Located on scenic Highway 101, lies nestled between Tenmile Lakes and the Oregon Sand Dunes Recreational Area.
Lakeside Chamber of Commerce Fishing Report
By Derik & Sharma Anderson
There are over twenty-five lakes just off highway 101 between Coos Bay and Florence. Of these twenty-five lakes, seventeen of them are fishable. Each is unique in its own way. One of the most popular of these lakes is Tenmile Lakes. Tenmile Lakes is actually two natural lakes separated by a man made channel and fed by six major creeks, and many other small ones. This lake is also one of few on the coast of Oregon which leads to the ocean. Tenmile Creek runs through Lakeside, out past Spinreel State Campground and through the sand dunes to the ocean.
There are many fishing opportunities available. Tenmile Creek is perfect for salmon, steelhead, sea run cut throat, and Chinook. The Chinook begins running up stream from the ocean about September and continues to run through the month of November. Soon after that the steelhead begin to make their appearance. Spring will bring another opportunity for the avid fisherman to try their luck again for these same species. Approximately one half mile downstream from the lake, and located off highway 101 is Spinreel State Park. Although the park is best known for its access to the 40 miles of recreational sand dunes, it provides one of the best entrances to the creek. Spinreel also hosts five of the best fishing holes on the creek.
When you talk about lake fishing, Tenmile Lakes has it all. The Coos County park located on South Tenmile Lake provides great access to the lake. It has four nice wide ramps, which lead to two tie up docks. The park also provides a beautiful fishing pier, great fish cleaning station, several gazebos, grass picnic areas with plenty of picnic tables, and ample parking with over 200 boat-trailer parking slips and an additional 80 vehicle parking slips. Restrooms and handicap facilities make it one of the nicest free parks in the State.
Tenmile Lakes are host to a variety of fisheries; salmon, steelhead, large mouth bass, trout, crappie, blue gill, catfish, and still caught on a few occasions a hybrid bass. Quality fish can be found in both the north and south lakes. Because the lakes have direct access to the ocean via Tenmile Creek, salmon and steelhead have used these waters for spawning and growing up for the first few years of life. The numbers of salmon in Tenmile Lakes many years ago were so great that commercial fishing was common. With declining numbers of salmon returning to Tenmile Lakes, commercial salmon fishing is a thing of the past.
For a great many years Tenmile Lakes has been deemed one of the best bass fishing destinations in the State. Local and regional Bass Clubs have been enjoying the use of these waters for many years. Bass fishing generally starts to become good in late March and early April. As the water temperature rises, so does the desire to spawn. It is not uncommon to catch 4-6 pound bass in the spring months. Some of the largest bass caught out of Tenmile have been in the 8-10 pound range. The fine art of bass fishing can be tricky and the vast amount of lures available can be confusing. Some standards are spinner baits, crank baits and plastic worms.
Some great information can also be gleaned from the locals fishing on the Coos County park pier.
Because of its popularity Tenmile Lakes hosts bass tournaments nearly every weekend from March through September. Most tournaments are small club tournaments with only 8-12 boats, however the state does allow six tournaments each year for more than 24 but no greater than 72 boats. Some of these tournaments are invitationals with big name sponsors such as Berkley, Mister Twister, Pradco, Storm and other top name companies. The first open tournament (meaning open to any fisherman with a boat, live well, and willing to pay the money, have fun, and possibly win money) is the Osprey Point "one big fish" tournament, usually held in April. (Call Osprey Point 541-759-2801 for more information). The second open, Bassin' for Bucks, is held in early May. The final open for the year, The Tenmile Open, is held the first full weekend in August. This tournament is run by the local Tenmile Bass Club. (Call 541-759-3448 for more information) Weigh-ins for any of these tournaments are open to the public and offer a chance to see lots of big bass and also to talk to many of the anglers. Applications for any of these three tournaments can be picked up at Lakeside Hardware and Tackle a few months prior to each tournament.
Many people travel a great distance to fish for the crappie and bluegill found in the lakes. These warm water fish start to become plentiful in early-late spring when the water temperature changes. After a few warm sunny spring days it is not unheard of to catch all you can eat. Crappie jigs and meal worms seem to work the best.
Of course, trout are caught and enjoyed year round in Tenmile Lakes. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stock Tenmile Lakes 2-4 times a year with hatchery bred trout. These are easily caught right off the public dock. Night crawlers, Berkley Power Bait, and Rooster Tails always seem to work well.
Free maps of the lake can be found at many of the local campgrounds, RV parks, Marinas, and the Hardware and Tackle store. It is always recommended that you consult your Oregon State fishing regulations for catch limits and restrictions before heading out. Oregon State fishing licenses can be purchased at Lakeside Hardware and Tackle.