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Lake Information for South Twin Lake
North and South Twin Lakes are two nearly identical natural lakes in Deschutes County, Oregon. Both were formed around 20,000 years ago when a rising magma reservoir reached groundwater, creating violent steam explosions. Two craters were formed, later filling with water.
The fishing at South Twin Lake has improved tremendously in the past few years after a 1987 poisoning by ODFW to eliminate rough fish. Consistent stocking of fingerlings and legal-size rainbow trout has resulted in an excellent fishery. The largest recorded rainbow to come out of South Twin was over 13.5 pounds. The trout average 10 to 14 inches, with 18-inch fish common.
US Forest Service campground with boat ramp, drinking water, picnic tables, fire grates and flush toilets. Twin Lakes Resort with rental cabins and apartments with kitchens; RV park with full hook-ups, showers and Laundromat; restaurant; fishing guide service; rental boats for both South Twin and Wickiup Reservoir.
Fees: Yes, for overnight and day use of campsites. Northwest Forest Pass required to park at boat ramp.
Additional Activities: Paddle boats, swimming, hiking, exploring other lakes in the area including North Twin Lake (one-half mile by trail). Nearby state park: LaPine State Park.
For More Information:
ODFW Deschutes Watershed District Office — (541) 388-6363
Twin Lakes Resort — (541) 382-6432
Stocked rainbow trout 9 to 15 inches.
Useful Information: Best fishing is within 30 feet of the shore and in the top 30 feet of water. Fishing can be poor right off the campground’s day-use area. The northwest shallows offer especially good fly fishing. Fish over weed beds and submerged timber. A trail encircles the lake and offers many opportunities for bank fishing.
All lake-fishing techniques can be effective here. PowerBait is popular, but spinners, small lures and flies all catch fish. Natural forage includes damselflies, caddisflies, midges and leeches. This is a good lake for float tube fishing.
From Bend, head south on Hwy 46 (Century Drive). Take the Wickiup Reservoir turn off (County Road 42) east. The road to Twin Lakes is 1 mile past the Deschutes crossing.
Businesses Located Nearby
Boat Rental
- Greg Tatman Wooden Boats
- 49209 Mckenzie Hwy - Vida, OR
- (541) 746-5287
- Advanced Performance Rentals
- 51530 Russell Rd, #B - La Pine, OR
- (541) 598-7819
- Bend Recreation Incorporated
- 3500 N Highway 97 - Bend, OR
- (541) 382-5731
Vacation Rental
- Sunriver Vacation Rentals
- 56805 Venture Ln - Sunriver, OR
- (541) 593-5018
- Discover Sunriver Vacation Rentals
- 57198 Beaver Dr - Sunriver, OR
- (541) 593-2482
- Cascade Vacation Rentals
- 581 N Larch St - Sisters, OR
- (541) 549-0792
Bar and Restaurant
- Kasey's Texas Style Bar-B-Q
- 304 Se 3rd St - Bend, OR
- (541) 389-0830
- J C's Bar & Grill
- 642 Nw Franklin Ave - Bend, OR
- (541) 383-3000
- Gallery Restaurant & Bar
- 171 W Cascade Ave - Sisters, OR
- (541) 549-2631
