Corky Wray, with Rimrock Outfitters, nets a quality rainbow for Neil Hackbarth on the Deschutes River. (Photo by Gary Lewis)

If you're looking for Oregon's best trout fishing, you've come to the right place. Whether it's big browns or hatchery rainbows you seek, whether you prefer mountain cutthroats or high lakes brookies, we have you covered. We'll tell you what is happening around the state and what government agencies are doing to improve fish habitat and fishing.

What follows are recommendations for Oregon's best trout fishing in 2005. From coastal lakes and streams to the Oregon Outback, here are the best waters with extended seasons, and the best places to be when the sun comes up April 23, the traditional opener of Oregon's trout season.

WILLAMETTE
High in the Cascades, just off the Pacific Crest Trail near the headwaters of the Clackamas and Breitenbush rivers, you'll find Olallie Lake, legendary for trophy trout in the 8- to 10-pound class. Here, hatchery fish average 12 inches, but the big brood trout are what make the long drive worthwhile. In 2003, the biggest rainbow trout weighed 13 pounds.

Olallie's rainbows are taken on slow-trolled Thomas spoons, Rooster Tail spinners and Power Bait. Flyfishermen score with black leech patterns, callibaetis nymphs, caddis and chironomid patterns. Head to Olallie when the snow melts in the spring. Fishing will continue until the road closes, usually by the end of October.

Closer to Portland, try North Fork Reservoir on the Clackamas for great fishing for hatchery trout. This long, narrow, deep lake is stocked with rainbows throughout the season. Try the upper lake and near the resort. Three boat ramps make this lake convenient to boat anglers. Troll bait, spinners or minnow imitations for the best success. For bank anglers, there is plenty of access along the shore.

Hagg Lake, southwest of Hillsboro, provides one of the best early-season opportunities for Portland-area anglers. Best trout action will be from March through June. The bite will pick up again when waters cool in late September. Rainbow trout -- the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks 60,000 legal fish a year here -- average 10 inches, but can grow beyond 5 pounds in this food-rich water.

Mount Hood's Trillium Lake will produce fish from ice-out through October. Rainbows in this pretty lake average 12 inches. Trout that wintered over from last fall can weigh up to 2 pounds. Boat access is good, and trolling Rooster Tail spinners or small spoons can be very effective.

Other options: North Willamette district waters that receive stocks of hatchery fish are Benson Lake, Faraday Lake, Timber Lake, Haldeman Pond, Salmonberry Lake, and Silver Creek Reservoir. In the South Willamette district, Detroit Lake, Foster Reservoir, Dorena Reservoir, Fern Ridge Reservoir, E. E. Wilson Pond, Junction City Pond, Dexter Reservoir, and Cottage Grove Reservoir are good bets for catchable rainbows.

NORTHWEST
In Oregon's northwest corner you'll find your best trout fishing in lakes and reservoirs. Many waters are regularly planted with legal fish prior to the traditional April opener. Some lakes receive stocks of "trophy" trout that average 2 pounds, or steelhead averaging 8 pounds. Stream fishing for trout opens May 28. Check the regulations for specific waters.

Coffenbury Lake in Fort Stevens Park is regularly stocked with trout and surplus adult steelhead. Many anglers fish from boats, but a trail circles the lake, and docks provide good access. Cast Rooster Tail spinners, or fish Pautzke's single eggs beneath a float.

Devil's Lake should fish well through the early summer. Trout average 10 to 12 inches; holdovers can run to 18. Several boat ramps provide good access. If you fish Power Bait here, use a long leader to keep your bait out of the weeds.