Hart Lake, OR
Hart Lake: Located in south-central Oregon, specifically in Lake County. Hart Lake features a mix of open water, wetlands, marshes, and high-desert scrub, providing critical habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and native fish. It's surrounded by sagebrush plains with dramatic backdrops like Hart Mountain and the Warner Wetlands.
(Quick Overview):::
Fishing: Crappie, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and native species like tui chub.
Camping: Dispersed (primitive) camping is allowed on surrounding BLM land.
Hiking: Short interpretive trails are available near the Warner Wetlands Interpretive Site; more extensive hiking is possible on Hart Mountain.
Birdwatching: A hotspot for over 260 bird species, including pelicans, ibises, cranes, and raptors.
Wildlife Viewing: Look for pronghorn antelope, mule deer, coyotes, and more.
Size: Hart Lake covers approximately 7,324 acres
Location: It is situated in a remote area near the town of Plush, Oregon.
Fishing:
The lake is known for its excellent trout fishing, including rainbow trout and Crappie:
It's important to note that water levels in Hart Lake can fluctuate, impacting fish populations and fishing opportunities. Therefore, it's advisable to check current conditions before planning a fishing trip. Bureau of Land Management
Crappie: Are also among the most popular fish species targeted by anglers. These fish can grow up to 14 inches in length and are commonly caught from the bank using jigs or bait, such as worms . Warmer months are the most productive.
Smallmouth Bass: An introduced species, does offer a different fishing experience.
Bullhead Catfish: Commonly found in the lake, providing additional angling opportunities.
Tui Chub: A native species present in the lake.
Warner Sucker: A native and threatened species; anglers are encouraged to release them if caught.
Camping: There are primitive camping opportunities available near Hart Lake, offering a chance to enjoy the serene surroundings. While there are no developed campgrounds directly adjacent to Hart Lake, dispersed camping is allowed on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands surrounding the lake.
Hiking: Yes, there are hiking opportunities near Hart Lake in Lake County, Oregon, particularly within the Warner Wetlands area. The Warner Wetlands Interpretive Site, located at the north end of Hart Lake, offers hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the unique wetland ecosystem. These trails provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially bird watching, as the wetlands are home to a diverse range of bird species. Additionally, the area features public restrooms and sheltered picnic tables, making it a convenient spot for day hikes.
For those seeking more extensive hiking experiences, the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, situated to the east of Hart Lake, offers a variety of trails. This refuge encompasses a vast high-desert landscape with opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and enjoying panoramic views of the Warner Valley. Trails in this area vary in difficulty and length, catering to both casual hikers and those looking for more challenging treks
Please note that while these areas offer hiking opportunities, trail conditions can vary, and it's advisable to check with local land management agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, for current trail information and any access restrictions before planning your hike.
Birdwatching:
Hart Lake in southeastern Oregon is a premier destination for birdwatching, offering a diverse array of habitats that attract numerous bird species throughout the year. The lake and its surrounding wetlands serve as critical breeding grounds and migratory stopovers for many birds. Wikipedia
Notable Bird Species Birdwatchers at Hart Lake can expect to observe a variety of species, including:
Waterfowl and Shorebirds: American white pelicans, sandhill cranes, double-crested cormorants, willets, Wilson's phalaropes, gadwalls, northern shovelers, American coots, western grebes, Clark's grebes, black-crowned night herons, Canada geese, mallards, and various ducks and terns. USGS
Wading Birds: White-faced ibis, great white egrets, great blue herons, and American avocets frequent the marshes and lake shores.
Raptors: Golden eagles, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, prairie falcons, and northern harriers are commonly observed in the area.
Songbirds and Others: Yellow warblers, dusky flycatchers, orange-crowned warblers, house wrens, spotted towhees, and western meadowlarks are prevalent in the meadows and marshes during the summer months.
Best Viewing Locations For optimal birdwatching experiences, consider visiting the Warner Wetlands Interpretive Site, located just north of Hart Lake. This site features bird observation blinds maintained by the Bureau of Land Management, providing excellent vantage points for observing various bird species.
Optimal Times for Birdwatching Spring and fall are particularly rewarding seasons for birdwatching at Hart Lake, as many species use the area as a stopover during their migrations. During these times, the diversity and abundance of birds are at their peak.
For up-to-date information on recent bird sightings and to contribute your observations, you can refer to the eBird hotspot for Hart Lake.
Boating and Facilities Boating is permitted on Hart Lake, with access facilitated by the public boat launch.
Camping and Hiking While there are no developed campgrounds directly adjacent to Hart Lake, dispersed camping is allowed on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands surrounding the lake.