Getting There: From Hwy. 30 heading east, turn right onto Gekeler Lane, which becomes C Street in La Grande. Turn left on Walnut. As the road begins to climb, look for a sign to Morgan Lake. The paved road turns to gravel and climbs about 4 miles to a plateau. A dirt road on the right leads to the lake.

Fisheries: Morgan Lake is a former gravel pit that sits 5 miles above the City of La Grande. It offers fishing for rainbow trout, crappie and bullheads. Morgan is stocked annually with legal rainbows and sometimes with trophy trout. The average catch for rainbow is 9 to 12 inches.

Useful Information: The lake opens near the end of April. The local Optimist Club regularly sponsors “opening day” activities, including fishing contests for kids, games and food. Free Fishing Day activities are usually held in June. Spring through mid-summer are the best fishing opportunities, but late summer is good also in the early and late parts of the day.

Tackle and Techniques: Bait fishing is the preferred method and standard tackle to use includes PowerBait and lures. Casting and retrieving wet flies and nymphs can also be productive.

Fees: None.

Facilities: The picturesque hill-top lake has 60 surface acres and is surrounded by pines and willows. Boats with motors are prohibited, but there are two, packed dirt boat ramps for non-motorized boats. There are camping and day-use facilities including picnic tables, restrooms, and a wheelchair-accessible pier. Morgan Lake is recommended for all age groups, as fishing is easily accessible for kids.

Alternate Activities: Bird watching, canoeing, hiking around the lake.

For More Information:
ODFW La Grande Office - 541-963-2138