lake, just the last three years, a few times each year (which is kind of sad really, since I live in Enterprise). So take everything I say with a large dose of inexperience and ignorance.
What I've seen, is the Kokanee rise to about 20' sometime in spring (April/May?), and move down from there. The last couple years, after the 4th, when I've found them, they were in the 40 to 60' range, but it all depends on the weather. The marina at the state park has a good map of the depth of the lake and has good info on where the fish are, also, Doug at Joseph Hardware keeps his finger on what's happening. I'm beginning to think the bigger issue is the water skiers and other boat traffic in July and August that drives the fish deep.
As for the size of the fish, before they started catching record size fish, folks thought a 13" fish was pretty good. Now, they're all disappointed if they don't catch the new world record. Personally, I just enjoy being out on the water and the fish are a bonus, whatever size they are.
I would love to hear what other, more experienced folks have to say.?