Lake Umatilla, body of water
Lake Umatilla is a large reservoir formed along the Columbia River between Washington and Oregon, stretching approximately 110 miles with over 220 miles of shoreline. The water body features varying widths and depths, with rocky areas, shallow zones, and deep channels that follow the river's original course.
The reservoir was created in 1971 when the John Day Dam was constructed as part of a Columbia River hydroelectric project. The damming flooded previously dry terrain, farmland, and forests, transforming the landscape and establishing a new water management system for the region.
Multiple public boat launch ramps are located around the lake with easy access, parking, and docking facilities. Nearby campgrounds and lodging options accommodate overnight visitors, while local shops sell bait, tackle, and supplies for outdoor activities.
The water supports smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, catfish, salmon, steelhead, and sunfish across different depth zones of the original river channel. Anglers often use fish finders to locate schools of fish near submerged structures, rock piles, and ledges that create ideal fishing conditions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
