The Odell Lake Mackinaw Derby runs each winter and draws anglers after lake trout in the Cascade Range
The Odell Lake Mackinaw Derby is an annual winter fishing tournament held on Odell Lake, a deep alpine lake in central Oregon near Crescent. The event focuses on mackinaw (lake trout), which thrive in Odell's cold, clear water. The derby typically runs for several weeks in winter — the exact dates shift year to year — and anglers fish from boats or the shore, competing for prizes based on the weight and number of fish caught.
Odell Lake sits at 4,800 feet elevation in the Deschutes National Forest, about 30 miles southeast of Bend. The lake is known for its mackinaw population and consistent winter fishing. The derby is organized by local fishing groups and the Odell Lake community, and it draws both resident and visiting anglers who want to fish competitively during the season when mackinaw are most active.
Key Takeaways
- The Odell Lake Mackinaw Derby is a winter tournament for lake trout held on a high-elevation Cascade lake near Crescent, Oregon.
- Anglers compete by catching and weighing mackinaw, with prizes awarded based on fish weight and tournament rules.
- You will need an Oregon fishing license and a Deschutes National Forest recreation pass to fish the lake.
- The derby runs for several weeks in winter, and exact dates and entry details are posted by the organizing group each year.
- Mackinaw fishing on Odell typically uses jigging, trolling, or live bait techniques in deep water.
When the Derby Runs and How to Enter
The Odell Lake Mackinaw Derby typically begins in late December or early January and runs through February, though the exact window varies. The organizing committee sets the dates each year based on ice conditions, weather, and lake access. Before you plan your trip, contact the Odell Lake Resort or check with the Deschutes National Forest office in Crescent to confirm the current year's start and end dates.
Entry into the derby is usually open to anyone with a valid Oregon fishing license. Most years, you register at one of the local resorts or tackle shops on or near the lake — Odell Lake Resort is the primary entry point. Registration fees are modest and go toward prizes and event administration. Some tournaments cap the number of participants, so registering early in the season is wise if you plan to fish.
What You Need to Fish Odell Lake
To fish Odell Lake legally, you must carry a current Oregon fishing license. You can purchase a license online through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website, at sporting goods stores, or at the resorts near the lake. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you are visiting for the derby only.
You will also need a Deschutes National Forest recreation pass if you park at a developed boat launch or day-use area. A day pass is inexpensive and can be purchased at the lake or online. If you are staying at a resort or private property, ask the owner whether the pass is included or required.
A boat is helpful but not required — Odell has shore access, though boats reach deeper water where mackinaw hold in winter. If you bring your own boat, make sure it is in good condition for cold-water operation. If you do not own a boat, several resorts on the lake rent boats by the day or half-day.
Mackinaw Fishing Techniques on Odell Lake
Mackinaw on Odell respond to three main methods: jigging, trolling, and live bait fishing. Jigging is the most popular winter technique — you drop a weighted jig (usually 1/2 ounce to 2 ounces) to the lake bottom in 60 to 150 feet of water, then work it with sharp upward strokes. Mackinaw often hit on the drop or during the pause between jigging motions. Use a sensitive rod so you feel the take.
Trolling works well if you have a boat. Troll small spoons or plugs at depths between 40 and 100 feet, moving slowly enough to feel the lure working. Mackinaw in winter are less aggressive than in summer, so speed matters — too fast and they ignore the lure.
Live bait fishing with small shiners or minnows also produces, especially if you anchor in deeper holes and let the bait sit. Use a slip sinker rig so the bait can move naturally. Check the current Oregon fishing regulations for any restrictions on live bait or specific tackle rules for Odell.
Understanding Derby Rules and Prize Structure
Derby rules vary slightly year to year, but most tournaments award prizes based on the heaviest single fish, the most fish caught, or a combination of both. Some derbies use a points system where each fish over a certain minimum weight earns points. Read the official rules when you register — they are posted at the resort or online by the organizing group.
Fish must be weighed at an official weigh station, usually located at Odell Lake Resort or a partner location. Weigh-ins typically happen once daily, often in the late afternoon. Bring your fish in a cooler or on ice to keep them fresh and legal for weighing. Some tournaments require fish to be caught and weighed on the same day; others allow fish caught on different days to be weighed together at the end of the week or tournament period.
Catch-and-release is not part of the derby — fish are kept and weighed. If you are uncomfortable keeping fish, ask the organizers whether a catch-and-release division exists, though most years the derby is harvest-based.
Preparing Fish from Odell Lake
Mackinaw from Odell are excellent eating — the cold, deep water produces firm, flavorful flesh. If you are keeping fish for the table rather than just the tournament, handle them carefully from the moment they leave the water. Kill the fish quickly with a sharp blow to the head, then place it on ice immediately.
Mackinaw can be filleted or cooked whole, depending on size. For a fillet, cut behind the gills and pectoral fins, then run the knife along the backbone toward the tail, keeping the blade angled slightly toward the spine to avoid wasting meat. Remove the pin bones with tweezers or a small pliers. The skin can be left on or removed depending on your preference.
Mackinaw's delicate, slightly sweet flesh works well with simple preparations — pan-searing with butter and lemon, baking with herbs, or poaching. The fat content is moderate, so the fish stays moist even with dry-heat cooking. If you catch several fish during the derby, consider smoking or freezing some for later use.
Getting to Odell Lake and Where to Stay
Odell Lake is about 30 miles southeast of Bend, Oregon. From Bend, take US Highway 97 south toward Klamath Falls, then turn east on Oregon State Route 58 toward Crescent. Follow signs to Odell Lake — the drive takes roughly 45 minutes from downtown Bend. The road is paved but can be snowy or icy in winter, so check road conditions before you leave and carry chains if you are unfamiliar with winter driving in the mountains.
Several resorts and lodges operate on Odell Lake year-round or seasonally. Odell Lake Resort is the largest and offers cabins, RV sites, boat rentals, and a restaurant. Smaller resorts and private rentals are also available. Book lodging well in advance if you are coming during the derby, as rooms fill quickly. If you prefer to camp, the Deschutes National Forest has campgrounds nearby, though many close or have limited services in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the Odell Lake Mackinaw Derby?
No, but a boat gives you access to deeper water where mackinaw hold in winter. Shore fishing is possible from developed access points, though you will be limited to shallower areas. If you do not own a boat, resorts on the lake rent them by the day or half-day.
What size mackinaw do I need to catch to win?
Prize thresholds depend on the year's tournament rules. Typically, mackinaw over 3 to 4 pounds are competitive, though larger fish (5 pounds and up) have a better chance. Check the official rules posted at registration to see the minimum weight and prize categories.
Can I fish Odell Lake outside the derby?
Yes, Odell Lake is open to general fishing year-round with a valid Oregon license. The derby is a competitive event, but the lake is public and open to all anglers. Winter is the best season for mackinaw, so many people fish outside the tournament as well.
What should I do if the lake is frozen or inaccessible?
Contact Odell Lake Resort or the Deschutes National Forest office in Crescent before you drive out. Severe weather or ice can close boat launches or make fishing unsafe. The organizing committee may postpone or cancel the derby if conditions are unsafe — check for updates on the official tournament page or by calling the resort.
Are there fish-cleaning services at the lake?
Some resorts offer fish-cleaning services for a small fee, or you can clean your own catch at designated cleaning stations. Ask when you register or arrive at the lake. If you are keeping fish for the table, bring a sharp fillet knife and a cutting board, or plan to use the resort's facilities.