ROSEBURG, Ore. – Family-friendly Diamond Lake is shaping up to provide an incredible fishing and swimming experience for visitors this summer. The rainbow trout are already biting hard and the Forest Service has opened 70 campsites.

Along with about 50,000 holdover trout from last year, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has just stocked more than 43,000 rainbow trout, a mix of legal and trophy-sized fish, and 6,800 one-pound trout are being stocked today.

“We’re really excited about this season’s trout fishing,” said Laura Jackson, Umpqua District Fish Biologist. “The lake rebounded so well last year that we’re expecting an even better insect hatch, so we should be seeing fatter trout this summer. The water quality is also excellent, and that famous clear blue water has returned.”

Last weekend, about 50 boats plied Diamond Lake for trout along with nearly two dozen bank anglers. Some anglers caught their limit and 60 percent were harvesting at least one fish. As the weather and water temperature warms up, Jackson expects a steady increase in anglers.

According to Diamond Lake Resort, the best fishing right now is in front of the Resort and along the northeastern shoreline. Bait anglers are using Power Bait and trollers are pulling flasher and worm combinations.

Anglers are expected to descend on Diamond Lake in droves this coming weekend which is Free Fishing Weekend. An event for kids and an adult tournament are planned. The Forest Service has the C-Loop boat ramp and 70 campsites in the north end of Diamond Lake Campground open, as well as the North and South Shore boat ramps. Snow still is on the ground in the area, so campers should bring shovels in case snow removal is necessary.

ODFW plans to stock 200,000 fingerlings and another 6,800 one-pound trout the week of June 9 and 15,000 predacious trout later in July. The Forest Service expects to open Thielsen View Campground and the south end of Diamond Lake Campground on June 13.

All Diamond Lake users are urged to take pre-cautions against re-introducing invasive tui chub along with aquatic plants and animals such as Quagga mussels and New Zealand mud snails.

Before leaving home, swimming and fishing equipment including boots, waders, scuba gear and beach toys should be washed in hot water, and boats and trailers should be free of live fish, fish eggs, aquatic weeds and animals, and mud. Boats should be thoroughly cleaned with a high pressure washer and dried before entering Diamond Lake. A portable boat washing station should be available this summer at Diamond Lake.

For more detailed information on boat cleaning, check the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers website at http://protectyourwaters.net/

ODFW reminds anglers the trout harvest limit is five per day with two daily limits in possession, and the boat speed limit is 10 mph.

The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.

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